How to Recycle a Junk Car
Creative Waste Management for Used Autos
Recycling a junk can is not only good for the environment, it can also be good for a person’s wallet and soul. It is a win-win situation and one that can be done just by flipping through the phone book and making a few calls. Here's how.
Junkyards
First, someone wanting to recycle a junk car should check out their local junkyards that specialize in car replacement parts. This is a great idea if the car owner wants to make a profit. If the car has parts that are still good, the junkyard will pick the car up and pay for it. To make the most money, the car can be dropped off by the owner, which negates any pick-up fees that would be taken out of the profit.
It is also important to shop around at different junkyards to find the best offer. Many part yards have certain parts needs and will be willing to offer more money for a car with those parts.
Scrap Metal Yards
Scrap metal yards specialize in taking old metal and selling it to companies to turn into new items.Scrap metal is bought by the pound, so the more metal the junk car has, the more money the owner will make. One word of caution, though: scrap metal yards don't take tires, usually, so owners will have to find a tire recycling area to drop them off at.
Charities
If the owner isn’t worried about profit and would rather donate a vehicle to a good cause, checking out charities would be a good choice. Many charities have started tow-away programs for old cars. These programs help to make money for the needy. Car Angles, Cars for Causes, and Give Cars are all good websites for more information on car donations for charity.
Local high schools and community colleges should also be contacted. Some will take junk cars as learning tools for the mechanic shop students if the car isn’t in total disrepair.
Cash for Clunkers
Many new car lots will take gas guzzling cars for a trade-in worth up to $4500 dollars thanks to the Cash for Clunkers or CAR Allowance Rebate System (CARS) government program. See the official CARS website at cars.gov for more information.
City Clean-Up Days
Once a year, many cities have a clean-up day where they will offer to haul away junk cars for free. The owner can call the local city hall for more information.
Offering the Car for Free
If all else fails, the owner of the car can offer it to others for free. It can be listed for free on Craigslist or on a Freecycle forum. Others may want the car for parts, or may want to fix the car as a hobby.
No matter where the owner lives, a car can be recycled to help the Earth and humans, alike. It is a creative form of waste managment that benefits everyone.
Cash for Clunkers
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