is it ok to throw out used brake pads and rotors in my trashcan?”
Brake pads and shoes that contain asbestos: Some older vehicle brake pads and brake shoes are made with material containing asbestos. The dust that accumulates in the brake area contains very small asbestos particles, a substance which is known to cause cancer. When repairing brakes that contain asbestos, you should be very careful to keep asbestos-containing brake dust out of the atmosphere. When you remove the brake pad or shoe from the brake, vacuum the brake dust. Do not blow it off with an air hose. Have a vacuum and disposable bag that you use only for brake dust, so that when the bag is full you can seal it for disposal. Since small asbestos particles may escape, it is a good idea to wear a breathing mask approved for filterable particulate material. When brakes are bled, try to catch all the brake fluid. See the guide sheet on Brake Fluid for information on how to manage the waste fluid. If possible, avoid using chlorinated solvents for cleaning brakes since it can contaminate
