Thinking Green: Recycling Your Old Car
In today's world, being environmentally conscious is more important than ever. We’re all aware of what we consume and the impact of our waste. But when it comes to disposing of an old junk car, how can you ensure you're doing right by the planet? The good news is recycling an old car is not only possible but highly effective. In fact, about 90% of a vehicle’s parts and components can be recycled or repurposed. In the US and Canada alone, over 4 million vehicles are recycled annually. Car manufacturers are also focusing on creating more sustainable vehicles with recyclable materials. And Scrap App is here to make recycling your car even easier by facilitating the process with scrap yards.
How Does Car Recycling Work?
The process of recycling a car depends on its condition. A salvage yard or recycling facility will assess the vehicle to determine which parts can be reused or resold. The remaining components are then either scrapped or melted down. Let’s break down what happens to some common car parts:
Oil
Engine oil shouldn’t be dumped carelessly, as it can be harmful to the environment. Instead, old engine oil can be extracted, cleaned, and reprocessed for reuse, reducing its environmental impact.
Batteries
Car batteries are highly recyclable, with about 99% of their components being repurposed. The battery is removed and sent to a processing plant where it’s crushed and separated into lead, silver, and plastic. These materials are then recycled to produce new batteries.
Tires
Tires are durable and rubber isn’t biodegradable, so discarded tires can linger in the environment for a long time. Burning tires also leads to air pollution. Instead, tires are often repurposed into rubber chippings, sports tracks, or rubberized asphalt. They can also be creatively used in various DIY projects, such as making shoe soles, home décor, swings, or planters.
Starters and Alternators
Starters and alternators are costly to replace, but they can sometimes be removed and reconditioned. If not, they are dismantled, and the metal components are recycled.
Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters are among the most valuable parts of a car due to the precious metals they contain, such as rhodium, palladium, and platinum. Once removed, these metals are separated and can be resold or even repurposed into items like jewelry.
Glass
Recycling car windows and windshields was once challenging due to their laminated plastic coating. However, new technologies now pulverize the glass and separate the plastic, allowing the glass to be transformed back into new glass or mixed into other materials like fiberglass.
Scrap Metal
A significant portion of a car is made from steel (about two-thirds), which is fully recyclable. Additionally, aluminum parts can also be recycled. The metals from engine parts and other components are separated and melted down for reuse.
When it’s time to retire your car, rest assured that recycling it is a responsible choice. Not only does it benefit the environment, but it can also earn you some extra cash. Scrap App is here to assist with both aspects. We purchase old cars and ensure they are either resold or recycled efficiently.
With our extensive experience in the scrap industry and our network of scrap yards around the country, Scrap App is committed to ensuring your old car is repurposed in new and meaningful ways.
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