When a car reaches the end of its life, many owners choose to scrap it rather than letting it sit unused or deteriorate. Scrapping a car can feel like saying goodbye to a loyal companion, but it also provides a valuable service by ensuring that the vehicle is disposed of in an environmentally responsible way. But what exactly happens to a car after it’s scrapped? In this article, we’ll take you through the process of what occurs when a car is sent to the scrapyard.
1. Towing the Vehicle to the Scrapyard
The first step in scrapping a car is getting it to the scrapyard. If the vehicle is still drivable, it can be driven to the yard, but in many cases, cars are no longer operational. In these situations, the car is usually towed to the scrapyard. Some scrap yards offer towing services, while others may require owners to arrange transportation. Once the car arrives at the scrapyard, it’s ready for the disassembly process.
2. Removing Hazardous Fluids and Components
Before any scrapping or recycling can take place, the vehicle must be made safe. This begins with the removal of hazardous fluids. Cars are filled with various liquids, including fuel, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and motor oil, all of which can be harmful to the environment if not properly disposed of.
At the scrapyard, trained professionals drain these fluids to prevent contamination. In addition, the car’s battery, which contains harmful chemicals, is carefully removed. Once these potentially dangerous components are taken care of, the car can be safely dismantled and recycled.
3. Salvaging Valuable Parts
After the hazardous materials are removed, the next step is to salvage any parts that can be reused. This is an important aspect of the scrapping process, as many car parts can be recycled or resold. Commonly salvaged parts include:
- Engines: If the engine is in good condition, it can be refurbished and sold as a replacement part for other vehicles.
- Tyres: Tyres can be resold or repurposed, especially if they are in usable condition.
- Transmission and Gearbox: These components are often salvaged, cleaned, and resold.
- Electronics and Wiring: Items like airbags, lights, alternators, and sensors can be recycled or reused.
- Body Panels: If the body is in good shape, doors, hoods, and bumpers can be resold.
These reusable parts can be sold as second-hand car parts or even repurposed in various industries, reducing the need for new production and helping to minimise waste.
4. Crushing the Car
Once all the valuable parts have been removed, the car is ready to be crushed. This process involves placing the vehicle into a large machine that compresses it into a compact block. The crushing process is important for reducing the amount of space the car occupies and making it easier to transport for recycling.
During the crushing stage, any remaining materials that can’t be salvaged or reused, like certain plastics and small metal components, are crushed down as well. The resulting compacted mass of metal and other materials is then prepared for the next stage of recycling.
5. Recycling the Materials
After the car is crushed, it is sent to a recycling facility where the materials are separated and processed. The most significant material to be recovered is metal, particularly steel and aluminium, which make up the majority of a vehicle’s structure. These metals are melted down and repurposed into new products, reducing the need for raw materials and conserving resources.
Apart from metals, other materials like plastics, rubber from tyres, and glass can also be recycled. For instance, the glass from car windows is processed and repurposed, and the rubber from tyres can be used in the manufacturing of products like playground surfaces or road materials.
6. Final Disposal of Non-Recyclable Parts
Not all components of a car can be recycled. Items such as certain plastics, seat fabrics, and chemicals from air conditioning systems may not be suitable for recycling and must be safely disposed of. Scrapyards and recycling centres are equipped to handle the proper disposal of these non-recyclable materials in a way that complies with environmental regulations.
7. Environmental Impact and Benefits
Scrapping a car properly has significant environmental benefits. Recycling the materials from a vehicle helps reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and lower the carbon footprint associated with producing new materials. Additionally, the safe disposal of hazardous fluids and chemicals ensures that harmful substances do not pollute the soil or waterways.
In fact, up to 80-90% of a car’s material can be recycled, making the scrapping process an important part of the circular economy. By choosing to scrap your car with a licensed scrap dealer, you can contribute to a more sustainable future while also disposing of your vehicle in an environmentally responsible way.
Conclusion
Car removal in Melbourne is more than just getting rid of an old vehicle—it’s a process that helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and contribute to a more sustainable environment. By properly dismantling and recycling the vehicle’s components, the scrap industry plays a vital role in protecting the planet. So, the next time you need to say goodbye to an old car, rest assured that it’s being recycled and repurposed for the benefit of the environment and the community.
