25 Eye-Opening Facts About Scrap Car Recycling

Nowadays, car scrapping is not just a topic of discussion it’s a necessity and a major contributor to the global economy. To catchup with this the Indian Government announced New Vehicle Scrappage Policy in 2021 which lays out the regulatory framework for scrapping vehicles.

End-of-Life vehicle recycling is a topic where awareness is still developing. Our goal at Recycle City is to educate everyone how car scrapping can benefit them. Which is why we have listed down 25 car scrapping facts that highlight its importance in the industry.

1. The international automotive recycling industry is over 75 years old, a testament to its enduring economic necessity.
2. Automobiles are the most recycled consumer product globally, surpassing materials like glass and paper.
3. Each year, close to 30 million cars are recovered worldwide for recycling purposes.
4. These scrap vehicles yield over 25 million tons of heterogeneous material, which is processed into environment-friendly materials.
5. Annually, junk vehicles give out tons of recyclable metal, including over 14 million tons of recycled Steel.
6. The quantity of recycled Steel obtained worldwide is so massive that it could be used to manufacture over 14 million new cars.
7. Approximately 90% of the Aluminum in a scrap vehicle is recycled. Though it represents less than 10% of the car’s weight, it accounts for about 50% of its scrap value.
8. Out of the total car batteries recovered, approximately 98-99% are easily recycled. The recovered metals, like Copper and Silver, are stored and repurposed.

9. The tires from any scrap vehicle are efficiently recycled. The reclaimed material is often used in the production of roadways, commercial flooring, and household items.
10. Even a small part, like the windshield, can be successfully recycled thanks to modern RVSF technology.
11. The amount of Oil that is recycled from ELVs is substantial—so high that it could fill over 80 million barrels.
12. The volume of hazardous oils and fluids safely reclaimed by the auto recycling businesses globally is tremendous, equal to eight Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Disasters!
13. By weight, approximately 80% of the scrap vehicle is recycled. The remaining 20%, known as ASR (Auto Shredder Residue), includes fabrics, plastics, and fine metal pieces, which can be further processed to minimize landfill waste.
14. Expensive, usable auto parts (like alternators and starter motors) are not wasted. They are refurbished and resold at significantly lower prices.
15. On average, every new car produced today contains recycled materials. About 25% of a new car’s body is made from recycled Steel, demonstrating the circular economy in action.

16. ELV recycling businesses supply wholesale and retail customers with second-hand auto parts at a cost that is 20-80% less than purchasing new original parts.
17. The second-hand parts produced aren’t just used in other cars; they are instrumental in creating furniture, arts and crafts materials, ornaments, and kitchen utensils.
18. Auto recycling significantly reduces the burden on mining natural resources, which inherently harms nature.
19. The amount of natural resources saved when recycling per ton of Steel is huge: approximately 1134 kg of Iron Ore, 635 kg of Coal, and 54 kg of Limestone are conserved.
20. Scrap vehicles contain many toxic materials. Registered Auto Recycling businesses, like Recycle City, ensure these dangerous materials are dealt with the utmost care, preventing environmental disasters.
21. Under strict government environmental laws, Auto Recyclers must follow necessary procedures or risk paying hefty financial charges. This ensures compliance and safety.

22. The majority of Auto Recycling companies are smaller in size, with over 75% employing an average of 10 people. Even small, certified facilities make a significant contribution to their nation’s metal needs while protecting the environment.
23. Countries like the U.S., Europe, and Japan are the world’s largest auto recyclers, holding over 70% of the total auto recycling business.
24. North America, a good example of industry success, saves approximately 85 million barrels of Oil annually which would otherwise be used to make new replacement auto parts.
25. Through scrap car recycling, several vital national objectives are fulfilled: Protecting Mother Nature, reducing import costs of prominent metals, and contributing to improved road safety and fewer accidents.