The Recycling Process of vehicles

Vehicle recycling means taking apart old cars to get spare parts. When cars are no longer useful, we can still use some of their parts, so there’s a whole industry for this. People call the places where they do this different names like wrecking yards or auto dismantling yards. Recently, they’ve been calling it auto or vehicle recycling. This has been happening for a while, but now even car manufacturers are getting into it. They use machines called car crushers to make old cars smaller and easier to take to factories where they can be turned into new steel.

The auto recycling industry holds a significant position in the United States, ranking as the 16th largest sector and making a substantial annual contribution of $25 billion to the national GDP. Remarkably, nearly 95% of retired vehicles from American roadways undergo recycling, presenting a tremendous opportunity given that approximately 12 million vehicles reach the end of their operational lives each year.

When it comes to salvaging vehicle components, the recycling process is remarkably efficient, boasting a recycling rate exceeding 90% for a typical automobile.

Key components of a car that are extensively recycled encompass tires, windshield glass, batteries, steel, iron, wheels, radiators, transmissions, rubber hoses, carpets, car seats, belts, oil filters, and mats.

In the United States, approximately 220 million used tires are generated annually, with an impressive 80% recycling rate. Recycled tires often find their second life in pavement bases, contributing to the construction of new roadways. Recycled glass extracted from automobiles serves as raw material for an array of products, including tile flooring, glass beads, porcelain, countertops, and even jewelry.

A noteworthy ecological benefit emerges when recycling glass, as a ton of recycled glass can spare approximately 10 gallons of oil that would otherwise be utilized in manufacturing new glass. Auto batteries follow a similar path of recycling, with their components utilised in crafting new batteries. The steel and iron derived from discarded vehicles play a pivotal role in the creation of various products across different industries, ensuring that the materials are given a second chance to serve.

This thriving auto recycling industry not only contributes significantly to the economy but also actively participates in sustainable practices, minimising waste, conserving resources, and reducing environmental impacts.

What is the Average Number of Vehicles Recycled Each Year?

Recycling vehicles is a huge industry. Each year, an average of millions of vehicles are recycled globally and specially in the USA. This massive count indicates the importance of recycling cars in reducing the environmental footprint of the automotive industry.

1. Each year, more than 14 million tons of recycled steel come from scrapped vehicles. On average, about 25% of a car’s body is made from recycled steel.
2. Globally, around 27 million cars that have reached the end of their useful life are recycled every year.
3. In total, over 25 million tons of materials are recycled from old vehicles annually.
4. The automobile recycling industry in the United States and Canada alone provides enough steel each year to make approximately 13 million new vehicles.
5. Annually, the North American automotive recycling industry saves approximately 85 million barrels of oil.
6. The international automotive recycling industry has been around for approximately 75 years.
7. Most auto recyclers are small businesses, with over 75% of all automotive recycling companies employing about 10 people.

How Is It Done?

Step 1: Remove Engine Fluids

The vehicle recycling process involves the extraction of engine fluids. This encompasses the removal of substances like oil, coolant, and various other fluids available within the vehicle. It’s really important to get rid of these fluids properly to make sure they don’t harm the environment.

Step 2: Remove Usable Parts

Next, usable parts from the car are carefully removed. These parts, like engines, transmissions, and electronics, can be refurbished and reused. Recycling extends beyond metals; it also involves preserving functional components.

Step 3: Shred the Vehicle Frame

Next, after we’ve taken out the parts we can use, we shred the vehicle’s frame into smaller pieces. This step breaks the vehicle down to its basic materials, which makes it simpler to work with and process.

Step 4: Mix Metals Together

After shredding, we sort the shredded materials into two categories: ferrous metals (which contain iron) and non-ferrous metals (which don’t have iron). These metals are then melted down and purified, getting them ready to be used again in different industries, including making new cars.

Step 5: Send to Manufacturers

Finally, the recycled metals are sent to manufacturers. Car manufacturers use these materials to produce new vehicles, closing the loop on the recycling process. This sustainable approach reduces the need for mining new resources and lessens the environmental impact of manufacturing.

Benefits Of Recycling Car

Recycling cars is essential because it helps the environment, saves money, and creates jobs.

• Helping the Environment
  • We reuse car materials like steel and plastics, so we don’t need to dig up new resources.
  • Recycling cars uses less energy and reduces pollution.
  • Hazardous car stuff, like batteries and fluids, gets disposed of safely.
• Money Benefits
  • Recycling makes cars cheaper to produce, so new cars cost less.
  • Recycling creates jobs, helping local economies.
• Being Responsible
  • Recycling cars is good for the planet, and it shows we care about the environment.
  • It brings communities together and encourages global cooperation.
• Learning and Acting
  • Recycling teaches us about being eco-friendly.
  • It inspires us to protect nature and make a positive impact.

In short, recycling cars is a smart move that benefits everyone and the planet we call home.