Man Throws An Engine Block In The Trash. Then He Learns Something Shocking: 'I Don't Know About That'

'Can you do that?'

Man Throws An Engine Block In The Trash

Photo by: Unsplash.com

Mustafa Gatollari

By: Mustafa Gatollari

Mar 7, at 8:00am ET

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A man who simply tossed an engine block in a garbage can for city workers to deal with is going viral. The Facebook account for automotive channel ROY Garage uploaded their incredulous response to the man’s actions, which left throngs of commenters scratching their heads.

The widely shared video begins with a recording of an entire engine block inside a plastic trash bin. The man who threw it away says, “Trash truck tomorrow’s gonna have a real good surprise,” before slamming the lid of the can shut.

Following this, the clip cuts to the ROY Garage poster, shooting a bewildered look into the lens. “Can you do that? Is that like a—I don’t know about that. Let me know in the comments below. Geez,” he says before the video comes to a close.

Folks who replied to the video had varying responses to the Facebook user’s post. One person wondered why someone would just throw the engine block out and not make some money off it.

“That’s a free lunch for 2 if you just take it to a metal scrapyard?” Another simply quipped, "If it fits it ships.”

Someone else stated that they would gladly come and haul away any unwanted engine blocks.

“Brother where is your address you stack up a bunch of them motors for me I’ll come get them for you for free,” they wrote.

Another person lamented the fate of any sanitation employee who was forced to haul away the heavy block.

“Tip, make sure you’re not the first pick up on the route,” they said.

However, there was someone else who shared a personal anecdote that suggested folks can indeed get away with tossing out heavy items in the trash.

“I loaded a brick wall that I knocked down into a city trash can week by week until it was gone,” they revealed.

Can You Throw Engine Blocks Out In The Trash?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has compiled a list of what it considers standardized materials accepted by different municipalities when it comes to waste management. While various electronics, batteries, and hazardous/flammable wastes are mentioned, engine blocks are not. What is referenced in EPA documentation, however, are metals. Technically, some might consider that since engine blocks are primarily manufactured out of cast iron and/or aluminum, they fall into what’s considered viable for local trash and recycling programs.

However, the EPA also mentions that state and county laws will often dictate proper protocols for how to dispose of items like large engine blocks. These Federal guidelines, which as of this writing were last updated on July 31st, 2025, urge folks to “check with … local recycling or composting program[s] to confirm materials are accepted by the community curbside and drop-off programs.”

Why Tossing Out An Engine Block Like A Carton Of Milk Is A Bad Idea

Moreover, the EPA also mentions that specific types of waste need to be disposed of with care, such as motor oil. This local Fox News affiliate warns people that “illegally dumping motor oil could land you behind bars.”

So, if the engine block shown in ROY Garage’s video wasn’t properly drained of its oil, then that could be problematic, depending on what the man’s local ordinances regarding motor oil are. And while there are plenty of resources online that demonstrate how to dispose of used motor oil, the easiest way of getting rid of an engine block can vary depending on the region you’re in.

One Redditor on the site’s r/MechanicAdvice sub also wondered about the best place to “dump an old engine.” Several folks on the website recommended that they take the engine block to a local metal scrapyard to get some cash for it. Others stated that they should put out a Craigslist/Marketplace ad, offering any other recyclers the ability to make some money off of their parts.

This Chevrolet dealership penned a detailed blog highlighting what not to do with old car parts. According to the business, simply throwing them away is not an option for several reasons. As others online have mentioned, the dealer pointed out that many components could have hazardous fluids still trapped in them, making regular trash disposal not an option. Furthermore, the car seller mentioned that folks could face “hefty fines” for not abiding by local laws regarding the disposal of car parts. Instead, the company recommends that folks try independently selling old car parts, bringing them to junkyards, or finding local recycling centers that’ll take them off their hands.

Check Your Municipality

Different areas of the country have distinct laws for recycling car parts. For instance, Minnesota has Administrative Rules for “abandoned motor vehicles and scrap metal.” Residents of the North Star State are encouraged to recycle their old car parts in ways that are consistent with environmental laws. I.e., they can’t just be tossed aside like household trash.

What do you think?

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NYC.gov’s website also lists car batteries and other automotive parts to be recycled or thrown away via local collection initiatives. If you have a large piece of solid waste, like an engine block, you should refer to your area’s regional sanitation office for the best way to dispose of it.

Motor1 has reached out to ROY Garage via Facebook direct message for further comment. We will update this story if they respond.

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