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How Car Recycling Works

Roberta Willson • April 26, 2023

We are excited to see the trend over the last decade lead to the average vehicles being recycled each year rising. This trend is likely to do with the increased awareness of recycling and the increasing number of facilities in your area. Today, more than 80% of vehicles can be recycled. So, exactly how are cars recycled these days?


Decrease Pollution or “Depollution”


Removal of fluids - some are repurposed or resold in order to be reused and other (Hazardous material fluids) are disposed of. Salvage yards have the legal obligation to dispose of these fluids safely and we take our job seriously to ensure the upmost safety of our customers and employees. 


All fluids are removed, a process that is known as “depollution.” Fluids such as gasoline, antifreeze, washer fluid or transmission oil can all be recycled and reused. As stated earlier, hazardous materials must be properly managed to avoid environmental damage. Some examples include air conditioning refrigerant, lead wheel weights, and anything containing mercury.


Take Apart


The next step is to take the vehicle apart in search of reusable parts. You may not realize this but many car parts can be scrapped and reused. From the car engine to the stereo system and even the axles and seats - these can all be recycled. 


After the vehicle is taken apart, the car engine and transmission are removed and any usable parts are removed and cleaned. Other components such as tires and batteries are also removed for resale or recycling.

Crushing and shredding


Next up, the crusher or shredder! What is left is the car body, which includes different metals and is crushed and shredded into a flat metal chunk. Metals are separated out using magnets or compressed air. 


Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals


The ASR, or Auto Shredder Residue, are the parts of the shredded vehicle that cannot be recycled and consist of rubber, plastic, wood, glass, dirt, paper, and sometimes hazardous material like cadmium or lead. 


This is also known as "auto-fluff" and this material is roughly 15-20% of the vehicle's makeup and is sent to landfills. We see newer and better solutions each year to separate ASR and waste less as technology advances.


Sending Out 


The last step of the car recycling process is to send the scrap metal to manufacturers. All the recycled material is used for new automobile frames. This helps manufacturers keep costs down as it costs them less to use recycled materials than starting from scratch. It also benefits the steel industry and the public through reduced emissions. As a member of the Automotive Recyclers of Massachusetts (ARM), we abide by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for everything we recycle.



Summary


We take our commitment to the environment and our community seriously. We have many safety precautions in place to ensure all fluids are disposed of safely and in accordance with the EPA. All of our vehicles are recycled to the fullest and we will continue to do so for our community. If you have any questions about salvage yards, please contact us anytime.

A Thanksgiving Tradition: Macy’s Day Parade

By Roberta Willson • November 25, 2024
One of this country's most celebrated Thanksgiving traditions is the Macy’s Day Parade! I am sure you are excited about the floats, the entertainers, and the celebrities, but what about all the trucks that these floats are towed with and the numbers behind them? Here are just four fun facts from the Macy’s Day Parade.

10 of the Best Vehicles from Films Over the Years

By Roberta Willson • September 9, 2024
Cars play a significant role in movies, they change how the film is viewed and enjoyed. We have compiled a list of 10 movies with some of the best or iconic vehicles of their time.

Getting Your Car Ready: Summer Vs. Winter

By Roberta Willson • May 15, 2024
There are many differences from the winter months to summertime and I am not just talking about the weather! Your car reacts differently and therefore needs to be taken care of differently. Here are 5 items to check when switching your vehicle from the winter to the summer months.

Fuel Economy by Season

By Jason Pelland • February 8, 2024
Just like us, our vehicles operate a little differently based on the season and temperatures outside. Here in New England, we get all kinds of weather but what does that mean for your car and getting the best gas mileage by the season. Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your fuel economy, all year long!

What to do when you bring a car to the salvage yard

By Roberta Willson • January 24, 2024
Is it time for a new vehicle? Are you looking for a great way to make some money before you purchase a new or used vehicle? Did you just put on new tires or new parts into your vehicle? A salvage yard is a great option! A salvage yard might give you more money for your vehicle or parts than from a private sale or as a trade-in at a dealership. Once you have decided to bring your vehicle to a salvage yard, now what? How do you prepare yourself before you arrive and what happens when you get to the salvage yard? Let’s go through the steps to get you the cash you want from your used vehicle! Step One: Make sure you have the title to your vehicle. In order to sell your car to anyone, you need the title to your vehicle and a salvage yard is no exception. If you cannot find or have lost your title, you can request a new one from the RMV. The requirements to obtain a copy are dependent based on which state you live in.

How to Get the Most Out Of Your Gallon of Gas

By Roberta Willson • November 16, 2023
The national average through 2023 is $3.58 per gallon of gas with it fluctuating each and every month. The good news is that we have seen gas prices go down over the last 12 months but it is still high enough to affect where people go on vacations, holidays, and even just weekend activities. If you are looking to save some cash with the holidays just around the corner. Here are six tips to help you get the most out of that pricey gallon of gas!

5 Reasons For The Trend Toward Smaller Cars

September 25, 2023
The trend towards smaller cars has been in the works for awhile but this year was the first year that critics and consumers agree - smaller is actually better. Gas pricing are soaring, parking is expensive, the economy is still recovering and where consumers can save some money are on smaller cars. Smaller cars mean less gas, mostly likely a lower MSRP, which in turns would mean cheaper upfront costs or even monthly car payments. Let’s discuss 5 reasons for this trend.

What should you do when your car or a part is recalled?

By Jason Pelland • August 29, 2023
Did you get a letter in the mail from the manufacturer, car dealership or even check online to find out that your vehicle has a recall? What should you do, how urgent is the recall, what steps do you need to take to ensure your vehicle is at its’ optimal preference level? First, let’s put it into perspective. While a recall is not something you should ignore; there are over 400 recalls a year that affect more than 25 million vehicles in the U.S. alone. In addition, the average vehicle will have 4 recalls in its lifespan and recalls never expire. Now that we have some perspective. What is the first thing you need to do once you become aware of your vehicle’s recall status? If you purchase your vehicle new or used from a dealership, contact them directly and they will advise you. If you purchased your vehicle through a private seller, contact the vehicle manufacturer and they are required by law to either repair the issue, replace the recalled item or refund the purchase price of the vehicle, minus depreciation.

5 Noises that Need Immediate Attention

By Roberta Willson • July 12, 2023
Our vehicles go through a lot. Most of us will ignore some noises that come out of our vehicle but there are some that just cannot be ignored. The question is, what are those noises that need your immediate attention.

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By Roberta Willson • June 7, 2023
It might not always feel like summer in New England but it’s right around the corner. As summer arrives, road trips may be in your future. Road trips can be fun and adventurous but having any car issues could certainly put a damper on your road trip. Let’s discuss how to get your vehicle “road-trip ready” so you can focus on the fun and adventure and not any mishaps with your vehicle!
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