Every year millions of worn-out car mats and interior accessories end up as waste. Most are made from synthetic materials that take decades to break down and, if handled wrongly, release toxins into soil, water or air. Responsible disposal isn’t complicated – and it prevents unnecessary harm to the environment while often saving you money on replacements.
Why proper disposal of car mats matters
Old car mats and accessories are usually made from rubber, PVC or textile composites. These materials don’t break down quickly and can cause long-term problems if handled incorrectly.
Environmental impact of rubber and plastic waste
Rubber and PVC can take decades to decompose. When sent to landfill they slowly release harmful substances into soil and groundwater. Crucially, if incinerated incorrectly (a common practice in some areas), these materials release toxic fumes and dioxins that affect both human health and the atmosphere.
Landfill challenges and microplastic pollution
Every year millions of car mats end up in landfills, contributing to microplastic pollution that enters rivers, oceans and the food chain.
Benefits of recycling automotive materials
Recycling one set of rubber mats saves energy equivalent to several litres of petrol and prevents raw material extraction. Reused polymers reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80 % compared to producing new ones.
How to recycle old car mats
Recycling is usually the cleanest solution for rubber and EVA-based mats.
Where to find local recycling centres
Most larger towns have dedicated rubber or plastic collection points. Use your local council website or apps such as Recycle Now (UK), RecycleNation or the European Recycling Platform to locate the nearest drop-off. Also check with local scrap yards or tyre disposal services, as they frequently handle rubber composite materials.
Materials accepted for recycling
Pure EVA and clean PVC are usually widely accepted as single-polymer plastics. Traditional heavy rubber mats (SBR/TPE) are often only accepted by specialist rubber recyclers, while textile-backed mats are sometimes rejected – remove the carpet layer first if possible.
How to prepare mats before recycling
Clean off heavy dirt, fold or roll the mats and remove metal clips or hooks. Clean mats are processed faster and more efficiently.
Auto shops and municipal take-back schemes
Many garages and tyre centres now offer take-back schemes when you buy new mats. Some municipalities run seasonal bulky-waste collections that include automotive rubber.
Give them a second life: Reuse and donation options
If the mats are still in decent condition, give them a second life instead of recycling straight away.
Upcycling ideas for home and garage
Cut old mats into boot liners, tool-box drawer liners, kneeling pads for gardening or anti-slip surfaces under washing machines.
Donating usable mats to shelters or community centres
Animal rescues and dog kennels often welcome clean rubber mats as bedding or flooring.
Selling or giving away mats for reuse
Local Facebook groups, Gumtree or Nextdoor are perfect places to pass on usable sets for free or a small fee.
How to dispose of other car accessories
Most interior items follow similar rules to floor mats.
Seat covers
Textile covers go to clothing banks; leatherette or PVC versions to plastic recycling.
Steering wheel covers
Usually PVC or silicone – clean and drop at plastic/rubber points.
Trunk liners
Large rubber or plastic liners are accepted at most bulky-waste facilities.
Sunshades and interior organisers
Cardboard-based sunshades can be recycled with paper; plastic versions go to mixed plastics.
Rubber and plastic accessories
Boot organisers, pedal covers and door sill protectors are all recyclable as mixed rubber/plastic.
Safety considerations when replacing old mats
Never keep driving on damaged mats – they become a genuine hazard.
Why worn-out mats can be dangerous
Thin heel areas lose grip and can curl up under pedals.
Risks of slipping and pedal interference
A folded or shifted mat can prevent full brake application in an emergency.
What to check before installing new mats
Ensure factory clips are present and undamaged, and test that the new mat sits flat with no overlap on pedals.
Choosing eco-friendly replacements
When buying new mats, look for options that last longer and close the loop.
Recycled rubber options
Some brands now use 50–80 % recycled content in traditional rubber mats.
EVA auto mats as a long-lasting, climate-neutral alternative
Car mats made from EVA material stand out as one of the most sustainable choices available. They are produced using climate-neutral manufacturing powered by renewable energy (wind, water and sun), contain at least 23 % recycled polymers, and are shipped in 100 % recycled packaging. Thanks to exceptional durability – many owners report perfect condition even after several years – they rarely need replacing, dramatically reducing waste over a vehicle’s lifetime. Learn more about what EVA material actually is and see real-world examples of EVA car mats after 6 months and 1 year of daily use.
Prime EVA takes the circle even further with a unique REUSE programme: return your old EVA car mats and receive 20 % off your next set. The returned mats are fully disassembled and recycled into brand-new ones in a true closed-loop process that saves energy and eliminates landfill waste.
Low-waste or biodegradable materials
Emerging options include natural rubber compounds and plant-based composites, though availability is still limited.
Frequently asked questions
Can old car mats be put in household trash?
Only as a last resort and only if your local authority explicitly allows bulky rubber items. Most regions prohibit it.
Are EVA car mats recyclable?
Yes – EVA is a clean, single-polymer material that is welcomed by specialist recyclers and, in the case of Prime EVA, is reused directly in new mats through the REUSE programme.
What should I do if my recycling centre doesn’t accept car mats?
Contact local tyre centres, garages or use online platforms that collect rubber for industrial reuse.
Can rubber mats be reused in other ways?
Absolutely – garage flooring, pet areas, workshop surfaces or even children’s play mats (if thoroughly cleaned).
Do auto shops take old mats when you buy new ones?
Many do, and Prime EVA offers an official trade-in programme that gives you 20 % off new mats when you return the old ones for closed-loop recycling.
Conclusion
Getting rid of old car mats and accessories doesn’t have to mean adding to landfill or releasing toxins. A quick clean, a short trip to a recycling point or a simple upcycling project keeps synthetic materials out of the environment – and often saves you money on the next purchase. By choosing durable, climate-neutral EVA car mats with a proven take-back scheme, you can reduce your environmental footprint even further and enjoy a cleaner, longer-lasting interior for years to come. Small, conscious choices like these make a real difference.
