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How does the auto recycling process work?

  Wednesday, 19 August 2015

To many people, recycling cars can seem like a bit of a mystery. Just how much work is involved in breaking down such a complicated machine into material that can actually be re-used? Well, here’s how:

• The fluids need to be completely drained. Cars contain a number of fluids that can be dangerous to the environment: petrol, oil, antifreeze, brake and transmission fluids as well as a number of different lubricants. These liquids are stored and then shipped to processing plants.
• Any parts that are re-usable are removed, cleaned up and restored. In our case, we’ll add them to our ASM online store, which offers a range of second-hand parts at great prices. We are ASM Metal Recycling, after all!
• All recyclable parts that can’t be re-sold – such as bald tyres and the battery – are also removed. In some cases – such as with lead parts – this can be because they’re hazardous.
• The chassis and any remaining parts are fed into the crusher to compact the metal, before being put into the shredder.
• Once the shredder has done its job, the metal is then separated into ferrous and non-ferrous, with any remaining shredder residue (plastic, foam and glass materials) being disposed of.
• The scrap metal is then recycled and melted down to be used for new metal and components.

Recycling figures are impressive: on some occasions, as much as 98 per cent of a junk car will be used for recycling. In most cases, the figure is around 75 per cent, which is still great for the earth given the huge number of cars that are scrapped each year! Recycling metal uses around 75 per cent less energy than creating new metal, so it’s an invaluable activity.

If you’re planning to scrap your car, get in touch with ASM Auto Recycling today, and we’ll give you a great price.

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