Automotive recycling and the environment

The automotive recycling industry plays an important part in ensuring that the disposal of inoperable vehicles has a minimal impact on the environment. The recycling of automobiles prevents them from taking up as much landfill space as they would otherwise, freeing up what is becoming an increasingly rare resource. It is estimated that in North America alone, 11 million barrels of oil that would have been used to manufacture new replacement parts are saved each year thanks to over 4 millions vehicles being recycled. In addition, the reuse of rebuildable core parts by the automotive industry saves additional energy and other resources.

Automotive recyclers are required to follow extremely strict guidelines -- both national and local -- when handling the waste that is generated by the automobiles that they salvage. There are many individual recyclers who remain dedicated to protecting the residents and business in their local communities and create unique programs that reduce the amount of harmful materials beyond what the law requires. Preventing the potential harmful effects of solid waste generation and working to reduce water and air pollution are central factors to the operation of automotive recyclers.

In a standard recycling business operating with the latest in technology, the inoperative vehicle is first brought into the facility where both the recyclable and the hazardous fluids are carefully drained. The parts of the vehicle that remain undamaged are removed from the vehicle, cleaned, and tested to see if they are still operable. Those that work are then recorded in the inventory and placed in storage until they are purchased. Whatever remains of the hulk of the vehicle is then prepared to be scrapped. Each step is designed to reduce as much as possible the imprint the vehicle will have on the environment.

Over the years, automotive recycling has grown and changed remarkably. The current market is driven by sophisticated technology that constantly evolves in an attempt to keep up with all of the advances that are made in both automobile technology and modern manufacturing techniques. Motor vehicles that have been abandoned, wrecked, or disabled are no longer simply crushed and discarded. Modern recycling facilities are designed to salvage all valuable parts, as well as provide ecological and economic benefits to the surrounding community.