When we reach the point where our vehicle is no longer useful and we decide to deregister it, there are numerous parts that can be salvaged through proper recycling. It is crucial to prevent these parts from ending up in a junkyard if we wish to contribute to the well-being of our planet.
Today marks the celebration of World Environment Day, an occasion dedicated to raising global awareness about the significance of preserving and safeguarding our ecosystems, as well as fostering environmental respect. Although there is still a substantial distance to cover in terms of achieving sustainable mobility as drivers, we can make a positive impact by participating in car recycling.
How to recycle your car
Disposing of your car through recycling is not as straightforward as simply parking it at a designated spot. When a car reaches the end of its useful life, whether due to an accident, irreparable breakdowns, or the decision to upgrade to a new vehicle, it presents an opportunity for deeper consideration.
By engaging in proper waste management and car recycling, we can effectively reuse usable components while managing and disposing of discarded parts in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Vehicles play a significant role in minimizing environmental impact when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint.
Vehicles that have reached the end of their useful life, commonly referred to as VFUs (vehicles out of use), must undergo a specific process. This process involves decontamination, salvaging usable parts, reusing materials, and disposing of waste in a manner that prioritizes sustainability and environmental safety. To ensure these steps are carried out effectively, it is essential to send the vehicle to an authorized treatment center, also known as a CAT (authorized treatment center).
How waste management works
Vehicles contain a significant amount of recyclable materials and components, which means that the recycling process enables us to utilize those elements through specific transformations.
Upon arrival at a CAT, the end-of-use vehicle undergoes a process that can be summarized as follows:
1. Vehicle deregistration is managed.
2. Decontamination takes place, involving the proper handling and disposal of liquids, batteries, tires, glass, and other pollutants.
3. Separation of liquids, parts, scrap, and plastics occurs. Liquids are sent to a hazardous waste facility for appropriate treatment and disposal. Parts that can be reused are prepared for sale as second-hand car components, while irreparable parts are sent to a company specializing in fragmentation for subsequent recycling. Scrap is transported to a shredder for recycling, and polymers in plastics are sent to landfills, while monomers are recycled.
4. Additionally, other recyclable materials such as glass, iron, other metals, and even tires may be present.
Once the vehicle has been fully processed, three possibilities arise:
1. Recyclable materials are directed to various industries for transformation and reuse.
2. Non-recyclable materials are sent to a facility where they can be safely disposed of, preventing future contamination.
3. Reusable parts, which are salvaged components, can be purchased by car owners at a reduced price with the assurance of their quality.
