Recycling

When we think of recycling, we only tend to think about the process of recycling our everyday paper, plastic and aluminum products. While recycling those products does play a crucial part in the sustainability of our planet, many of us don't take advantage of other forms of recycling. For instance, the recycling of used vehicles.

There are many parts throughout a car that can be restored, re-polished and resold as recycled parts. In addition, about 85 percent of every vehicle, from the floor mats to the chassis, can be recycled into other products. This idea of recycling the entire vehicle keeps cars out of landfills and toxic chemicals from being released into the ground, air and water.

What happens with the parts after they are recycled?

Many engine parts simply go through a restoration process and are put back on shelves as good as new. For example, when you take your car to an automotive shop and the mechanic finds that you need a new alternator, he will most likely replace it with a remanufactured unit. Your old alternator will then be shipped off to be rebuilt. This is an extremely common practice that has plus signs all over it. To start with, it cuts down on the raw materials needed to manufacture new parts. That helps us keep our planet a bit more healthy. Second, a rebuilt part can cost up to 60 percent less than a new part manufactured in the U.S. 100 percent sustainable! 100 percent economical!

Now, if your vehicle is a bit on the old side, has completely stopped working and has no resale value. What are you supposed to do with it? Most people just have their old clunkers towed away to spend the rest of their elderly lives in the boneyard. This, as mentioned above, can inflict horrible damage on our environment.

Fortunately, there are many different options to consider when looking to get rid of your old car. Considering your vehicle still has some life left in it (and still runs), you can always donate it to a local charity. These charities will in turn donate the car to a family in need, free of charge. As an incentive, the government allows you to claim the estimated worth of the vehicle on your taxes.

Another option, if your vehicle is dead to the world and is absolutely useless, would be recycling your entire vehicle. There are programs that will pick your vehicle up, at no charge to you, and haul it away to be recycled. When the car arrives at the recycling facility it is stripped of all toxic materials (fuel, oil, mercury switches, coolant, etc.), which are all disposed of, reused, or contained in an environmentally safe manner, and the recycling of metals and plastics can begin.

These are some awesome ways to pitch in and help our environment for FREE! Also, next time your car is being serviced, make sure to ask your mechanic to use remanufactured parts. It will help save the earth while saving you money. Can't lose there!

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