There is an entire industry that circles around recycling junk cars, which stands as a testament to the value of sustainable practices in our society. But, what precisely happens when a junk car gets recycled? In this article, we dissect the process, explain why recycling vehicles is an environmentally responsible decision, and also provide some insights into how much cash you might pocket when recycling a junk car.
Core Masters, a leading junk car buyer in the Denver metro area, knows all there is to know about junk cars. Our team of experts can offer you the best price for your junk car. Not only will we send someone to tow your car away for free, but we’ll also pay you in cash for your car on the spot.
How Junk Cars Are Recycled
The life of a car does not end when it becomes unusable; rather, it enters a new phase. Parts of the car either get sorted, scrapped, reused, or melted down for metal.
1. Removing hazardous liquid
The process starts with the removal of hazardous materials. Liquids like coolant, oil, and gasoline are drained and responsibly disposed of or recycled separately. The battery and airbags, which contain potentially harmful substances, are safely removed.
2. Dismantling the car
The next phase of recycling involves dismantling the car. Parts that are in working order are often extracted and sold as used parts. The car’s engine, transmission, radiators, and even smaller components like mirrors, headlights, and stereo systems can be refurbished and resold. This process reduces the need for the manufacturing of new parts, thus conserving resources and energy.
3. Shredding what remains
After the car has been stripped of reusable parts, the shell of the car and other metallic parts are ready to meet their fiery end in the shredder. Shredders are massive machines capable of crushing an entire car into fist-sized chunks of metal in less than a minute. This shredded metal, a mix of steel and other metals, is then separated using magnets and other sorting technology.
Steel is one of the primary metals recovered from a junk car, accounting for up to 65% of its weight. This steel is melted down and repurposed into new steel products, including new cars. Aluminum, copper, and other metals are also recovered and sent to mills or foundries to be melted into raw materials for a wide range of products.
4. Extra bits
While the car’s glass and plastic are less economically valuable, they don’t go to waste either. Depending on the recycling facility, these materials can be sorted out from the shredded residue and processed for use in other applications such as carpeting, construction materials, or even new glass bottles.
This Is How Much You Can Get for Your Junk Car
So, how much can you expect to get from recycling your junk car? The price varies significantly based on factors like the make and model, the age of the car, and the condition of the parts. On average, you could expect anywhere between $100 and $500 for a junk car. However, cars that are still operational or have high-demand parts could potentially fetch more.
Selling Your Junk Car is Good for the Planet
If money isn’t enough of a reason to sell your junk car, you might consider the environment. Recycling your junk car conserves natural resources. Manufacturing new car parts from raw materials requires significant energy and resources. By reusing parts and recycling metals, we reduce the demand for new materials and energy-intensive production processes.
Secondly, recycling reduces landfill waste. Cars are bulky items, and while they might seem like just a tiny fraction of all the waste we produce, the impact adds up. When we recycle, we are reducing the volume of waste that ends up in landfills.
Lastly, it prevents hazardous materials from entering the environment. Cars contain a variety of harmful substances. If they aren’t disposed of correctly, these substances can leach into the environment, causing soil and water pollution.
Core Masters Wants Your Junk Car (Even if You Don’t)
The afterlife of a car is an intricate process best left to the experts. You can’t simply ditch a car on the side of the road or abandon it by the highway. Recycling a car involves safe disposal of hazardous materials, stripping of reusable parts, shredding, and repurposing leftover materials. This process not only gives your car a valuable second life but also contributes significantly to environmental sustainability. You can feel good about doing your part for the environment while also making a bit of money. Not too bad for a car that probably doesn’t work.
When you sell your old, junk car to Core Masters, you’re putting it in good hands. After we pick it up for free — as long as you’re within 25 miles — and pay you in cash, we’ll take your car apart and put the remaining parts and scraps to good use. So stop letting your junk car rot further on the lawn and call Core Masters.