Last updated 1 day 1 hour ago
Every car eventually reaches the end of its usable life, but rather than wasting money on repairs that may be worth more than the car itself, it’s often more economical to sell an old car. But a scrapped car can have a significant environmental impact if it isn’t disposed of properly. So what exactly happens to a scraped car once it leaves your home? Read below to find out:
Dismantling and Salvaging
Many cars that have only suffered major collision damage or mechanical failure in one component still have many intact parts that can perform for hundreds and thousands of miles longer. They also contain several environmentally harmful components such as the batteries, tires, gas tanks, and various fluids. That’s why auto salvage businesses first dismantle the vehicle for used auto parts and remove these harmful materials before sending the main body away for further processing.
The Sifting Process
Even without hazardous materials, cars are constructed with a variety of materials—some of them recyclable, and some not. The main body is flattened by heavy machinery into a uniform shape for transportation and later shredded into a pile of metal, foam, cloth, plastic and other materials. A special machine magnetically pulls aluminum, iron, steel, and non-ferrous metals out of the chaff for later stream distribution and recycling, and the rest of the “fluff” is then disposed of in landfills.
Recycling Old Materials
The average North American automobile consists of approximately 60 percent steel, and this steel is 100 percent recyclable. In fact, it’s the most recycled material in the world ahead of paper, plastic, aluminum, copper, and glass combined. The recycled steel and other materials from car bodies is then used to manufacturing lighter and stronger frames and body panels for new automobiles.
As you can see, we here at Brock’s Auto Parts and Recycling of St. Louis, MO have played a major part in the cycle of automotive sustainability for over 50 years. Visit us online or call (314) 332-1359 today to receive a quote for your old vehicle or search for a used auto part.
Last updated 10 days ago
If you have a junker sitting in your driveway, the chances are it isn’t exactly adding to your home’s curb appeal. Most junkers are unsightly and have a tendency to leak fluids like engine oil and transmission fluid. Fortunately, getting rid of your junker is easy. In fact, you could even make a few bucks in the process. Here are the basics of recycling your leaky and unsightly junker.
Why Should You Recycle Your Junker?
The benefits of recycling your junker are almost too numerous to mention. In the short-term, you will be able to get rid of an eye-sore that is hurting your home’s appearance and taking up space that could be put to better use. Another reason to recycle your junker is that some businesses might even pay you for it. At the very least, a recycling service will be happy to tow it away from your home for free. In other words, recycling your leaky and unsightly junker is easy and hassle-free. If you’re feeling particularly generous, you could even donate your junker to a charity.
How Do You Prepare Your Junker for Recycling?
Once you decide to get rid of that old junker sitting in your driveway, there are a few things you need to do to prepare it. First, make sure to remove all gasoline or diesel fuel from the tank. If your junker uses liquefied propane gas or natural gas, remove the canister. Next, drain the engine coolant and oil. After you’re removed the coolant and oil, have a licensed recycler remove the air conditioner refrigerants. Finally, make sure to remove the car battery.
Recycling your old junker is an easy, satisfying experience. In addition to removing an ugly sight from your driveway and opening up more space, you will also benefit from the knowledge that your old junker’s parts will be put to good use. If you want to learn more about the basics of recycling your used car in St. Louis, call Brock Auto Parts & Recycling at (314) 332-1359.
Last updated 14 days ago
One of the greatest benefits of steel is that it can be recycled an almost infinite number of times without a reduction in its strength. Of course, there are also a number of other benefits to recycling steel.
In this video you will learn about the role of steel as an infinitely recyclable building product. Steel’s story begins with the stars and the iron atoms they contain. Iron can combine with a wide variety of elements to create other materials. The flexibility inherent in the steel making process means that there are still a vast number of ways in which steel can be made stronger and more durable.
If you want to learn more about the role of steel and the benefits of recycling, check out the video provided above. To learn more about automotive recycling, call Brock Auto Parts & Recycling of St. Louis at (314) 332-1359.
Last updated 17 days ago
Regardless of how old or beat up your junker might be, the fact of the matter is that its raw materials are still of great value and can be recycled and made into other, useful products. Here are some facts about automotive steel recycling that will help you understanding the true value of your junker. And, if you’d like to junk your car, stop by our St. Louis area auto recycling center.
Automotive Steel Recycling and the Environment
If you’re looking for a way to do your part for the environment, recycling your automobile is a great option. In 2006 alone, more than 14 million cars were donated. That was enough steel to manufacture 13.5 million new cars! The steel recycled from automobiles does more than just go towards the building of new cars, however. For example, the steel from a single car can make up to four steel utility poles. More importantly, recycling steel uses up far less energy than manufacturing it does. In fact, recycling steel saves up to 75% of the energy that would be used to create metal from raw materials.
Don’t let the steel in your junker go to waste! By donating your old car, you can rest assured that the steel in your car’s frame, seat belts, and car doors will go to good use. You can even rest easy knowing that you’ve done your bit for the environment. To learn more about the benefits of automotive steel recycling, call Brock Auto Parts & Recycling of St. Louis at (314) 332-1359.
Last updated 26 days ago
Surprisingly enough, one of the biggest advances in automotive fuel efficiency isn’t a modified powertrain, but the frame underneath the chassis. Thanks to advances in high-strength steel construction, modern cars are lighter and more fuel-efficient than ever. Take a look at this video clip to see how steel is revolutionizing the auto industry.
High-strength steel is both stronger and lighter than conventional materials, and it’s also 100 percent recyclable. In fact, steel is the most recycled material on the planet, with over 14 million tons retrieved from scrapped vehicles every year.
Brock’s Auto Parts and Recycling has been working towards a sustainable future by recycling scrapped automobiles in the St. Louis Metro area for over 50 years. To sell an old car or search for an affordable used part, call (314) 332-1359 today.
