You may be aware that cars are made from valuable materials that can be easily recycled after their life span ends. Glass, rubber, metal and metal from cars can easily be broken down and reused for new products like floor tiles, shoes and cars. Almost every new car has 25 percent recycled material from older vehicles.
About 12 million cars are recycled each year by auto recycling yards. These yards are also known as salvage yards or wreck-yards. The auto recycling industry has become the most important recycling industry in the world. Car material reuse is actually the 16th largest industry in the United States.
Our comprehensive guide will help you learn how to recycle your car and save the environment.
Car batteries
Car batteries are made of lead, plastics and acid. They must be properly disposed of or recycled. Car batteries are the most recycled item in America, with 99 percent of them being recycled. They will most likely be recycled into new batteries. However, lead and plastic can be used in other products.
Before selling your battery, make sure you check the state regulations regarding battery recycling. Also, ensure you take all precautions when handling your battery. Avoid touching acidic or lead substances with gloves. Also, keep them away from open flames and high temperatures.
Here’s a list of cash-making places where you can recycle your car’s battery. You can expect to make $5-10 per battery. A purchaser will pay more for each battery the more you sell them.
Oil filters and oil (50c/gallon)
Reusing your old motor oil could be one of the best things you can do for the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, improperly disposed oil can contaminate 1,000,000 gallons of freshwater. Toxic oil can stick to almost anything and is extremely difficult to clean.
Old motor oil can still be used, which is a good thing. It is possible to recycle used oil filters. Although you might be able to find someone willing to pay for your used oil, this is unlikely because of the high cost of reprocessing old oil. Use a polyethylene container to store your used oil. Don’t mix it with any other fluids.
Here’s a list where you can recycle your old oil.
Autozone, Napa Auto Parts and Advance Auto Parts are local auto parts shops.
Recycling facilities in the local area
Tires are one the most hazardous sources of waste because of their high production volume, non-biodegradable nature and durability. Recycling old tires is therefore even more important. The ability to recycle tires has been greatly improved by technological advances like devulcanization and pyrolysis, as well as government intervention.
There are three major markets for scrap tires. These are tire-derived fuel and civil engineering applications. You can use scrap tires for everything from heating cement kilns, to rubber turf, or tracks for sport.
Catalytic converters (45-$100)
Catalytic converters convert pollutants into less harmful exhaust. shows you how a catalytic convertor works. The precious metals palladium and platinum found in catalytic converters can be used to create jewelry, electronics and other materials. Catalytic converters typically contain one-tenth to an ounce of Platinum, which is worth around $1,000 per ounce. These fine metals can only be extracted by recycling companies.
It is also important to know what kind of catalytic converter your vehicle has. This will help you in determining its value when it comes time to recycle it. The original catalytic convert that came with your vehicle is worth more than any aftermarket or replacement.
Glass (25-$100)
Glass takes approximately 1 million years to decay, making it one of the most durable man-made materials. It is essential to recycle old auto glass in order to help the environment. Recycling auto glass is not the same thing as recycling glass bottles and other similar types. The auto glass is laminated with an interlayer of polyvinylbutyral — this prevents the glass from breaking in the event it’s damaged.
Selling your vehicle’s glass can make it a lucrative option, especially if you have a rare or classic car.
Your car’s power supply chain includes starters and alternators. Both are great resources for scrap copper or steel and will be paid a fair price by salvage yards and other organizations. These parts can often be reused in another car or can be recycled for their raw materials.
Your starter and alternator will be sold for between $2-$10. Copper takes between 200 and 500 years to decay so selling your starter and alternator for a little extra cash is a great way of making some quick cash and helping the environment. If you are skilled enough, you might be able to rebuild your alternator and keep it running for longer.
Scrap metal is everywhere in cars. These scrap metal parts, including their engines, transmissions, doors, hoods, and other components, can all be recycled to earn cash payouts.
Cars are made mostly of iron, steel, and aluminum. All of these materials are recyclable and valuable. Aluminum is the least expensive of the three but it can still be a good investment if you have enough. Selling aluminum to a recycler is a great way to make money. Aluminum can be turned into other products in a matter of months. Reusing aluminum can also help save 80 percent on energy.
The recycling plant will charge you around 50 cents per pound for iron and steel. Heavy metal parts on your vehicle can have a high value, as you can see.
The best way to recycle scrap metal is to take it to your local scrap yard. This differs from a junkyard, salvage yard or junkyard. Scrap yards are only interested in buying, selling and recycling scrap metal. They pay you almost immediately after you weigh your scrap load. To find out their prices for different types and scrap metal, you can always call them ahead.
How are Cars Recycled The Balance
Comparative Analysis Of Scrap Car Recycling Management Policy – Science Direct
Reusing, Managing, and Recycling Oil – Environmental Protection Agency
America’s Tire Mountains – 90 Percent are Gone, thanks to Recycling Programs. MNN
Reusing materials from an old car can be a rewarding endeavor in many ways. You not only get extra money, but you can also feel great knowing you have made a difference in the world.
Make sure that you cancel your c insurance before you sell your car. Also, remove the license plates. Your insurance agent should be contacted to let them know that you intend to recycle your vehicle. Keep records of all sales so that you can prove your claim if the vehicle is stolen.
After you have taken these precautionary measures, you can reap the benefits of recycling your car parts and getting cash for them!