Everything You Need To Know About Scrap Car Recycling

BCM Scrap Steel • March 27, 2024

Have you ever wondered what happens to cars that are no longer roadworthy? Instead of letting them gather dust in a garage or become an eyesore in a junkyard, scrap car recycling is a greener, more responsible option. This process transforms old vehicles into valuable materials, ensuring they don’t just take up space on our property. This blog post delves into the intricacies of the scrap car recycling process, exploring its importance and the vital role professionals play in optimising this green initiative.

Scrap car recycling is a multifaceted process that transforms your old, end-of-life vehicle into valuable raw materials for new products. Here's a breakdown of the process:

• Collection: The journey begins with collecting scrap cars, where vehicles are gathered and transported to recycling facilities.
• Dismantling: At the facility, the car is dismantled. Usable parts are salvaged for resale or refurbishment, while hazardous materials are safely removed and disposed of.
• Shredding: The remaining car body is then shredded into small pieces, facilitating the separation of metals from non-metallic components.
• Separation: Through various techniques, metals are separated from the other materials. Ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals and precious metals are sorted for recycling.
• Recycling: The separated metals are sent to respective recycling plants to be melted down and repurposed into new products, completing the recycling loop.

Recycling your car plays a significant role in environmental preservation and resource management. When you recycle, you prevent harmful materials from contaminating the environment and reduce reliance on extracting new materials from the earth. This action saves energy and lowers carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner planet.

Additionally, the car recycling industry creates jobs, supporting the economy. Beyond these benefits, car recycling fosters a circular economy, where materials are continuously reused, reducing waste and promoting sustainable production methods. It also helps alleviate landfill overcrowding, preventing soil and water pollution.

Before you send your car off to be recycled, there are a few steps you should take to ensure the process goes smoothly:

• Thoroughly search your car and remove all personal belongings to ensure nothing valuable is left behind.
• Safely drain all operational fluids from the car, such as oil, coolant and fuel, to prevent any environmental hazards.
• If feasible, remove non-metal components like the seats, plastic parts and rubber tyres, as these are not processed the same way as metal parts.
• Contact the recycling centre in advance to check for any specific car preparation guidelines, ensuring a smoother recycling process.

Professional recyclers can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of scrap car recycling by:

• Employing expertise in managing hazardous materials safely.
• Utilising advanced techniques for effective material separation and processing.
• Maintaining networks for the redistribution of salvaged parts and materials.
• Implementing environmentally sustainable practices to reduce waste and emissions.

At BCM Scrap Steel, we’re committed to making recycling an effortless and beneficial process for you. Our professionals are skilled in handling all stages of scrap car recycling, ensuring no valuable component goes to waste. For a greener future and a clutter-free garage, contact us today. Together, we can make an impact on our environment and economy.