MAR 24, 2022
How is auto recycling different from auto salvage? They both involve your car, and you might have heard of both terms before. But what do they mean, exactly? Don't worry; here's a quick guide by RCM Recycling to help you quickly grasp the difference between the two.
When people think of recycling, they usually think of empty cans or glass bottles. But even in the world of auto recycling, those items are just the tip of the iceberg. However, they present an excellent way to look at what auto recycling is all about.
When you recycle your car with RCM Recycling, you can ensure that we have correctly categorized and processed every last bit of recyclable material.
For example, the steel in a car is one of its most reusable components for scrap metal buyers. The aluminum wheels and engine block can also be recycled for metal content, and even tires can be recycled for their rubber content!
However, even non-metals can be recycled from a vehicle. For example, the carpeting and upholstery in a car can be removed and reused when possible or shredded for fiber. The battery can also be recycled. And while we don't want to encourage anyone to leave liquids in their cars when they bring them in to be recycled, it's essential to know that oil, antifreeze, and other fluids can also be reused or properly disposed of when processing a vehicle.
Auto recycling is a process that removes functional parts from old, worn-out, or damaged vehicles to repair and refurbish other ones. Auto recyclers will remove parts like the engine, transmission, alternator, starter, wheel bearings, calipers, catalytic converter, window motors and regulators, wheels, tires, etc. They can also be recycled for their scrap metal or their working parts.
Some auto recyclers will even buy your car if it's old or damaged. Some scrap metal buyers may even pay you cash once they evaluate your vehicle. Auto recycling has essential environmental benefits. For example, it keeps millions of tons of waste out of landfills every year. It also reduces the consumption of raw materials from mining operations, which helps to preserve natural resources.
Auto salvage is similar to auto recycling. However, with auto salvage, there aren't as many environmental regulations that need to be followed. Auto salvage yards often dismantle vehicles for scrap metal and do not reuse the parts for other vehicles.
Auto salvage refers to a vehicle that has been deemed unrepairable by the insurance company. If a car has been in a severe accident, it might have sustained so much damage that it will cost more to repair than to replace. In some cases, cars may also be considered salvage because of other issues such as being submerged in water.
Salvage vehicles are taken to a salvage yard by a salvage company, where they are stripped of any parts that can still be used on other cars, such as the engine and transmission and tires and wheels. These parts are inspected and refurbished before being sold for use in other vehicles. Any remaining parts of the original vehicle that cannot be reused are sold for scrap metal.
Recycling is a whole-car process, while salvage deals only with vehicle parts. An auto recycler will break down an entire car and separate its materials into various piles — glass, metal, plastic, and so on — for resale as raw materials for other industries or reuse on other vehicles. Auto salvaging companies tend to focus on pulling out usable components like engines and transmissions and selling them individually.
Auto recycling involves recycling the vehicle — dismantling and reusing parts that are still good, rather than scrapping the whole thing and melting down its metal components. Auto recycling is often part of the auto salvage process, but not always — auto salvage can refer to anything from simply disposing of an unwanted vehicle to working with a company like RCM Recycling to make sure every last part gets used again.
Auto salvage (also known as junk car removal) refers to removing your unwanted vehicle from your property get rid of it, so you don't have to deal with it anymore. This might mean taking it to a scrap yard or junkyard, where it will be dismantled and recycled. Or it might mean donating your car to charity, in which case the charity will take care of arranging for scrapping or re-selling with a scrap metal company in Newnan, GA.
Scrap Metal
What happens if my car goes to a landfill?
Not if you bring it to RCM Recycling! RCM recycling separates scrap metal from other usable parts using state-of-the-art machines, and it's better for the environment AND your bank account!
If you have an old vehicle that no longer runs, or you want to sell an undamaged used car fast for cash, contact RCM Recycling today!
