AUTO RECYCLING

In 2007, there were just over 4.8 million cars and light trucks on the roads in Quebec, constituting a large fleet with many older vehicles. On average, owners of new vehicles will keep them for more than 8 years, and about one third will keep them for 11 to 15 years. When the life cycle is at an end, owners have to dispose of vehicles and therefore look for a company specializing in automotive recycling. That’s the value of a company like RECYC-AUTO.

Auto recycling is a major challenge throughout the world. Cars are among the most complex mass-produced products to be recycled and the recycling process must follow strict standards to avoid becoming a source of pollution. According to Recyc-Québec, 80% (by weight) of a vehicle is recycled or recovered in Quebec. That includes reused parts, tires, batteries, oil, gasoline and metal.

The automobile recycling process consists of 3 steps:

• Clean up and pollution control
• Crushing
• Shredding

Clean up – Step 1 of auto recycling

First, we remove all contaminants from the car. We drain all fluids, i.e. hydraulic and lubricating oils, gasoline, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and coolant. Next, we remove the oil filter, battery, tires, components containing mercury, wheel weights, lead battery connectors and fuel, propane and natural gas tanks. All these components are recycled.

Crushing – Step 2 of auto recycling

In this step, the carcasses and remaining parts are then crushed and stacked safely for easy transport to the shredder.

Shredding – Step 3 of auto recycling

During the final step, the carcasses are shipped to the shredding site. They are weighed and broken up.

Why is it so important to consign your vehicle to an automotive recycling expert?

Vehicles have components that can be considered dangerous or harmful to the environment. The RECYC-AUTO team is qualified to clean up and completely recycle your vehicle.

Components classified as hazardous or environmentally unsafe:

Mercury

• Headlight/tail light switches
• Switches and sensors for ABS brakes
• Xenon light bulbs

Lead

• Batteries
• Wheel weights
• Battery connectors

Coolant gases

• Air conditioning systems

Fuel

• Gasoline
• Diesel

Lubricating and hydraulic oils

Other fluids such as antifreeze and windshield washer