What car parts are recycled
Reusable car parts
As salvage, unwanted vehicles and end-of-life vehicles become increasingly common, there is a growing demand for vehicle recyclers who can safely and effectively dismantle them and recover usable parts.
The car recycling process begins with the identification of salvageable components, which are then removed and cleaned. Any parts that are not suitable for resale or recycling are disposed of in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner.
Some of the most commonly recycled parts include engines, transmissions, wheels, and tires. By utilizing the services of a qualified vehicle recycler, you can be sure that your salvage or end-of-life vehicle will be dismantled and recycled in accordance with all applicable regulations.
Recyclable scrap car parts
Every vehicle recycler follows an exhaustive process to make sure all usable parts are recovered and recycled. As part of this process, non-recyclable and unusable materials and fluids are disposed of safely.
These are some well-known vehicle parts you can recycle.
Engine oil
Many people believe that used engine oil is no longer usable. However, this is not the case. Engine oil simply becomes dirty over time and can be cleaned for reuse. disposing of used Oil improperly can have a negative environmental impact, so it is important to take it to a reputable collection centre. By doing so, you can help to protect soil, groundwater, rivers and natural ecosystems.
Engines
The engine is usually one of the first things to go when recycling cars. The scrap metal from engines is typically recycled and used to create new engine components. However, recycling engines can be a challenge due to the many different metals that they contain. Most engines are made of aluminum or cast iron, but they can also contain other metals like copper and steel. As a result, scrap yards typically have to work with specialist metal processors in order to recycle engine scrap.
Catalytic converter
Catalytic converters are made of materials that can be reused to create new products. By recycling these parts, we can help reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills. Plus, we can also save valuable resources, like oil and gas, that would otherwise be needed to produce new catalytic converters.
Windows and windscreen
Windows and windscreens are often fixed between layers of plastic, making them difficult to recycle. However, vehicle design has improved in recent years, meaning glass can be recovered and recycled to produce glass bottles, fibreglass insulation and other important everyday products.
Starter motors & Alternators
Alternators and the starter motor are parts that contain copper, which is a valuable metal that can be reused. If the windings on these parts are damaged, they can be recycled for their scrap metal value. However, if they are still in good working condition, they can be refurbished and sold again.
Car batteries
Scrap car parts, in particular car batteries, can be recycled to extract valuable materials whilst also helping to prevent environmental damage. Car batteries contain harmful chemicals such as sulphuric acid and lead, and so must be disposed of correctly to avoid contaminating soil and water sources.
The recycling process involves dissecting the battery into its component parts, from which useful materials such as lead and silver can be extracted. The plastic casing must not be damaged during this process, as this can cause the corrosive and toxic acid to leak out.
Once the valuable materials have been extracted, the lead can be melted down and the acid neutralised. Make sure the terminals do not come into contact with metal components as these can cause a fire.
Car tyres
Wheels are made of steel or alloy, both of which have a value to recycling centres. The tyres are removed from the wheels and then the two different metals separated into either steel or aluminium. The part worn tyres will either be resold if the tread has sufficient life left in it, or sent to be shredded if it doesn’t. Burning part worn tyres generates high levels of air pollution, so it’s important to recycle them responsibly.
Plastic Parts
Many plastics used in cars are recyclable. This means that they can be broken down and reused to make new products. recycling salvage vehicles parts helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans. It also helps to conserve resources and energy, as it takes less energy to recycle plastics than it does to produce them from scratch.
Headlights lighting and wiring
Vehicles use both front and rear lights, which normally include a reflection plate, bulb, or LED to illuminate a plastic or glass lens. While recycling these bulbs, it takes a very specialist company to extract the toxic materials. The wiring within a vehicle is made up of stranded copper wire terminated in a fuse board and at the component by way of soldered joints or push on clips. A lot of copper wire is recovered from recycling these components and is a very valuable commodity to the scrap metal recycler.
Car Brake Calipers
Brake calipers play a vital role in the safety of any vehicle, and when they seize due to corrosion, they must be replaced. A brake caliper contains hydraulic piston(s) and toxic liquids, so it must be recycled professionally. If the corrosion is not too bad, the caliper can be refurbished by cleaning and replacing all the moving components and seals. This process is carried out by a specialist in brake refurbishment.
Body & Vehicle chassis
The chassis and body of a scrap or recycled car are normally made of metal, including cast steel or stainless steel. They are separated into two parts because they have different prices. The clean stainless steel and heavy cast iron are recycled by melting them down into liquid form. The slag is removed and the steel poured into ingots that are then resold for remanufacture. These parts are essential for many carmakers because they provide the structure and support for the engine, transmission, suspension, and other vital components.
Car mats and carpets
Recycling your used car mats is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and ensure that they don’t end up in landfill. There are a number of ways to recycle car mats, including selling them, using them in the garden or donating them to charity. Car mats are made from a variety of materials, including synthetic fibers, natural fibers and rubber. These materials can all be recycled and reused in a number of different ways. For example, synthetic fibers can be used to make new carpets or insulation, while rubber can be used to make new tires or flooring.
Gearboxes
Gearboxes are one of the many parts of a car that can be recycled. Gearboxes vary in terms of the number of gears they have and how they operate. Automation gearboxes typically have more gears than manual gearboxes, and they use centrifugal force and oil to provide forward or reverse motion. Manual gearboxes work by having a series of cogs that rotate around a main shaft. Gears are synchronized to provide a smooth operation, and manual gearboxes also fill with oil. Gearboxes can be recycled and reused in other cars.
FAQ’s
What are the best parts to scrap on a car?
- The
- Catalytic Converters
- Car Battery
- Car Engine
- Car Stereo & Sat Nav System
- Exhaust System
- Airbags
- Doors, Windows, Mirrors and Electrical Parts
To find out more visit our article detailing the best parts to scrap on a car
Can you buy car parts from a scrap yard?
There’s a good chance you can buy the scrap car parts you need from us. But if that’s not possible, tell us what you need and we’ll ask our breaker yard partners.
How many parts of a car can be recycled?
The average car is made up of about 65% steel. The other 35% of a car is made up mostly of glass, rubber, and plastic, all of which can also be recycled. 95% of a car can be recycled
Car parts Disposal Near me
Many car owners are unsure of what to do with their old car parts once they have been removed from the car. The best option is to take them to a car parts disposal near me facility. At these facilities, the car parts will be taken care of in an environmentally-friendly way. The car parts will be recycled or reused, and the hazardous materials will be disposed of properly. This is the best option for car owners who want to do their part to protect the environment.
