The automotive industry significantly contributes to reducing pollution and the carbon footprint through recycling. Over 90% of the materials in a car can be recycled!
If you have an old car that you’ve been planning to scrap, learn how this helps protect the environment!
Protecting the Environment from Toxic Substances
Batteries, metals, and tires are key components to be recycled. Cars also contain toxic substances, such as electrical systems and fluids, which must be properly handled to prevent soil and water contamination.
Burning Tires Is Extremely Harmful to Nature
Tires are non-biodegradable. When handed over to other industries, they can serve various purposes, like making flip-flops! Recycled tires can also be transformed into playground surfaces. Burning tires releases harmful chemicals, so it’s important for recycling to be done by professionals who follow safety standards.
Don’t Throw Away the Battery!
If there’s one part that should never end up in the trash, it’s the battery. The combination of lead, acid, and plastic can be extremely dangerous for the environment if not handled properly. Old batteries can be recycled and even used to make new ones.
Glass Takes Millions of Years to Decompose
It’s far better to recycle it. Car windows even have additional layers to make them more resilient during accidents. A fun fact is that glass does not lose its qualities when recycled, no matter how many times it goes through the process.
Prevent Oil from Sticking to Plants and Animals
Motor oil contains heavy metals and toxic chemicals. It degrades slowly and sticks to everything—from bird feathers to plant leaves. Oil from one car can contaminate enough water for 50 people for an entire year! Scrapping your car at a specialized scrap point will prevent environmental harm and ensure proper recycling.
Why It’s Important to Scrap Your Car
With the introduction of new technologies, the car recycling process is becoming increasingly efficient. Today, innovative methods allow for the extraction of rare metals from old cars, which are used in the production of batteries for electric vehicles. These technologies not only reduce waste but also support the sustainable development of the electric vehicle industry.
Furthermore, recycling cars helps reduce the need for raw material extraction, which also has a positive impact on the environment. Less metal mining means less destruction of natural habitats and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions associated with the mining industry.
We advise you not to wait too long to scrap your old car. Delaying this can lead to leaks of toxic fluids that may contaminate soil and water.
If you’re wondering whether the time has come, check out our 4 Signs That It’s Time to Scrap Your Old Car.