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If you have an old vehicle that's no longer drivable, selling or trading may not be the best option for getting rid of it. Instead of dealing with the hassles of finding a buyer, recycling is a simple, environmentally friendly option. You might be surprised by how easy it is to recycle an old car and the benefits of doing so. Check out these fun facts about auto recycling.

4 Facts You May Not Know About Auto Recycling 

1. Cars Are the World's Most Recycled Item 

Forget soda cans and newspapers: Cars are the most recycled consumer product worldwide at 95%, more than 27 million vehicles recycled annually. This is in large part because many parts and materials are still useful even if the car is no longer operable. The car recycling industry is one of the largest in the U.S., contributing about $25 billion to the national economy.

2. New Vehicles Are Made from Recycled Material

A significant portion of the recycled material collected from old vehicles, particularly steel, is used in the production of new cars. The average car is made from about 25% recycled material; in Europe, that percentage jumps to 75%. Between the U.S. and Canada alone, auto recycling produces enough steel to make about 13 million new cars. 

3. Tires are Recyclable  

auto recycling

More than 250 million scrap tires are generated every year in the U.S., but only about 16% end up in landfills thanks to recycling efforts. Tires in landfills are problematic, as they can damage landfill liners that protect groundwater supplies and serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Tires from recycled vehicles are often repurposed into other products, ranging from playground mulch and roads to fuel and shoes. 

4. Auto Recycling Protects Groundwater 

Car parts and steel aren't the only components collected by auto recyclers. Salvage yards also collect oil, hazardous freon, mercury, and gas fluids from old cars. This prevents leaks and pollution of the groundwater system. The amount of hazardous fluids collected by recyclers every year is equivalent to the amount of oil from eight Exxon Valdez disasters

 

Do your part to protect the environment and reduce resource consumption by recycling your old car with Northwest Auto Parts. This Anchorage, AK- based auto recycling company has a reputation for honesty, so you can expect a fair price for your old car and that it will be recycled safely. To discuss getting rid of your old junker, call (800) 770-6531, or visit their website to learn more about the salvage process.

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