Posted on 12 October 2018 by CarTakeBack

Why do we need to save our planet?

With a growing need to slow down climate change, saving our environment is a current hot topic.

Global warming, caused by carbon emissions, is on the way to causing an earth where humans could no longer survive. Severe floods, fires and droughts are already frequent, leaving areas with no food to survive, and threatening our wildlife.

Not only that, but climate change, pollution and human activities are impacting ecosystems and natural habitats. Everything from changing sand temperatures affecting turtle nesting sites to polar bear's shrinking homes.

It is urgent that we respond to this and start to make a change.

How can we help our environment?

By recycling our waste!

Lots of us recycle our cans, newspapers and plastic bottles but what about recycling your car too? Recycling vehicles when they come to the end of their lives (or we fancy a newer model), can have a green, positive impact and here's why:

Saves energy and cuts carbon emissions

Cars are primarily manufactured from steel, either from recycled metal or mining. The latter process consumes huge amounts of energy, far more than recycling. Steel smelting uses fossil fuels and creates massive amounts of carbon emissions as an unfortunate by-product.

According to Greenfleet, recycling materials such as steel, 'can reduce emissions by about two tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per tonne of product.'

Recycling your car reduces the need for an energy-guzzling process. Plus, your old lifeless banger could one day be made into a brand-spanking new Ferrari.

Reduces toxic substances and pollutants to protect wildlife and habitats

Steel smelting is dangerous for wildlife in the area too. The method causes erosion of habitats and leaks pollutants into the land - damaging plants, soil and animals. Another reason to minimise our steel mining!

Along with this, cars contain toxic substances such as oils, tyres and batteries. If a vehicle is left to deteriorate, hazardous liquids can also leak, causing environmental damage and endangering local wildlife and plants. Recycling at an authorised centre avoids this harm.

Reduces landfill to protect nature and cut greenhouse gases

Landfills are full of items that could have been recycled and weren't. The waste contains toxins that leach out, polluting our soil and groundwater.

Not only this, but packed landfill sites mean organic materials are compacted, removing oxygen and causing them to produce methane when they break down - a greenhouse gas that's impacting our environment.

Each recycled car, means one less car in a landfill.

Where can I recycle my old vehicle?

Armed with all the fantastic, green benefits of recycling your car, you can do so at CarTakeBack.

Our recycling centres use the latest methods to safely remove all harmful materials from your car, before reusing and recycling as much of it as possible.

We also ensure that we follow all legal regulations and 95% of a vehicle is recycled, in line with EU laws.