Recycling junk cars has a significant, entirely positive impact on our environment, economy, and more. The majority of the advantages of recycling junk cars involve steel. Read on to find out why it’s critical to recycle the steel in old cars and how you can support this admirable initiative on a personal level.
Most Vehicles are Mostly Steel
Steel is used to make the majority of automobiles because it is a very strong, dependable, and long-lasting metal. It can be recycled and used in new ways repeatedly while also protecting drivers and passengers. In actuality, the majority of steel is created using steel that already exists, which greatly reduces the harmful emissions that metal refineries produce while also conserving energy and our natural resources. According to the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI), “recycling a single ton conserves 2500 pounds of iron ore, 1400 pounds of coal, and 120 pounds of limestone.”
The average vehicle is 60% steel and iron. In a typical car or truck, 25% of the total amount of steel is found in the shell alone. Included in this are the doors, hood, trunk, and quarter panels. Additionally, internal parts and metal components, including circuit boards, gaskets, and automotive parts, are recycled for their steel content.
Steel Recycling
The most recycled consumer goods in the nation include motorized vehicles. Virtually all cars end up in the recycling process, regardless of who owned them or what happened to them. Over 14 million tons of steel from automobiles are recycled annually, according to the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI). This could actually be considered a 100% recycling rate for off-road vehicles!
Junk Car Salvaging Process
Although not overly difficult, the recycling of junk cars calls for a variety of highly specialized tools and technology. To adhere to environmentally friendly recycling procedures, the majority of metal reprocessing facilities will begin by draining the car of any remaining fluids. These fluids include motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield wiper fluid, radiator fluid, and battery fluid. They will then start stripping the car of all its salvageable components, including its wheels, tires, headlights, doors, windows, fenders, bumpers, trunk lids, stereos, and any functional or repairable auto parts.
There are only dispersed hulks left after a vehicle has been completely drained and disassembled. An enormous and cutting-edge machine called an industrial metal shredder is typically used to shred this. It can reduce large hulks to fist-sized fragments in less than 45 seconds. These pieces are made of a combination of steel, non-steel metals, and fluff (non-reusable rubbers, plastics, glass, etc.).). The steel and iron fragments are separated from the remaining shredding material using a sizable magnetic sorter, after which they are transported across the nation to various metal buyers, reprocessors, and steel mills.
