If you have an old junk car, think twice before you trash it. Why? Auto statistics reveal that up to 80 percent of your vehicle has the potential to be recycled into earth-friendly materials. In addition to helping protect the environment, car recycling can also put money back in your pocket. Below is a quick resource guide to help you understand the value of taking your junk car to a recycling center for a quote.

Car Recycling 101

What Parts of a Car Can Be Recycled?

You may be surprised to know that most of your car’s parts and components can be recycled. This includes your wheels, battery, glass windows and mirrors, metals, plastics, and catalytic converter. They are all either melted down for reuse or taken through additional steps of purification.

How Does the Auto Recycling Process Work?

When you take your junk vehicle to a car recycling center, their team will inspect it, taking an inventory of what parts can be reused or recycled. From there, they’ll safely drain and dispose of your oil, gasoline, refrigerants, and other fluids, before pulling out the parts for future recycling. They’ll also remove your airbag propellant and any other materials that may pose a safety hazard. Once all recyclable and hazardous parts have been removed, your junk car will be crushed into a tight cube and transported to a scrap metal facility for further breakdown and recycling.

Why Should You Recycle Your Car?

According to studies, the North American automotive recycling industry saves around 85 million barrels of oil from getting used in making new or replacement auto parts annually. Additionally, those statistics report that the average car body is made from about 25 percent recycled steel. These statistics ultimately showcase how vehicle recycling helps reduce the environmental impact the auto industry has on the planet’s precious resources, as it requires fewer materials and energy to make new car parts

Car recycling has economic benefits as well. Since the industry is made up of mostly small businesses, each of which hires an average of 10 people, doing business with a car recycling center near you offers a tangible way to support your local economy. Lastly, you can also receive financial gain for selling your junk car for recycling, with some businesses offering thousands of dollars for wrecked vehicles or those with problems that don't operate well.

Are you looking for a local junkyard that specializes in the recycling of junk cars? Take your old vehicle to Roadrunner Recycling. Headquartered in San Marcos, TX, this trusted recycling center provides the region with quality metal salvage solutions. The company also prides itself on paying the most in the area for automobiles and scrap metal, offering up to a $10,000 payout to customers. Give Roadrunner Recycling a call today at (512) 353-4511 to discuss their services and metal recycling prices. You can also visit their website to learn more.