The benefits of steel recycling in junk cars

The benefits of steel recycling in junk cars

Benefits: Recycling junk cars has a huge impact on our environment, economy and more; an impact that is completely positive. There are many benefits of recycling junk cars, most of which relate to steel. Read on to find out why it is important to recycle steel in junk cars and how you can personally contribute to this wonderful initiative.

Most vehicles are usually steel

Most vehicles are made of steel because it is a very durable, strong and reliable metal. Not only can it protect drivers and passengers, it can also be recycled and reused over and over again. In fact, most steel is made from existing steel materials, which works wonders to conserve our natural resources, save energy and reduce harmful emissions from metal refineries. According to the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI), "a single ton saves 2500 pounds of iron ore, 1400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone."

Vehicles are on average 60% steel and iron. The scale alone is on average 25% of the total amount of steel in a car or truck. This includes the quarter panels, trunk, hood and doors. In addition, internal parts and metal components are recycled for their steel, such as auto parts, gaskets, printed circuit boards and more.

Steel recycling

Motorized vehicles are among the most recycled consumer products in the country. Regardless of who owns it or what happened to them, almost all cars end up in the recycling process. According to the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI), more than 14 million tonnes of steel from cars are recycled every year. This can actually be cited as a recycling percentage of 100% for vehicles that are no longer suitable for the road!

Junk Car Salvaging process

The recycling process for junk cars, although not too complicated, requires a fleet of highly specialized equipment and technology. Most metal processing centers will start draining the vehicle of all remaining fluids to stay within environmentally responsible recycling methods. These fluids include transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, wiper fluid, radiator fluid, battery fluid, and engine oil. They will then start dismantling the vehicle from all reusable parts, such as wheels, tires, headlights, doors, windows, fenders, bumpers, trunk lids, stereos and all operational or repairable car parts.

After a vehicle has finished the draining and dismantling process, there are only scattered shells. This is usually shredded in an industrial metal shredder, which is a huge and innovative machine that can shred large shells into fist-sized pieces in less than 45 seconds. These pieces are a compilation of steel, non-steel metals and lint (non-reusable rubbers, plastics, glass, etc.). A large magnetic sorter is used to separate the steel and iron pieces from the rest of the shredder material, which are then sent throughout the country to various metal buyers, reprocessed and steelworks.