Aluminum is a frequently recycled metal due to its use for beverage containers, but cans aren't the only thing that can be recycled. The amount of aluminum in vehicle manufacturing has increased over the years, and today, the average car contains over 400 pounds of aluminum. Keep in mind that if you dispose of the material properly, you'll help the environment and the car manufacturing industry. The following guide explains why sending old junk cars to the scrapyard for metal recycling ensures this metal doesn't end up in a landfill. 

Why Should You Recycle Aluminum?

1. Aluminum Never Loses Strength 

Aluminum is one of the few materials that can be repeatedly recycled into new products without losing strength. The International Aluminum Council reports that 75% of the one billion tons of metal produced is still in use today. As a result, metal recycling significantly reduces waste. For example, if aluminum is consistently reused, it will never fill landfills or contaminate the environment. 

2. Use Fewer Resources 

Metal recycling uses far fewer resources than it would take to produce entirely new materials. Recycled aluminum requires 95% less energy to create a new product and only produces 5% of the greenhouse gases. The energy saved by recycling aluminum is enough to power millions of homes for an entire year. As a result, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that recycling an old junk car will reduce your carbon footprint. 

3. Meet the Demand 

Demand for aluminum is at an all-time high. As mentioned, vehicle manufacturers are using more aluminum in cars because it is lightweight and durable. Metal recycling helps meet this demand without having to mine and process as much of the resource. The aluminum industry is committed to using as much material from metal recycling as possible. By selling your junk car to a scrapyard, you can help increase the percentage of recycled materials used in manufacturing. As a result, this demand could lead to new protocols and methods for creating cars in the future. 

If you have an old junk car that you need to get rid of, call T&S Automotive in Thomasville, NC. For over 20 years, this family-owned and -operated business has provided metal recycling services and reliable used car parts. You can count on them for fair prices and excellent customer service. Learn more about their services online, or call (336) 882-7989 to discuss recycling an old car.