Recycle Your Old Car

There are two programs that offer money for polluting cars: a local program, and a state program.

Bay Area Air Quality Management District's Vehicle Buy Back Program

If your car is currently registered and was made in 1985 or earlier, you may be able to participate in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's Vehicle Buy Back Program and earn $650 for recycling your old car.

You must be able to drive your car into a vehicle dismantler that is on the Air District's dismantler list.

For more Vehicle Buy Back Program information and a full list of requirements, go to Vehicle Buy Back Program or call (888) 690-2274.

There are many programs in the County that will accept cars as donations for nonprofits. We maintain a current list: Where to Recycle or Donate your Old Car.

If you want to keep your car running, but cause less pollution and make it last longer, here are some Car Tips:

  • Keep your car tuned up. Your car will last longer and pollute less.

  • Keep your tires properly inflated. This will help your tires to last longer too, reducing our tire piles- one of the states most difficult waste material.

  • Carpool to work or take public transportation, bike or walk. Using your car less makes it last longer!

  • When you purchase your next car- choose one with high miles per gallon. Not only will it save you money and pollute less, it saves on the pollution that is created at gas stations and bulk centers (where gas trucks fill up).

  • On Spare the Air days, do even more!

  • And if you see a smoking vehicle, you can help us all breathe better by calling 1-800-EXHAUST or visiting the Bay Area Air Quality Management District website.


California Consumer Assistance Program: Vehicle Retirement

If your car fails a Smog Check, and the vehicle meets other additional requirements, you may qualify for $1,000.00 under the state's Consumer Assistance Program: Vehicle Retirement. Visit www.smogcheck.ca.gov and search for Vehicle Retirement or call the state Department of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-952-5210 to get a detailed application.