Auto salvage is the practice of removing and reusing automotive parts from inoperable vehicles, then carefully disposing of the portions of the car that cannot be salvaged. This is used in auto salvage yards, also called auto recyclers. Auto salvage prevents the waste of functional parts and materials, and promotes environmental conservation by reusing vehicle components instead of disposing of them in a landfill.

Automobile manufacturing is the leading industry in the world. As such, it is also the one to produce the most waste. This waste places a large burden on landfills and, by extension, the environment. The auto salvage industry attempts to mitigate this problem by reusing any parts of the car that are still useful. As much as 76% of an average car's parts can be salvaged -- other than any other mass-produced complex item.

Environmentally sound auto salvage normally has three phases. The initial stage, called pre-treatment, consists of preparing the vehicle for disassembly. This involves draining it of all fluids, such as oil, coolant, and fuel, to avoid them from leaking out while the vehicle is on the salvage yard and seeping into the groundwater. The gas tank, battery, and tires are also detached.

The fluids are reused in another vehicle, sold, or transported from the auto salvage yard to a recycling ability. The battery is also re-sold or recycled. Gas tanks, once drained, can be used as scrap metal. Tires can be reused in a variety of ways -- they can be re-treaded, used as ground rubber, or burned for energy at certified facilities.