Why Recycle My Old Car?

We all know that driving harms the environment. When petroleum is burned, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, causing global warming. In addition to carbon dioxide, driving releases other noxious gases, which cause breathing problems such as asthma in our children.

On the other hand, we recognize driving as a necessary evil. Public transportation is not well-established in many cities, and some distances are simply too long to bike. However, this does not mean that we should simply drive just any car.

Cars are not all the same. Some cars are more fuel-efficient than others. For instance, on a gallon of oil, an SUV can travel about 17 miles. In contrast, a fuel-efficient vehicle, such as the Honda Fit, can travel 27 miles. The figure is even higher for a hybrid: 50 miles.

In recent years, we have seen a trend toward more and more fuel-efficient cars. Nowadays, even SUVs and Hummers come in hybrid form. The Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, two amazing hybrids, are all the rage. Older models, with their shameful fuel-guzzling record, languish in garages.

So what do you do with an old car? Do you drive it to a dump? You’re simply contributing to our rising landfill. Do you sell it? Firstly, if you sell it, it will continue to be driven, and to pollute the environment. Secondly, who would want to buy a battered, five-year-old van? The meagre income will not be worth your time.

Why not recycle it? We throw empty milk cartons and plastic bottles into the recycling bin, without giving it a second thought. Recycling has become the obvious solution to used materials. Why not do the same for cars?

Can your recycle cars? Absolutely. Several environmental charities in Ontario accept used cars, and recycle its materials for new industrial use. Check out Car Heaven, a recycling program from the Clean Air Association. The Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association will also direct you to appropriate recycling services.

Recycling cars has several advantages. Firstly, and most evidently, it removes a fuel-guzzling vehicle from the road. Secondly, it forces you to buy a new, and hopefully more fuel-efficient vehicle. This purchase stimulates the ailing economy, and signals to car manufacturers that fuel-efficient vehicles are in demand. Finally, your new vehicle emits fewer noxious gases.

But the most fundamental aspect of recycling lies in the word itself. Recycle: to place something back into the cycle. When the car has been taken apart, its plastic, metal, glass and rubber become reusable again. Instead of mining for new iron, and destroying an ecosystem, companies can use the iron from your recycled car.

If you recycled your car, you become part of a major movement to better our health and our environment. You, personally, have reduced carbon emissions, starting us on a road to slow down global warming. You, personally, have improved our air quality, and have saved children and seniors from asthma and bronchitis.

However small your contribution may be, it is valued, and it is significant. After all, it takes many small steps to walk a mile.