Unveiling Car Recycling Techniques - Post-life Second Chances for Your Vehicles

Toyota Metal, the world's only car recycling company jointly managed by Toyota, is leading the charge in sustainable practices. Located in Japan, this innovative facility recovers up to 400 tonnes of resources daily from as many as 1,000 cars.

The process begins when vehicles arrive at the dismantlers, first drained of waste oils and other fluids, and then flattened in a press before being transported to Toyota Metal. Each car is pressed into a cube weighing around 600kg and then pulverized.

The steel recovered from this process is sorted from non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and copper, including small quantities of gold and silver. This high-quality steel is taken to steel manufacturers and may again be used in vehicle bodies.

Toyota Metal's team has also been considering how to remove and transport the large batteries from battery electric vehicles more easily. The ease of disassembly in Toyota vehicles has been a design practice since the 2003 Toyota Raum, making it easier to assemble during production and to repair or replace parts at dealerships.

The electrical wiring harness in Toyota vehicles is designed to be easily removed, with terminals that can be taken off like the lid of a can. A point on the wiring harness is even marked by yellow-green tape to allow for easy removal in one motion.

The remaining 1% of waste, consisting of mixed rubber after the metals are recovered, is used as fuel. Shredder residue, which includes materials like resin, urethane, and glass, is also recyclable.

The resulting ash-like substance from the fuel process is often used as a hardening base material when building roads. The ease of disassembly in Toyota vehicles not only facilitates efficient recycling but also contributes to resource efficiency.

In March 2022, Toyota's Japanese social media account featured a GIF animation showcasing a car being 99% recycled. The remaining 1% of non-recyclable materials from cars are typically used for energy recovery through thermal recycling processes, such as incineration with energy utilization. This ensures minimal landfill disposal and contributes to a more sustainable future.

Many manufacturers beyond the car industry come to observe Toyota Metal for resource creation methods. Toyota has even brought heavy machinery used by dismantlers into its plants for research into easier dismantling. Cars recycled by Toyota Metal continue to live on in a different form, often being used in vehicle bodies or as fuel.

Toyota's commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency is evident in its innovative approach to car recycling. The company's efforts serve as a model for the industry, demonstrating that a sustainable future is within reach.