NOTE: The information contained below and on this page is available for general reference purposes only, and it is subject to change. The information should not be considered definitive compliance guidance. Please check with Your State Agency for the most current regulations in effect in your area.

This article focuses on the proper handling and disposal of airbag components and seatbelt pre-tensioner assemblies, both deployed and un-deployed, that have either been removed from vehicles in a service or collision repair operation, or a part that has reached its end of shelf life.

Answer: "Yes"
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has deferred the responsibility to each individual state of determining if airbags, whether they are deployed or un-deployed, represent hazardous waste. Repair shops should stay informed of state and/or local regulations that may affect them. In the absence of such policies, all airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners should be considered hazardous material (HazMat) for purposes of shipping and hazardous waste for purposes of disposal.

CCAR-GreenLink®, the National Environmental Compliance Assistance Center for Auto Repair and a service of the Coordinating Committee For Automotive Repair (CCAR®), surveyed environmental regulatory agencies in all fifty states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, to determine their policies in place regarding airbags and related issues. The survey found that a large majority of states regard un-deployed airbags as hazardous waste because the inflating device contains reactive and explosive material.

Follow this link to see if your state considers un-deployed airbags as Hazardous Waste

Answer: "Yes"
Most states consider a deployed airbag to be non-hazardous waste, but some regulations at the state level now define the pre-disposal deployment of airbag and pre-tensioner assemblies as "treatment" of a hazardous waste.

Answer: "Sometimes" The CCAR-GreenLink® survey found the states with differing views on the issue. As a result, the manual deployment of airbag components for disposal purposes may not be a "best practice" in some states, and other methods of disposal must be considered.

Even in those states where deployment is acceptable treatment to render the component "non-hazardous," special training, certification or licensing may be required. Auto repair facilities should carefully review local and state regulations, train personnel to follow consistent and compliant practices and, where appropriate, consider contracting with a licensed hazardous waste transporter, disposal facility or recycler to manage un-deployed airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioner disposal. Requirements for HazMat treatment licenses and permits vary from state to state. Always check with Your State Agency for stipulated regulations.

In making the decision of what to do with un-deployed airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioner assemblies, you need to determine:

1. does your state considers un-deployed airbags to be hazardous waste (most states do),
2. whether deploying the unit constitutes "acceptable treatment" of the hazard, rendering the component "non-hazardous" (most states do), and
3. whether your state considers airbag deployment a HazMat treatment practice that requires a permit (many states do).

Auto repair facilities should also recognize that un-deployed airbags and pre-tensioners are considered HazMat for purposes of shipping and handling, and that HazMat-specific training – under regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) – is required for certain shipping and handling personnel.

Here are two important points to keep in mind in determining how to dispose of your un-deployed airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioner assemblies:

1. Never discard un-deployed airbags in the trash. Most states consider un-deployed airbag assemblies to be hazardous waste, and these components are considered an extreme hazard by solid waste transporters and landfills.
2. Use the services of reputable, licensed haulers for pick up and proper disposal.

This question has another short answer: "Sometimes."

While forty-four states, plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, currently consider a deployed airbag not to be a hazardous waste, and five states (Florida, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Washington) deem deployed airbags not to be hazardous waste only if they are recycled, two states (Virginia and Texas) consider deployed airbags to be a hazardous waste. In Nevada, they may be hazardous waste depending upon the amount of metals it contains. Since all of these regulations are subject to change, it is in a business’s best interests to stay up-to-date on the laws governing these issues.

Everything can be recycled, including airbags. The make-up of airbag modules includes aluminum, stainless steel or mild steel, nylon and plastic.

Some airbag manufacturers have recycling facilities. Autoliv, an airbag manufacturer, has a recycling facility in Promontory, Utah, where the company cites the ability to recycle 98% of the materials in individual units. Autoliv will process airbags of any manufacture; there is a fee for this service.

Generally speaking, there is a cost for choosing to recycle airbags. There are also costs associated with other means of un-deployed airbag disposal; however, if your facility is not in a position to deploy an airbag and dispose of it as non-hazardous waste, these are your only other options.

In the absence of national standards governing the handling and disposal of deployed or un-deployed airbag modules and seatbelt pre-tensioner assemblies, automotive service and repair facilities need to stay informed of state and local rules. Check to see if your state considers Airbags Hazardous Waste