Guide
Airbag disposal – hazardous waste when scrapping cars
Airbag disposal matters: airbags and seat-belt pretensioners that haven't been made safe count as hazardous waste when scrapping a car. Here we cover the waste code, what the rules require and how to handle and document the pyrotechnic components correctly.
Are airbags hazardous waste?
Yes, until they're made safe. Pyrotechnic components – airbags and seat-belt pretensioners – that haven't been deployed are classified as hazardous waste and must be handled as a separate risk category.
Which waste code applies?
Undeployed pyrotechnic components fall under waste code 16 01 10* (explosive parts such as airbags). The asterisk marks it as hazardous waste.
Do you have to document the handling?
Yes. You need to be able to show that the pyrotechnic components have been handled and made safe – a basis for internal control and inspection. BlastBox saves the documentation automatically.
Do they stop being hazardous waste once deployed?
Once an airbag or pretensioner is deployed in a controlled way it no longer contains an active explosive charge, and the risk is handled. The remaining material can then go into the normal recycling flow.
How do you handle them safely until then?
Store and handle undeployed components carefully and deploy them in a controlled way with the right tool. BlastBox deploys airbags and pretensioners safely, in the car or removed.
Handle hazardous waste correctly with BlastBox
BlastBox makes airbags and seat-belt pretensioners safe and documents the work – so handling is safe and traceable.