When people think of recycling, cars probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind—but they should be! Car recycling is one of the biggest and most fascinating parts of the recycling world. From the sheer volume of material salvaged to the clever ways parts get reused, there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than most people realise.
Whether you’re into cars or just curious about what happens after one reaches the end of the road, here are 10 fun facts about car recycling that might surprise you.
1. Cars Are the Most Recycled Consumer Product in the World
Yep, more than cans or paper. Each year, millions of vehicles around the world are taken off the road and recycled. The auto industry has one of the highest recycling rates, with around 95% of a car’s materials being reused or repurposed.
2. Steel from Recycled Cars Can Be Used to Build… More Cars!
The steel recovered from scrapped cars often ends up being used in the manufacture of new vehicles. This not only saves energy but also helps reduce emissions. It’s a classic case of old becoming new—your retired car might just live on as part of someone else’s brand-new ride.
3. Recycling One Car Saves Enough Energy to Power a House for Months
That’s right. Recycling just one car can conserve enough energy to power the average Aussie home for around three to five months. This comes from avoiding the energy-intensive process of mining and producing new materials.
4. The Tyres Don’t Go to Waste Either
Old tyres aren’t just thrown away—they’re often turned into things like soft-fall playground surfaces, road base, or even new tyres. Australia recycles millions of tyres each year, keeping them out of landfills and giving them a second life in creative ways.
5. Oil from Old Cars Gets Cleaned and Reused
Used engine oil doesn’t just get dumped—it’s collected, cleaned, and reused as industrial lubricants or fuel. One litre of used oil can contaminate thousands of litres of water, so proper disposal is a huge win for the environment.
6. Even the Car Battery Gets Recycled
Car batteries are among the most recyclable parts of a vehicle. The lead and plastic are recovered and turned into new batteries. In Australia, more than 90% of car batteries are recycled—one of the best recycling rates of any product.
7. Cars Can Be Dismantled in Just a Few Hours
An experienced wrecker can dismantle a car in as little as two to three hours. They know exactly what to remove, what to salvage, and what to recycle. It’s not just about crushing a car into a cube—it’s a highly skilled process.
8. Catalytic Converters Contain Precious Metals
Your car’s catalytic converter may contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium—some of the most valuable metals in the world. These parts are carefully extracted and refined for reuse, often fetching a surprisingly high price.
9. Recycling Helps Prevent ‘Car Graveyards’
Without car recycling, we’d have mountains of abandoned vehicles taking up space in paddocks and junkyards. Recycling helps keep cities clean and avoids environmental hazards from fluid leaks, rust, and toxic materials.
10. You Can Get Paid for Recycling Your Car
Here’s the best part—you don’t have to pay to get rid of an old car. In fact, many car recycling and cash-for-cars services will pay you. Whether your vehicle runs or not, you can often get a solid payout just for letting it go to the right hands.
Thinking About Saying Goodbye to Your Old Car?
Car recycling isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for your wallet too. If your vehicle has reached the end of its journey, let us help you recycle it responsibly. We’ll take care of everything, from pickup to paperwork, and make sure your car gets a second life in the most eco-friendly way.
Got a car sitting around? Give us a call today and turn that unused vehicle into something useful again—while putting some cash in your pocket.
If you are in Hawthorn, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
Burwood Cash For Cars
www.burwoodcashforcars.com.au
(03) 7047 6732