Scrapping your car is not just about getting rid of an unwanted vehicle. It is actually one of the most impactful things you can do for the environment. Modern car recycling is a remarkably efficient process that saves enormous amounts of energy and resources.
Steel Recycling Saves Energy
Producing new steel from iron ore requires massive amounts of energy. Recycling steel from scrap cars uses approximately 75 percent less energy than making virgin steel. Given that the average car contains around 900 kilograms of steel, that is a significant saving for every vehicle recycled. The steel from your old car can be melted and reformed into new products within weeks.
Preventing Pollution
A single car contains numerous hazardous substances that would cause serious pollution if not properly handled. These include 5 to 8 litres of engine oil, several litres of coolant containing ethylene glycol, brake fluid, power steering fluid, battery acid, mercury switches, lead wheel weights, and air conditioning refrigerant. At a licensed breakers yard, all these are safely removed during depollution.
Reducing Mining
Every tonne of recycled steel means less iron ore needs to be mined. Similarly, recycling aluminium from vehicles reduces the need for bauxite mining, and recovering copper reduces demand for copper mining. Mining operations cause deforestation, habitat destruction, water pollution, and significant carbon emissions.
The Circular Economy
Car recycling is a perfect example of the circular economy in action. Parts that still work are sold through used car parts outlets, extending their useful life. Metals are recycled into new products. Plastics and rubber are increasingly being recovered and reused. Modern ATFs achieve over 95 percent material recovery.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
By recycling rather than manufacturing from raw materials, car recycling significantly reduces carbon emissions. The UK automotive recycling industry prevents millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
Recycle your car responsibly. Get a free quote from our ATF-licensed facility. We cover Glasgow, Edinburgh, Fort William, and all of Scotland.