Automotive Recycling : A Commitment to Sustainability
Exploring Automotive Recycling with Sandgate Wreckers: A Commitment to Sustainability
Have you ever wondered about the recycling potential of your car? You might be surprised to learn that approximately 75–85% of a vehicle’s weight is made up of recyclable materials (FCAI, 2021).
At Sandgate Wreckers, we focus on salvaging and reusing quality-tested auto parts that still have life in them. While many components can be reused, others (such as brake pads and airbags) are not suitable for resale due to safety concerns. So what parts of a car are recyclable, and how does the process work?
Here’s a closer look at the recyclability of major vehicle components:
Metals
Vehicles contain a substantial amount of steel, aluminium, copper and other metals. Using advanced dismantling, shredding and smelting processes, up to 65–70% of a car’s weight (mostly in ferrous metals like steel) can be recovered and recycled into new products (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2020).
Fluids
Engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid and brake fluid are drained and collected during the de-pollution process. These fluids are either reprocessed for reuse or disposed of responsibly through licensed recycling facilities, reducing environmental harm (NSW EPA, 2023).
Lead-Acid Batteries
These are among the most commonly recycled car parts. The lead is extracted and reused in new batteries or other manufacturing processes, while the plastic casing is also recyclable (Battery Stewardship Council, 2023).
EV Batteries
A 2020 CSIRO report highlighted the high recycling potential of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. It estimated that each tonne of lithium-ion battery waste could be worth between $4,400 and $17,200 in materials. That equates to several thousand dollars’ worth of recoverable value per vehicle and an estimated $3.2 billion national opportunity by 2036 (CSIRO, 2020).
The Real Environmental Win: Reuse
While recycling plays a major role in reducing waste, the greatest environmental benefit comes from reusing parts already in circulation. Quality-tested parts such as engines, transmissions and even infotainment units can offer huge savings to the customer and the planet.
For example, an infotainment unit salvaged from a donor vehicle and tested by our team can be sold for as little as $150, complete with a 12-month warranty. The same part may cost upwards of $6,000 brand new from a dealership - manufactured from newly mined materials and advanced electronic components. By choosing reuse, you're conserving energy, reducing manufacturing demand and cutting down on e-waste.
Our Commitment at Sandgate Wreckers
Vehicle recycling supports natural resource conservation, reduces landfill, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and helps combat pollution. Sandgate Wreckers is proud to lead by example as a multi-generational business committed to environmental responsibility and circular economy principles.
Whether you're looking to save money or reduce your environmental footprint, our team is here to help you make the sustainable choice.
Let’s make every mile count for your car, your wallet and the planet.
