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Automotive Recycling Messages Reaching Consumers

2 September 1999

Automotive Recycling Messages Reaching Consumers According to the Steel Recycling Institute

          More People Recognize Automobile as Most Recycled Product

    PITTSBURGH, Sept. 1 -- The automobile remains at the top of
the list of recycled consumer products with the average recycling rate being
close to 98 percent for more than ten years.  A recent survey indicated that
more and more North Americans are beginning to understand that the number one
recycled product in commerce today is the automobile.
    "For years, research has indicated that people mistakenly perceived
aluminum beverage cans and newspapers as being the most recycled consumer
products," explained Bill Heenan, president of the Steel Recycling Institute,
"It appears as though the automobile is finally getting its due."
    Steel is the engine that drives automotive recycling.  Most cars reaching
the end of their useful lives comprise approximately two-thirds steel and
iron, with virtually 100 percent being recycled back into new iron and steel
products.
    The recent study, conducted by the Steel Recycling Institute, indicated
that approximately one out of five consumers now recognize the automobile as
North America's most recycled product, almost doubling from a previous survey
in 1997.
    Additionally, more people are beginning to understand that what they may
have once called a "junkyard" is really part of the automobile recycling and
remanufacturing process and one of the "Original Recyclers" in North America.
    In 1998, more than 13.2 million tons of steel were recycled from
automobiles.  That's enough steel to build more than 12.1 million new,
standard-size family vehicles.  Much of the recovered steel is recycled into
high strength steel sheet, the fastest growing light-weight material in the
automotive industry.  SRI's website, http://www.recycle-steel.org features more
detailed information about the recycling of automobiles and all steel
products.
    The Steel Recycling Institute, a business unit of the American Iron &
Steel Institute, educates the solid waste management industry, government,
business and ultimately the consumer about the economic and environmental
benefits of recycling steel.  Through its seven regional offices, SRI works to
ensure the continuing development of the steel recycling infrastructure.