Facts
- why Global Car Recycling Day matters
There are 1.4 billion cars on the world’s roads
Over 40 million cars are estimated to reach the end of their useful life across the globe every year, around 27 million of those are recycled
14 million tonnes of steel is recycled annually from ELV cars. That’s roughly 2000 Eiffel Towers!
About 25% of the steel used in new cars is supplied from recycled steel
Compared to manufacturing steel from raw materials, every tonne of recycled steel saves 1.5 tonnes of iron ore, 70% of energy, 40% of water consumption. It also avoids 75% of CO2 emissions and 76% of water pollution
Lithium, found in electric car batteries, is rare and only present in small concentrations of the Earth's crust. Advancements in battery recycling now mean lithium, cobalt, manganese and nickel can be safely recovered and reused in the production of new batteries.
Windscreens, batteries, oil, upholstery, bumpers and dashboards can all now be recycled effectively. From equivalent car parts to insulation, many of these materials are able to be put back into car manufacture.
Car recycling standards vary vastly across the globe. While the EU & UK have strict de-pollution rules and recycling rates of 95%, many other countries with developed economies have good guidelines, but no formal regulations. Emerging economies predominately rely on informal and environmentally irresponsible scrap solutions.
Most vehicle manufacturers have ambitious green goals, with some already progressing circular economies. But while numerous countries still have little or no infrastructure to provide comprehensive, responsible car recycling, we are a long way from a truly sustainable car industry.
To maintain the world's most popular form of travel, while protecting our environment and supporting sustainable car production, it is now crucial to raise awareness of the importance of responsible car recycling. Use #GlobalCarRecyclingDay on June 20th to share the campaign, show your support and start the conversation.