Off the road and into the right hands
Recently, Americans across the country exchanged their old vehicles for new, more energy-efficient models. Schnitzer Steel played an integral role by handling the "clunkers" in the most efficient, eco-friendly way possible.
By taking more than 700,000 gas-guzzling vehicles off the road, the federal Cash for Clunkers program benefited consumers, car makers and the environment. But what happened to all those clunkers after new vehicle owners went driving off into the sunset? They began a new life of service, providing used parts for area consumers and scrap metal to be melted into new steel products. Schnitzer Steel made it easy for auto dealers to recycle. Hundreds of car dealerships registered with Schnitzer's Clunkers Recycling dealer program and with our Auto Parts Business, Pick-n-Pull Auto Dismantler.
Our commitment to conservation and decades of experience dismantling vehicles helped new car dealers meet the requirements of the federal Cash for Clunkers program. We are experts in identifying, removing, recovering and disposing of hard-to-handle materials in a way that minimizes impact on the environment. That experience ensured that the "clunkers" didn't end up as future problems.
Obsolete cars may come from programs like Cash for Clunkers, or from sources ranging from individuals or auction house sales to municipal abandoned vehicle tow programs or charitable non-profit donation programs. Whichever the source, Pick-n-Pull is set up to address their needs as well as ensure the vehicles are recycled in the most comprehensive way.
The federal Cash for Clunkers program ended in August of 2009, but visitors to Pick-n-Pull self-service auto parts stores continue to see the benefits, thanks to the increased availability of high-quality, inexpensive, reusable auto parts.
"We're not just recycling, we are encouraging people to reuse. Cash for Clunkers has benefited not just those who bought new cars, but also the people who wanted to keep their current car running efficiently," said Ted Horton, Director of Production, Pick-n-Pull.
Schnitzer Steel also partners with state and local vehicle retirement programs with objectives similar to the federal Cash for Clunkers program.
"We've been recycling vehicles for decades. We gave dealers 100 percent assurance that the old vehicles would be handled in an environmentally responsible manner."
– Ted Horton, Director of Production, Pick-n-Pull
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