Many people wonder what actually happens to their vehicle once it arrives at a scrap yard. The truth is, modern car recycling is a sophisticated process that recovers the vast majority of materials from every vehicle.
Stage 1: Depollution
The first step is depollution. This involves safely removing all hazardous fluids and materials. Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid are drained and collected. The battery is removed, fuel is extracted, and airbags are safely deployed. Air conditioning refrigerant gas is recovered. This stage must be carried out at an Authorised Treatment Facility.
Stage 2: Parts Recovery
Before the shell is crushed, valuable and reusable parts are carefully removed. Engines, gearboxes, alternators, and starter motors in good condition are tested and made available through our used car parts service. Body panels, doors, mirrors, lights, and interior trim are also salvaged. This is where car dismantlers and auto breakers play a vital role.
Stage 3: Shredding and Separation
The remaining shell is sent to an industrial shredder. Powerful magnets separate ferrous metals from the rest. Non-ferrous metals like aluminium and copper are separated using eddy current technology.
Stage 4: Material Recycling
Separated metals are sent to foundries and melted into new products. Steel from your old car might end up in a new building or another vehicle. Glass is crushed and recycled, rubber from tyres is processed for road surfaces, and plastics are granulated for reuse.
Impressive Recycling Rates
A modern ATF recycles approximately 95 percent of every vehicle by weight. The remaining 5 percent is increasingly processed through energy recovery facilities rather than going to landfill.
Ready to recycle your vehicle responsibly? Get a free quote today. We collect from Fort William, Elgin, Aberdeen, and all across Scotland.