About 95% of end-of-life vehicles in the U.S are recycled. That’s an impressive amount considering that aluminum cans, glass, or newspapers do not have such a high percentage. Automobiles are the most recycled consumable product in the world today. Around the world, 27 million cars reach their end-of-life and are sent for recycling each year. That’s a lot of vehicles being recycled. And why auto recycling has become a worthwhile and exciting industry around the world.
When it comes to car recycling, high-value components are removed to be reused, and the metal is flattened to be recycled. Once components are removed, all hazardous materials must be drained. Fluids, such as gasoline, oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washing solution have to be safely dealt with so that chemicals do not leak into the environment. Some of the more profitable parts and components include:
- – Wheels and tires
- – Batteries
- – Catalytic converters
- – Air-conditioner Evaporators
- – Heater cores
- – GPS systems
- – Bumpers and fenders
- – Doors
- – Air bags
Once the car is crushed, it is broken down into cubes for transport. The cubes are then put into an industrial shredder to further break the metal into pieces. Glass, plastic, and rubber is separated out and sent for recycling, and the metal is sold to steel mills. In the US and Canada, enough recycled steel is provided to produce 13 million new automobiles.
In addition to the large amount of steel used in making a vehicle, plastic is a prevalent material in car manufacturing. Car manufacturers have been turning to plastic parts more and more to make vehicles lighter and more efficient. This is normally of no value to a junk yard; however, plastic auto components are recyclable and will eventually be a large business category in itself.
Recycling an old junk car is easy when you work with a good company. Bellinger & Son will take care of everything making the process quick and easy. If you have a junk car that’s taking up space in your garage or yard, it’s not only in the way, it’s degrading and causing environmental hazards. Contact us and turn your junk car into cash.
