So I was replacing the center console in my 1999 Polo. The old was cracked in several places and broke easily without even being forced.

You can see its remnants on the floor there:

  

My question might be a bit odd, but I think of it every time I replace a working part in the car, especially a decorative one: what it is made of, and can it be recycled? I know it's not the 90's but maybe it's even made of consumer-grade package-plastic? What do you think?

Plastic recycling is a lot more restrictive than (at least in the UK) its made out to be. Half the battle is separating different plastics out from the same piece so even before you consider whether the type of plastic is economically recyclable if it isn't homogeneous then its unlikely to be recycled.

 

The best thing I would do if you really want to recycle as much of it as possible is to separate out the component materials yourself and present them pre-sorted to a recycling centre. Let the guys who get paid for it figure it out!

 

Appreciate the reply! I'm not in the UK though... It's all done automatic here

Edited 2 December, 20205 yr by PIXIP

Plastic parts normally have a marking on the inside to identify what sort of plastic they are.