The importance of vehicle recycling has been made evident. Almost every material in a car can be recycled and reused, including plastic. Today, car manufacturers themselves are also engaging in the recycling process. In addition, many car companies are using recycled plastics in their vehicles.

In the United States alone, 12 to 15 million vehicles reach the end of the lives every year, becoming an important source for high-value materials. Several different parts of a car are made of plastic. Many modern vehicles contain about 50% of plastics in volume. The most abundant plastic materials present in cars are: PU (Polyurethane), accounting for about 19% in weight of all plastic materials; PP (Polypropylene), which makes up 15% of plastics; PE (Polyethylene), 11% in weight; Polyester, 11% in weight;PVC(Polyvinyl chloride), 8% in weight; and ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene), 6% in weight.

Probably the most evident plastic component is the bumper, made of PP. Car lights also have plastic covers, which protect them from atmospheric agents. The material with which these covers are manufactured is usually PMMA (Poly(methyl methacrylate)). Other plastic components include the dashboard, seat belts, airbag, carpeting, cup holders and the fabric covering the seats.

By recycling your car you give all these components a new life and save resource. Be conscious of the environment and make sure your old vehicle is properly recycled!