November 15th is America Recycles Day and it provides a chance to get to know the unexpected benefits and sustainability of donating a car.

On America Recycles Day there is more to know about the impact of your generous car donation than you may realize.  Donating a car has long been a great way to have a positive impact on your favorite charity or the community you live in.  Did you know that when you donate your car you are also helping clean up your neighborhood and providing a sustainable way to reduce and reuse materials used in the manufacturing of cars?

As a country we have done a great job at increasing our recycling rate yet it may be unknown to many people that the auto recycling industry is one of the largest in the United States.  Often times when you donate a car it is not only raising money for the charity you chose but it is also going right into the recycling stream.  Of course the life your favorite car that you have shared so many great memories in doesn’t end there.

Here are a few facts about auto recycling:

• Every year over 12 million cars enter the recycling stream.
• Auto recycling contributes $25 billion annually to the national GDP and provides nearly 100,000 jobs.
• More than 80% of materials used in a car will be recycled.
• Steel makes up the majority of a cars body weight and every year more than 18 million tons of steel are melted down and reused.  Steel is infinitely recyclable!
• The U.S. and Canada recycle enough steel to produce 13 million new vehicles every year.  P.S. there is recycled steel used in every new car manufactured so your already creating a positive impact!
• Enough materials are recycled from cars to save 85 million barrels of oil from being used to make new parts.
• Not only are metals and other materials reused but enough fluids and oils are safely removed from recycled cars to equal 8 Exxon Valdez oil spills.
• About 90% of a vehicle’s aluminum is recycled, which is less than 10% of its weight but can be up to 50% of its recycled value.
• Approximately 99% of car batteries are recycled.

Now not every car donation is destined for the recycling stream as there are many incredible kind-hearted people who donate their classic American muscle car or an antique roadster.  Most people have a special love affair with their car regardless of its value as a piece of history.  On America Recycles Day we want to express the positive environmental impact your car will continue to have and why you should consider donating a car today or in the future.

If you would like to learn about about how to donate a car visit our tips page for more information.  If you already know you want to donate then pick one of the amazing non-profit organizations we support and start your car donation today!  Feel free to share your story on social media with us and encourage your friends and family to donate a car to help save the environment.