How do you dispose of old airbags?

Although recycling of airbags is legal, it isn’t free. Generally you will have to locate a recycler in your area or one that will take shipments. There is typically a per-unit fee that has to be paid. In some cases, you may be able to drop your airbag off with a dealership or a salvage yard locally.

How do you dispose of a non deployed airbag?

Airbags and other restraint devices that have not been deployed cannot be disposed of in the trash. Trash disposed airbags can be cited as illegal disposal of a reactive hazardous waste.

Are vehicle airbags considered a hazardous waste?

What is airbag waste and how does EPA regulate it under RCRA? Undeployed airbag inflators and airbag modules are generally reactive (D003) and/or ignitable (D001) due to the propellant contained in the inflator, and therefore hazardous wastes under the RCRA when discarded.

How do you get rid of deployed airbags?

First you have to deactivate the system . Disconnect the battery and wait a couple of minutes. The remainder of the deployed air bag is clipped on the backing of the steering wheel and can in most cases be removed without removing the steering wheel. Usually from behind with four clip retainers or regular fasteners.

How do you store airbags?

Store live modules in a cool, dry, secure area away from all corrosives, oxidizers, ignition sources, or high heat sources. Curtain type airbags should be stored lying as flat as possible and unfolded. Always store airbag modules with the cover facing up not down.

What is a major concern with airbags?

An airbag can seriously injure or even kill an unbuckled child who is sitting too close to it or is thrown toward the dash during emergency braking.

Can you replace airbags yourself?

For those of you who want to replace airbag units on your own, you’ll be happy to hear there are no restrictions on this kind of work. You don’t need to go to any sort of authorized dealer or mechanic to fo this work, except when the work butts up against your car’s warranty.

Is driving without airbags illegal?

Is driving without airbags illegal? While there are no laws that specifically state that it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle that doesn’t have airbags, there are specific federal laws that say that it is not allowed to remove or modify the airbags in a motor vehicle.

What precautions should be taken before removing an airbag?

Always sit upright – don’t lean against the door. Don’t attach anything to the center of the steering wheel, or to any other surface covering an air bag. Don’t use seat covers that cover the side air bag on either front seat. If an air bag cover is cracked or damaged, have it replaced.

What explosives are used in airbags?

Sodium azide is best known as the chemical found in automobile airbags. An electrical charge triggered by automobile impact causes sodium azide to explode and convert to nitrogen gas inside the airbag. Sodium azide is used as a chemical preservative in hospitals and laboratories.

Are 2 airbags enough?

“From 1987 to 2015, frontal airbags saved 44,869 lives. That’s enough people to fill a major league ballpark.” Thanks to their proven efficacy, dual front airbags have been mandated on all vehicles sold in the US since 1995. However, side airbags are still optional, not standard.

Why are undeployed airbags considered hazardous waste?

Undeployed airbag inflators and airbag modules are generally reactive (D003) and/or ignitable (D001) due to the propellant contained in the inflator, and therefore hazardous wastes under the RCRA when discarded. Deployment of the airbag module consumes the propellant and removes the reactivity and ignitability characteristics.

What is the proper way to dispose of airbags?

Government regulations and the requirements are in place for governing the handling and disposal of deployed or un-deployed airbag modules for proper disposal or recycling of Airbags. A Class 9 waste stream with a DOT/EPA exemption….. 6)Safety devices removed from a vehicle.

What to do with an undeployed airbag?

This is because an undeployed airbag contains many hazardous materials that make it unsuitable for regular disposal or handling. The following are a few of the options available if you find yourself trying to dispose of an old airbag. Recycling

Where can I find exemption for airbag waste?

The airbag waste exemption found at 40 CFR section 261.4 (j) provides a conditional exemption from hazardous waste requirements for the generation and accumulation of airbag waste at the airbag waste handler location and during transport to an airbag waste collection facility or designated facility, if certain conditions are met.