End of Life Vehicles (ELVs) are the most recycled consumer product in the world. Over 25 million tons of materials are recycled from old cars, trucks, and other vehicles each year. Recycled cars are good for the economy AND the environment.
Check out the My Auto Store YouTube Channel to see how ELVs are handled & processed. We only take the best auto parts off the vehicle, then we crush, shred, & recycle the rest.
ELVs are recycled in a four-step process:
- Dismantling
- Crushing
- Shredding
- Material Recovery
Dismantling
The dismantling stage includes the removal of fluids as well as any reusable components from the vehicle. Fluids are siphoned off into massive tanks where they are stored until they can be delivered to a recycling facility equipped to handle these types of chemicals. Any useable parts can then be tested, cleaned, & recycled for re-use.
Crushing
After being stripped of the immediately reusable components and fluids, the vehicle chassis is crushed. This is generally done to make for easier handling and storage. Eventually, most crushed cars are then brought to the shredder. Unbelievably, some of these massive crushing machines are portable, sharing duty between multiple salvage yards.
Shredding
Roughly 75 percent of the shredded material is metallic. Metals are extracted from the shredded material using magnets to separate the ferrous (containing iron) and nonferrous metals.
Material Recovery
The remaining shredded materials end up in landfills. This approximately 5 tons of Auto Shredder Residue (ASR) created per year is a number that auto recyclers are constantly working to lower.
Automobile recycling is a big business. Further, you can buy certified used auto parts from responsible vendors like My Auto Store to save money and the environment at the same time! If you find yourself wondering “Where can I find recycled auto parts near me”? Search our vast inventory of engines and transmissions and you’ll be sure to find exactly what you need. Otherwise, you can give our part experts a call and they will try to get you the car part you need!
Did you know that My Auto Store also buys used cars? Regardless of model, mileage, or condition, My Auto Store will pay top dollar for your vehicle.
