The most obvious reason is to take up less space. But why are we scrapping, shredding and junking cars to begin with? Recycling cars is a lucrative business, and it makes environmental sense.

The sale of reusable salvage from old cars is only a small piece of the auto recycling pie. About 60% of a junked car is made from steel (the rest is made from other metals plus glass, rubber and upholstery). The price for scrap steel and iron is volatile so pricing mirrors the market. 

No, because each car has a different weight and we pay by the ton. Also, many of the valuable (and heavy) parts have typically already been sold. So, the price can really vary from car to car.

Our customers are responsible for treatment prior to crushing according to all state and federal regulations.

Typically, they drain the fluids on an impervious surface, not on bare ground. This process results in a mixture of fluids that they must handle as hazardous waste and dispose of using a licensed hazardous waste transporter. 

Then all recyclable and potentially hazardous components are removed, including the gas tank, radiator, tires, battery, catalytic converter, airbag units and mercury switches.

Only when all these operations are complete will our mobile crusher team get to work, following best management practices.

Recycling metal uses about 74% less energy than making new steel, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Recycled steel is cheaper as well, since new ore doesn't have to be mined to produce it. All steel produced today has at least 25% recycled steel in it, and some products are made entirely from recycled steel. So in addition to the economic and environmental benefits, recycling cars is a vital link in the world's industrial infrastructure.