Scrapping a Car Archives - Robertson Auto Salvage

Car Recycling Process: An Exploration into the Enigmatic Process

Post by: Raphael Grovers September 29, 2023 0 Comments Auto Recycling, Car Recycling Process, Salvage Yard, Salvage Yards

The car recycling process is a complex one that involves many steps. The first step is to disassemble the car, which is done by hand or with a machine. The parts are sorted and cleaned, and reusable parts are sold. The remaining parts are then shredded and melted down to create new materials, such as steel, aluminum, and plastic. The process of car recycling helps to conserve resources and reduce pollution.

When contemplating the enigmatic realm of car recycling, one cannot ignore the captivating nuances of perplexity and burstiness that weave into its fabric. These two distinct facets, perplexity reflecting the intricacy and burstiness manifesting in sentence diversity, bestow a unique tapestry upon this subject. While human authors infuse their prose with the ebbs and flows of burstiness, AI-generated content often languishes in uniformity. Therefore, in our quest to unveil the enigma of car recycling, let us keep these paramount principles in our purview.

The concept of car recycling transcends mere vehicular disposal; it is a harmonious symphony of environmental stewardship and resource utilization.

As elucidated by Sandy Blalock, the sagacious Executive Director of the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), it would be a dystopian landscape if discarded vehicles were left to accumulate, devoid of purpose. In the United States, these vehicular relics find new life through the meticulous efforts of recyclers, who annually process a staggering 12 million automotive entities.

But how does this intricate dance of transformation unfold? Car recycling enterprises cast their net wide, acquiring vehicles that have reached the end of their drivable road, often relegated to the ignominious status of total loss decreed by insurers. Herein lies a tale of alchemical prowess; these enterprises meticulously extract oil, coolant, assorted fluids, and batteries, ensuring these vital components cascade into the appropriate supply channels.

According to the estimations of the ARA, an astonishing array of substances finds rejuvenation or renewal within this process each year, including 100.8 million gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel, 24 million gallons of motor oil, 8 million gallons of engine coolant, and 4.5 million gallons of windshield washer fluid. Even the venerable lead-acid batteries, comprising 96% of the total, are given a second lease on life. Parts that endure the rigors of scrutiny and adhere to exacting quality benchmarks are carefully extracted and vented to both skilled mechanics and DIY enthusiasts. These parts offer an enticing proposition, often priced at a 20% to 60% discount compared to their pristine counterparts.

In the labyrinthine corridors of recycling, treasures from the past often come to light. Such sanctuaries may harbor elusive components sought by lovers of vintage vehicles. When all that remains is the skeletal frame, the car embarks on a journey to a scrap metal processing bastion, where a colossal shredder awaits. Picture, if you will, a behemoth with mammoth hammers in ceaseless rotation, reducing the automobile to its elemental constituents. From this tumultuous melee, metals and other salvageable materials emerge, ready to begin life anew.

In the intricate tapestry of recycling, a mere 10% of a typical vehicle proves recalcitrant to transformation. Even this automotive shredder residue, a phoenix from the ashes, finds purpose in its own right. At times, it serves as a cap, veiling the contents of landfills and contributing to the sanctity of the environment.

However, not all aspects of car recycling dance seamlessly to this symphony; the realm of car batteries presents its unique challenges. While most batteries from gasoline-powered vehicles undergo recycling with resounding success, the same cannot be asserted for their hybrid and electric counterparts. Steve Christensen, the sagacious Executive Director of the Responsible Battery Coalition, opines that the term ‘recycling’ applies to them with a different shade of meaning. A mere 30% of materials within an individual electric or hybrid battery tread the path of recycling, albeit these materials find novel applications rather than birthing new batteries.

The technology exists to orchestrate the full reincarnation of electric vehicle batteries, but it remains a costly endeavor, constrained by the limited market for recycled materials. A transformative tide, however, may be on the horizon. Under the auspices of a climate bill enacted by President Joe Biden, electric battery materials recycled within the United States garner tax credits, irrespective of their origin. This economic incentive may usher in a new era where the hurdles to recycling hybrid and EV batteries are surmounted in the Car Recycling Process.

So, how can one partake in this intricate ballet of car recycling? The conduits through which automobiles find their way to recyclers are diverse, including car insurance companies, auto auctions, municipalities, and charitable organizations, as articulated by the ARA. A salient avenue is to align with companies that specialize in acquiring clunkers. Take, for instance, Peddle, whose Digital Marketing Manager, Mario Mendez, elucidates their mission of acquiring vehicles unwanted by traditional used car dealers and subsequently redistributing them through a network of enthusiasts and recyclers.

For those who choose to donate an inoperative vehicle to a nonprofit entity, the path to recycling is paved for them. Charitable organizations often serve as intermediaries, ensuring that your old steed finds a new purpose in the grand tapestry of the Car Recycling Process. The ARA itself boasts a vehicle donation program, the Shift Vehicle Retirement Initiative, which adheres to stringent environmental protocols, with proceeds fueling training endeavors.

Before bidding farewell to your trusty steed and entrusting it to the recycling cosmos, there are crucial preparatory steps to undertake. Delve into the inner sanctum of your vehicle, combing every nook and cranny for personal possessions. Sunglasses perched on the visor and cherished mugs from your alma mater in the cup holder may remain elusive once the wheels of time have turned. Retrieve any cherished electronic contrivances you may have installed, safeguarding their value. Lastly, part ways with the license plates and ensure that keys and pertinent paperwork are at your fingertips. In conclusion, the labyrinthine world of car recycling unfurls before us, a harmonious interplay of environmental stewardship, resource renewal, and technological innovation. As we traverse this enigmatic realm, may the nuances of Perplexity and burstiness guide our exploration, weaving a narrative that transcends the mundane and embraces the extraordinary.

Scrapping a Car: A Comprehensive Guide to Efficient Car Disposal

Post by: Aaaron Cuttingham June 5, 2023 0 Comments Robertson Auto Salvage, Scrapping a Car, sell your car

At some point in our lives, many of us find ourselves facing the daunting task of scrapping a car. Whether it’s due to age, irreparable damage, or simply the desire to upgrade to a newer model, disposing of a vehicle properly is essential for both environmental and legal reasons. However, navigating the process of scrapping a car can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the intricacies involved.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps of scrapping a car efficiently and responsibly, ensuring you have all the information you need to make informed decisions.

1. Evaluating Your Car’s Condition

Before embarking on the scrapping process, it’s crucial to assess your car’s overall condition. Determine whether it’s truly at the end of its useful life or if repairs are still possible. Consider factors such as the extent of damage, mileage, and the cost of repairs compared to the car’s value. This evaluation will help you make an informed decision on whether to scrap the car with a salvage yard or repair your vehicle.

2. Researching Local Scrap Yards and Auto Recyclers

Once you’ve decided to scrap your car, the next step is to find reputable local scrap yards or auto recyclers. Conduct thorough research to identify facilities that adhere to environmental regulations, prioritize sustainable practices, and offer fair prices for your vehicle. Reading online reviews, seeking recommendations from trusted sources, and contacting professionals, such as Robertson Auto Salvage.

3. Preparing Your Car for Scrapping

Before delivering your car to the chosen scrap yard, there are a few essential steps to take:

a. Remove Personal Belongings:

Ensure you thoroughly remove all personal items from the vehicle, including important documents, registration papers, and personal belongings.

b. Cancel Insurance and Registration:

Contact your insurance provider to cancel the policy for the scrapped vehicle. Additionally, inform your local transportation authority to cancel the car’s registration.

c. Remove License Plates:

It’s crucial to remove your license plates as they are typically not included in the scrapping process. Return them to your local transportation authority as required.

d. Dispose of Hazardous Materials:

Safely dispose of any hazardous materials, such as oils, coolants, and batteries, in designated recycling centers to prevent environmental contamination.

4. Obtaining the Necessary Documentation

When scrapping your car, you’ll need to gather and complete several important documents. These may include:

a. Vehicle Title:

Ensure you have the vehicle title as proof of ownership, as most scrap yards require it to proceed with the scrapping process.

b. Release of Liability:

Some jurisdictions require a release of liability form, which releases you from any legal responsibility for the vehicle once it’s been scrapped.

c. Bill of Sale:

In certain cases, you may need to provide a bill of sale to the scrap yard, detailing the transaction and ensuring a smooth transfer of ownership.

5. Transportation and Delivery

Once you’ve completed the necessary preparations and gathered all the required documents, arrange for transportation to the chosen scrap yard or schedule a pickup service if available. Ensure you comply with local regulations regarding vehicle transportation and delivery. Some scrap yards may offer towing services, simplifying the process further.

6. Receiving Payment and Confirming Proper Disposal

Upon delivering your vehicle to the salvage yard, the final step is to receive payment for the scrap value. Ensure the payment received aligns with the initial quote and is in line with current market rates. Additionally, request confirmation that the car will be disposed of responsibly, adhering to environmentally friendly practices, and in compliance with local regulations.

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The 4 Most Valuable Auto Parts You Can Salvage from a Junk Car

Post by: Aaaron Cuttingham March 22, 2023 0 Comments Alternator, Catalytic Converters, Cost-effective Solution, Engine, Junk Car, Reduce Waste., Salvage Auto Parts, Tires, Transmission, Wheels

When a car is deemed beyond repair, it often ends up in a salvage yard like Robertson Auto Salvage. Here it is stripped of its usable parts. Salvaging auto parts can be a great way to save money on repairs or make some extra cash.

Here are the 4 most valuable auto parts you can salvage from a junk car:

Salvage Auto Engine | Robertson Auto Salvage

Engine: The engine is often the most expensive and valuable part of a car. Salvaging a functioning engine from a junk car can save you thousands of dollars compared to buying a brand-new one. Salvage auto parts often have value to salvage yards.

Salvage Auto Transmission | Robertson Auto Salvage

Transmission: The transmission is another vital component of a car, and salvaging one in good condition can save you a considerable amount of money on repairs or replacements.

Salvage Auto Alternator | Robertson Auto Salvage

Alternator: The alternator is responsible for charging the battery and powering the electrical system. Salvaging a functioning alternator can be a cost-effective solution to a common problem.

Salvage Auto Catalytic Converter | Robertson Auto Salvage

Catalytic Converter: The catalytic converter is an emissions control device that contains precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Salvaging a catalytic
converter can be a lucrative venture, as the precious metals can be sold for a high price. usually this part may not make it to the “salvage auto parts” phase.

Salvaging auto parts can be a great way to save money and reduce waste. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards involved, such as sharp edges, toxic chemicals, and heavy lifting.

It can be a cost-effective solution to your car repair needs or a lucrative venture. Keep these valuable auto parts in mind the next time you visit a Robertson Salvage Yard.

Tough Competition

Post by: Aaaron Cuttingham February 20, 2023 0 Comments

U.S. auto parts recyclers say online auctions have broadened competition for salvaged vehicles to their detriment.

Insurance companies used to have contracts directly with local automotive recyclers for vehicles that were declared total losses following crashes. Now, insurers primarily work with online auction companies, such as Copart and Insurance Auto Auctions, and recyclers must bid on the vehicles, competing against other automotive recyclers—whether local competitors or those in other states—as well as with auto rebuilders in other countries.

While recyclers have benefitted in some ways from the growth of online auctions, some say they also have had negative effects on the automotive recycling industry.

Sight unseen

Sandy Blalock, executive director of the Automotive Recyclers Association, Manassas, Virginia, says online auctions have expanded automotive recyclers’ pool of vehicles because they can buy from outside their own markets.

But that advantage has an associated disadvantage.

“The biggest problem you have is you can’t get up close and personal and actually verify that what that picture looks like is actually what you’re getting,” she says.

Blalock says it’s not uncommon for people to purchase wrecked vehicles, make some cosmetic upgrades often using aftermarket parts, and rerun the vehicles back through the auctions.

Norman Wright, owner, and CEO of Stadium Auto Parts, Henderson, Colorado, also mentions incidences of what he calls fraud on the auction sites.

He says Stadium bought a 2021 Mercedes van with 24,000 miles from an auction site and found it wasn’t what he and his team expected. “Since you can’t really go down and look at these vehicles, you’re doing it from pictures online,” Wright adds. “We assumed we had a good product. When it came back, the transmission was missing … and they put in an old engine.”

Because vehicles are sold as is in the salvage pools, Wright says he “had no recourse for fraud.”

Broader appeal

Auctions also have increased the number of bidders on salvage vehicles and their geographical reach.

“We’ve got people from all over the world buying local automotive recycler’s salvage in the United States,” Blalock says. “And some of them can afford to pay a whole lot more money for those cars because they have a larger value in the marketplace they’re taking it to and that’s including shipping it there.”

She adds that her biggest concern for the automotive recycling industry is that companies are forced into competing for savage at artificially high pricing because they are bidding against people who aren’t in the same business, “so, they can afford to pay more money.”

Wright says insurance companies are seeing a greater return on their salvage vehicles because the online auctions have opened up the salvage pools “to anybody who wants to buy.”

“Now, we’re competing against not only each other but we’re also competing against what we call rebuilders who buy these cars to rebuild them and then resell them,” he says.

In the last eight to 10 years, Wright says, the number of rebuilders who export cars from the U.S. to other markets, such as Mexico and the Middle East, has grown. He estimates from 30 percent to 40 percent of the salvage vehicles sold on auction sites are exported from the U.S.

Blalock says she suspects the auctions would confirm 30 percent of the salvaged vehicles they sell are purchased by international buyers. “A good 30 percent or more is purchased by people who are not auto recyclers but rebuilders, and then 30 percent are auto recyclers,” she says. “Basically, we’re one-third of their customer base.”

The wider competition for local automotive recyclers’ salvage vehicles has raised the prices auto recyclers have to bid to secure inventory. But that’s not the only escalation that has occurred, Wright and Blalock say. The fees the auction companies charge buyers also have increased.

“At the end of the day, all the auctions are in the business and making money,” Blalock says. “And it’s a very competitive market because they’re competing against each other … for those cars. And, of course, the way that you maintain that position is by it costing the insurance companies less. And so they have to make that money up somewhere.”

She says buyers are paying a growing array of fees, including a pull-out fee to remove the vehicle from the auction and a fee to pay via check.

“The thing I get the most complaints about from our members is the fees that they’re paying at the auctions or that a new fee has all of a sudden appeared,” she says. “That is a very big, big concern for our industry.”

Wright says when the fees and higher prices of the vehicles are combined, his cost of goods as a percentage of his overall expenses has grown from 25 percent to 30 percent to nearly 50 percent to 55 percent. “It’s so much pressure on the recycler to continue operations as our margins continue to shrink,” he says.

“And the other dilemma is there are only two realistic salvage pools left,” Wright adds, citing Copart and IAA. “And those two companies probably control 90 percent of the insured local automotive recycler’s salvage, so there are no other alternatives for us.”

U Pull It Yard | Robertson Auto Salvage | Wareham, MA

Blalock says Copart and IAA are supportive of the automotive recycling industry and are associate members of the ARA. “I don’t know how we have any influence over that business model other than maybe sit down and talk with them and see if there isn’t something we could work out,” she says, adding that the ARA intends to sit down with leaders from the auction companies. “We need to sit down and see if there isn’t some consideration they could be giving with the true licensed professional auto recyclers that are buying cars from them.”

Blalock says smaller family-run auto recyclers, which at one time were the heart of the industry, are the companies most affected by the growth of the local automotive recyclers’ salvage auctions. “They’re having to pay those buyers’ fees, and it takes away from their buying power for the salvage they need to be profitable in their businesses,” she says. “It’s very sad to think that we might lose an entire segment of our industry just because they can’t afford to compete and pay not only the prices but all the other associated costs of getting cars.”This article initially appeared on Recycling Today

The Auto Recycling Industry Sees an Unstable Market

Post by: Aaaron Cuttingham July 12, 2022 0 Comments

The automotive recycling industry is in a constant state of flux. Supply chain issues are affecting new car production, affecting the used car parts industry, which in turn affects the recycling of automotive parts.

Troy Webber, chief executive officer of Chesterfield Auto Parts in Richmond, Virginia, said the most significant issue his company is facing right now is market volatility.

“It used to be that you could predict the market to some degree based on seasonal changes and annual market trends. That predictor has been gone for some years now,” Webber said. “The markets are being affected by global issues more than local and domestic factors like supply and demand.”

Political issues around the globe, worldwide shipping shortages, and shifting policies in foreign governments are also making it more expensive to do business.

“When the scrap price gets as high as it was earlier this year, we struggle to obtain cars. While we make more on the vehicles, the cost of goods increases as well,” Webber said. “This is because anyone with a tow truck can take vehicles directly to a scrap yard and make a lot of money.”

Chesterfield Auto Parts is a vehicle recycling business more than an auto parts business. The majority of the company’s revenue comes from recycling the cars, not selling their parts. The business makes money by moving vehicles through the process and generating scrap metal.

“The process is a well-oiled machine that needs vehicles to continue operating. If we don’t get new inventory, we can’t generate the scrap that we sell to buy more inventory,” Webber said. “We also operate at about a 60 to 90-day differential between when we buy the inventory and when we have realized all of its potential income. The vehicles we pay for today, may not generate a profit for three months. With the market as volatile as it has been, the price of a commodity could change a lot over the course of three months.”

The Converter Issue

One issue that continues to plague the automotive recycling industry is the continuing problem of catalytic converter theft. Unfortunately, catalytic converter theft affects auto recyclers because the catalytic converter is the most valuable commodity recyclers sell. In fact, sometimes the converter can be more valuable than the rest of the scrap from the combined parts of the entire vehicle.

“As the price of converters increases, tow companies and individuals will remove the converter and sell it separately before they sell the car to an auto recycler,” Webber said. We must be extra vigilant not to buy a vehicle with the most valuable part missing, the catalytic converter. It also affects the pricing for us in order to be completive. For example, if we offer a customer $500 for a junk car, and they know they can sell just the catalytic converter for that much, it is a hard sell.”

It also makes an auto recycler’s operation a huge target for thieves. When new cars come in, the team at Chesterfield Auto Parts, for example, ensures they are very tightly packed into the holding lot to make it difficult to get under the cars.

“We also make sure that every single converter is taken off the cars before they are made available to the public,” Webber said. The converters also are stored in tamper resistant containers in an alarmed warehouse with internal and external cameras for security.

“The most effective way of protecting the catalytic converts is to sell them fast. We don’t hold onto large quantities, we keep them moving,” Webber said. This is why some automotive recyclers, including Chesterfield, do not buy converters from anyone because it is dangerous and prone to fraud.

Recycling of EV Components

The topic of electric vehicles is frequently bandied about these days within the automotive recycling arena. Electric vehicles are beginning to have a significant impact on the recycling industry.

According to Ryan Melsert, chief executive officer of American Battery Technology Company, consumer interest and purchasing in EVs has risen dramatically. “EV global sales were up 113 percent in 2021 compared to 2020 sales, and more than 52 percent of global car buyers are interested in purchasing an EV. The demand for EVs is continuing to trend up with global sales of electric cars rising strongly in 2022, with two million sold in the first quarter, up 75 percent from the same period in 2021,” Melsert said.

The sharp increase in demand for EV vehicles means an increased demand for EV batteries and the battery metals that go into them. This is creating opportunities to innovate and challenges for battery recyclers.

“The batteries in the vehicles are dangerous so that poses multiple hazards for auto recyclers,” Webber said. “When these vehicles come in, we have no way of knowing the condition of the high-voltage battery, especially when the vehicle is wrecked. The battery must be removed before processing.”

Read the Remainder Here

This Article Originally Appeared on AmericanRecycler.com

Sell Us Your Car | Auto Salvage

Post by: Raphael Grovers September 15, 2021 0 Comments Auto Recycling, auto recycling facilities, cash for cars, Online Auto Parts, Recycling, Salvage Yards, sell your car

Do you have a junk car that’s just sitting in your yard taking up space? If so it’s an eyesore for both you and your neighbors. The good news is that we will actually pay for your junk car and remove it for free as well. Robertson’s Auto Salvage pays top dollar for junk cars that are located in Southeastern Massachusetts. So, if you live close by to Barnstable, Chatham, or Falmouth we will buy your vehicle no matter what condition it’s in. That means your junk car can be running or non-running. It can be a salvage vehicle or an accident vehicle.

We Buy All Types of Junk Cars

It doesn’t matter since we buy all types of junk cars that are located in Fall River, Plymouth, and Wareham. You do not need to be a victim of a lowball offer when you work with us. In fact, Robertson’s Auto Salvage is licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a professional salvage buyer. That means we are well known to pay top dollar for junk cars, junk trucks, junk SUVs, and junk vans. You can even drop off your junk vehicle, or we will be happy to pick it up from your location.

The bottom line is that if you live in the Plymouth, MA area we will pay you more money for your junk vehicle than any other junk buyer. Remember, WE BUY CARS IN ANY CONDITION. We also pay TOP DOLLAR for your junk vehicles. We’ll even pay you in cash on the spot, and tow away your old clunker.

Sell Us Your Car

If you’d like to sell us your car or would like more information, please contact Robertson’s Auto Salvage today. Our new and improved website will guide you through the entire process. All you need to do in order to get started is click on the sell us your car web page.

In addition, Robertson’s Auto Salvage U-Pull-It yard is now open for business. Our new four (4) acre self-service lot contains a wide variety of makes and models both foreign and domestic. Simply pull the part you need and save money! If you cannot find what you need there, we have a used parts page that will find the part you need.

Call Now! (800) 551-7000