Last Update on June 18, 2015 // Written by Hank No Comments

Cam belts are the bane of my car-owning existence. Since I've been driving, I've owned 3 cars and the bloody thing has snapped with each of them!

And before you start to say, ‘you need to get it changed when you've done a certain mileage', I KNOW! I've done the pre-emptive strike thing and it's STILL snapped – I'm truly cursed!

So know I'm adventuring into the realms of owning a car with a cam chain instead in the hope that my luck changes....

BUT, the one good thing that's come out of me losing my most recent car is that I've learned all about the benefits of car recycling – and, boy, was there a lot I didn't know?!

So this article's been inspired by my new-found insight in to the exciting (honestly!) world of car recycling, as this is definitely an option you should consider if you're looking to get rid of your car anytime soon.

pic How Exactly Does it Work?

It's a good idea to Google the location of your nearest car recycling facility (e.g. Scrap Car South Shields) and give them a quick call for a more thorough insight but, briefly explained, it begins with scrap vehicle being inventoried for parts and recyclers start the engine in order to inspect for leaks. After inventory, fluids are drained and removed. The next step involves the remaining hazardous materials such as the battery, mercury, and sodium azide (used in air bags) being removed. After all the interior parts and products are removed, the remaining shell of the vehicle is crushed and recycled. Often, the plastic parts are separated from the metal parts by using a vibratory conveyor and magnet system (like this Cyrus Vibratory Conveyor), making recycling different materials easier and less expensive.

Is it Harmful to the Environment?!

Absolutely not! In actual fact, car recycling is incredibly beneficial to the environment – especially because it means all hazardous materials are disposed of in an environmentally-friendly way.

I was told before my car is sent out for recycling all reusable parts are salvaged. Automotive recyclers supply retail and wholesale customers with quality auto parts that cost less compared to new auto parts, so a decreasing demand for new parts saves energy and natural resources.

In fact, recycling metal uses about 74 percent less energy than making new metal, so recycling a car is a massive energy saver! Recycling a car keeps 11 million tons of steel and 800,000 non-ferrous metals out of landfills and back in consumer use. Wow!

pic Do I Get Paid for It? Yes! Ok, so it won't be millions, and the amount is more in line with what you'd expect to receive for scrapping your car, but many recycling facilities do offer payment for your car, and it's well worth investigating a few different places to get the best deal you can. Money for your car AND good-person points for helping the environment. Winner, winner, chicken dinner! (Unless you're a veggie, of course!) Are There Other Benefits to Car Recycling? Yes! The car recycling industry employs hundred thousands of people. Expanding economies have lead to greater demand for scrap steel, bolstering the market worldwide. With a new technology being developed hopes are high to enable almost 100 % of scrap vehicles to be recycled or turned into energy. Great news!  

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