While 75 percent of the junked vehicles are recycled to recover metals like iron and steel, and the benefits of recycling cars are well known, many folks unknowingly discard valuable leftover parts that could be used in another car. These discarded parts could be recycled, reused, or sold to save space in landfills.
Shoes and Brake Pads
Brake pads and shoes now consist of both synthetic materials and copper. In fact, beginning in 1998, the amount of copper in brake pads has increased almost 90 percent. Brake pads purchased since 1998 contain roughly 15 to 30 percent of copper. These days, copper is very valuable.
By recycling brake pads and shoes you can reduce dust and gases which are released into the air. In addition, you’ll be saving precious space in landfills. Not to mention, recycling is much easier and uses less energy then mining or manufacturing these products.
Glass
The glass from windshields and windows in cars often poses a problem for recycling. However, this glass can be reused if removed properly. This is why it’s important you contact a professional company that can strip a totaled car. If you do find a place to recycle the glass, it can be made into sand, landscaping materials, or asphalt.
Most windshields or auto glass is made in two layers, one of which is made from Polyvinyl Butyrate. This layer features a strong, binding resin designed to retain clarity. Recycling or reusing glass reduces air pollution in shocking numbers, so don’t leave glass in the car when you send it to be junked.
Oil Filters
Oil filters are, in fact, recyclable. Made of steel, oil filters are the number one recycled material in America.
Recycling metals, or oil filters, saves over 50 percent in energy and water consumption. They also reduce water pollution and contaminants. In fact, one ton of recycled oil filters result in 1,700 pounds of steel, 30 gallons of oil and up to 10 cubic yards of space – quite a lot! If that’s not enough, oil filters drained at home will still contain about a half-cup of oil, that’s enough to pollute over 31 gallons of water.
Even your car accessories can be either recycled, reused or sold. Recycling car parts in Tacoma, WA reduces energy use, pollution, and greenhouse gases. In addition, recycling also conserves energy and saves oil. As you can see, recycling even the most odd car parts in Tacoma, WA presents many benefits
