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Cars
Americans buy about 17 million new cars and light trucks every year and scrap about 15 million. The primary component in cars is steel. By weight, the typical passenger car consists of about 65 percent steel and iron (Steel Recycling Institute). There are also reusable parts such as batteries, tires, and plastics. Then there are what the recycling industry calls “fluff,” including carpet/fibers, rubber, and glass. Additionally there are fluids – gas and oil – and other materials that have toxic components including mercury.
Most of the steel from cars can be recycled and used to make new steel. The steel industry recycles more than 14 million tons of steel from end-of-life vehicles, or the equivalent of nearly 13.5 million automobiles. Engines have separate scrap value due to their high grade of metal. Transmissions, radiators, condensers and some other parts are also extremely valuable as they are usually made of aluminum (Automotive Recyclers Association).
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Recycling and reuse options
Many local and national charities accept donated automobiles either for direct use in fulfilling their missions, or to sell for funds for their programs. America's Car Donation Charities Center serves as a clearinghouse for donations to several hundred organizations across the country from the Alzheimer’s Association to the Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization. Some, like the Easter Seals Car Donation Program and the American Lung Association run their own programs. Here are a few more opportunities in the Chicago area:
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin/Metropolitan Chicago accepts cars and puts them up for bid. Their website also has a particularly clear explanation of tax deduction information and the differences between 2004 and 2005. For more information on how to donate, call (414) 353-6400 x301.
The Salvation Army has a car donation program with a toll-free number: (877) SA3-AUTO or 723-2886 to arrange to have the car picked up. Hundreds of cars are received each year and auctioned weekly through the SA Waukegan Auto Auction .
The Society of St. Vincent DePaul accepts donated cars in working order to re-sell at reasonable prices to needy clients. Only donate if your car runs and can actually help someone. For information, call (773) 378- 8022.
Recycling options
If you must “junk” your car, look for a “Certified Automotive Recycler.” These are professionals who have completed an Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) course in the safest, standardized methods of disassembling cars, and storing and preparing parts for resale or reuse. To check a particular business, the ARA web site allows look-ups of specific members. Another web site,Car-Part.com, provides a directory of automotive recyclers by state. For links see web resources below.
Web resources
USEPA “Product Stewardship"
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