a hand touching a wiper blade on a windshield

What to do with your old windshield wipers when you replace them

Should I throw out or recycle my old windshield wiper blades? 

Windshield wipers are a common car replacement, and you may be wondering what to do with your old ones. Below, we’ll talk about your options. If you have your wipers replaced at Matt Castrucci Kia, we’ll handle disposing of your old wipers here in Dayton, OH. Make an appointment online today. 



Can you throw out old windshield wipers? 

Windshield wipers are not considered hazardous waste, so you can put them in the trash. We understand that this can feel like a waste, but windshield wipers are, for the most part, not recyclable. Taking good care of your wiper blades by parking in the shade and driving in good weather can help extend their lifespan. 

Can I recycle all or part of my windshield wipers? 

Don’t put your entire wiper blade into the recycling bin, as the rubber portion of the blade is not recyclable. The metal portion of your blade might be recyclable if you’re willing to detach the rubber part, a fairly easy task. However, the best way to recycle these is to take the metal to your local recycling plant, as they can use it as scrap metal. 



Are rubber or silicone wiper blades more environmentally friendly? 

Go with silicone if you’re looking for a more natural material. Rubber is made partly from petroleum, which is tough on the environment. Silicone blades can last longer, which is also a major plus for the environment. If you’re willing to order wiper blades online, you can even find eco-friendly blades that are completely recyclable. 

Other ways to repurpose windshield wiper blades in your home 

Wiper blades are not the most versatile of objects, but they can make a pretty good squeegee in the house, even if they aren’t up to your standards for your vehicle. You can also make them into dusters by attaching cloths to them. Finally, get creative and use them in your art projects as paintbrushes, sculpture parts, and more.