Introduction
Scrap car recycling is one of the most important industries in Canada. It helps reduce waste, save natural resources, and minimize environmental pollution. Every year, millions of old vehicles reach the end of their life, and recycling them properly ensures that their materials are put to good use instead of stacking up in landfills. Scrap car recycling is not only beneficial for the environment but also contributes to the economy by offering jobs and raw materials for manufacturing industries.
If you have an old, junk, or unwanted car, you might wonder what happens when you send it for recycling. Many car owners don’t realize how efficient and resourceful the process is. From removing valuable metals to repurposing car parts, scrap car recycling plays a huge role in sustainability. In this blog, you will learn 20 amazing facts about scrap car recycling and why it is a vital industry.
1. Over 80% of a Car’s Material Can Be Recycled
When you recycle a scrap car, nearly 80% of its materials are reused. Metal, glass, plastic, and rubber are separated and processed for further use in other industries. This reduces the demand for new raw materials and minimizes industrial waste. The remaining 10% consists of non-recyclable materials, such as some plastics and adhesives, which are safely disposed of or used in waste-to-energy processes.
2. Steel from Scrap Cars is Used to Make New Vehicles
Recycled steel from old cars is melted down and used to produce new cars, construction materials, and appliances. This saves millions of tons of iron ore from being mined each year. Recycling steel also reduces carbon dioxide emissions since producing new steel from raw materials requires a significant amount of energy.
3. Scrap Car Recycling Saves Energy
Producing new metal from raw ore takes a lot of energy. In that case, recycling metals from old cars saves up to 74% of energy compared to making new steel from scratch. This energy saving helps lower greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Millions of Cars Are Recycled Each Year
In Canada alone, approximately 1.6 million vehicles are removed annually. Most of these cars go through the recycling process to extract valuable materials. Globally, around 27 million cars are recycled every year.
Also Read: Car Recycling 101: How Your Old Car Can Help the Environment
5. Car Batteries Are Recycled Separately
Car batteries contain lead and acid, which can be harmful to the environment. Recycling facilities separate these components and safely process them to prevent pollution. Almost 99% of lead-acid batteries are recycled. This lead is melted down and reused in making new batteries.
6. Catalytic Converters Contain Valuable Metals
Catalytic converters in old cars have rare metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals are extracted and reused in new catalytic converters and other industrial applications. Since these metals are rare, recycling them helps reduce the need for new mining operations.
7. Car Tires Are Recycled Into New Products
Old tires are shredded and repurposed into rubberized asphalt, playground surfaces, or even fuel. This reduces the number of tires in landfills and prevents environmental dangers. Recycled tires are also used to make speed bumps, run tracks, and artificial turf fields.
8. Car Fluids Are Properly Disposed Of
Motor oil, brake fluid, and coolant are removed safely. These fluids are either cleaned for reuse or disposed of safely to prevent contamination of soil and water. Used motor oil, for instance, can be refined and turned into new lubricating oil or fuel.
9. Aluminum from Cars Is Highly Recyclable
Aluminum from car engines, doors, and hoods is one of the most valuable materials. It is melted down and reused in manufacturing new vehicles, saving significant energy. Since aluminum does not degrade in the recycling process, it can be recycled multiple times.
Also Read: How Metal Prices Influence A Scrap Car Value
10. Recycling Reduces Air Pollution
By recycling scrap cars, the need for mining and raw material extraction decreases, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. The automobile industry significantly benefits from using recycled metals as it helps cut production emissions.
11. Recycled Auto Glass Has Many Uses
Windshields and windows are crushed into small pieces and used in fiberglass insulation, bottles, and new car windows. Some recycled auto glass is also used in reflective road markings and concrete applications.
12. Recycling Old Cars Reduces Landfill Waste
If old cars were not recycled, they would take up enormous space in landfills. Recycling prevents excessive waste accumulation and promotes a cleaner environment. Car scrapyards efficiently dismantle vehicles to ensure minimal waste is sent to landfills.
13. Scrap Car Recycling Creates Jobs
Thousands of Canadians are making a living from the scrap car industry. They are taking apart old cars, processing the materials, and selling recovered parts. It’s steady work that helps both the economy and the planet. From start to finish, auto recycling keeps people employed and busy. Plus, it’s a practical way to be eco-friendly without sacrificing jobs.
14. You Can Earn Money by Scrapping Your Car
Companies like Greenway Auto Recycling are happy to pay for your scrap vehicle. It’s a win-win situation: you clear out space and earn some money. The amount you will get depends on a few things. Your car’s weight, its condition, and, of course, current scrap metal prices. So, if you have got an old clunker taking up your parking space, why not see what it’s worth?
15. Recycled Cars Help Reduce Vehicle Production Costs
Since manufacturers use recycled materials instead of new ones, production costs decrease, which can result in lower car prices. This benefits consumers as well as automakers.
16. Canada Has Strict Environmental Laws for Auto Recycling
Government regulations ensure that auto recyclers follow strict environmental guidelines to prevent pollution and promote sustainability. Licensed junkyards must properly handle dangerous materials before dismantling vehicles.
17. Airbags Are Safely Removed and Recycled
Before recycling, airbags are removed and repurposed. Some airbags are refurbished and sold as replacement parts.
18. Electronic Components Are Reused
Many electronic parts like GPS systems, radios, and sensors are refurbished and sold as second-hand parts for other vehicles. This extends the lifespan of valuable electronic components and reduces e-waste.
19. Hybrid and Electric Car Batteries Are Recycled Separately
With more hybrid and electric cars on the road, we are facing a new challenge: recycling their batteries. These aren’t your average AA batteries, they are packed with lithium and other rare metals. So, we can’t just toss them in the regular recycling bin. Instead, we have to take them apart carefully. Scrapyards pull these materials out so they can be used again. It’s not the easiest job, but it’s important for keeping these resources out of landfills.
20. Greenway Auto Recycling Offers Hassle-Free Scrap Car Removal in GTA
If you have an old car that you no longer use, Greenway Auto Recycling offers professional scrap car removal services in the GTA. The technicians ensure your vehicle is recycled responsibly while offering you the best price for it.
Conclusion
Scrap car recycling is important for reducing waste, conserving energy, and protecting the environment. The process recovers valuable materials, prevents pollution, and supports economic growth. If you have a scrap car, Greenway Auto Recycling offers a convenient and eco-friendly way to dispose of it.
