Supporting The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service

Overton Automotive has worked in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for almost 20 years now. With their mission to ensure safety to the community across Scotland, part of their work includes helping those who need rescuing from vehicle collisions on the road.

Home to some of the most dangerous roads in the UK, areas surrounding Aberdeen are reported to have high fatality rates when it comes to road traffic accidents (RTA). With the help of the incredible Fire and Rescue Service, the number of fatalities from RTA has decreased from 123 casualties in 2009 to 60 in 2021 across Scotland (Source: Fire and Rescue Incident Statistics, 2021).

Overton Automotive is so proud to support the fire and rescue team by supplying vehicles to every fire station within the Grampian region. The supply of our vehicles allows the firefighters to gain hands-on experience within their road safety training. It gives them the opportunity to practise the extraction of casualties in a controlled and safe environment, before being called out to assist with real RTA.

Our vehicles are also used in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service training centre to help recruits complete their initial training. This allows them to train with vehicles on fire and the extraction of drivers/passengers from vehicles.

Not only have we provided the team with vehicles at their stations and training sites, but we’ve also previously welcomed the fire department into our Aberdeen site. Here we set up a multi-vehicle and heavy plant machinery exercise, allowing them to practise working with other vehicles including buses and motorcycles. We are so pleased to have supported the team with a varied training experience, allowing them to cover all eventualities they may come across when attending an RTA.

With some of the worst roads in Scotland, Overton Automotive is proud to be able to support our fire service and firefighters with their training needs, and we are so glad to help them with the training they need to save lives on the road.

 

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Things you might not know about auto recycling

Did you know that around 80% of cars can be recycled? That’s quite a large statistic and it’s something not everyone is aware of.

With a growing 18% of the world’s population using a form of vehicle to get from A to B, we must understand the importance of recycling our cars and the benefits that come with doing so. Most of these link to environmental factors such as reducing landfill and reducing energy which is harmful to our planet.

Of the many ways to reduce pollution and combat climate change, it seems as though recycling is one of the easier strategies for us to carry out successfully. With more people jumping on board with this, landfill pile-ups are becoming smaller than they once were in the past.

So, let’s delve into some useful facts about recycling your vehicle and find out just how you could help tackle climate change by doing so.

1. There’s more to auto recycling than crushing cars

Before a car is recycled, there’s a lot of work that goes into depolluting and dismantling it before it’s crushed. Fluids that could be harmful to the environment, including fuel, brake fluid, and even windscreen washer fluids, are safely removed from the vehicle. This is to ensure no chemicals are leaked.

Once the fluids are removed, the vehicle can then be dismantled. All parts that are still in good condition are salvaged for reuse to reduce waste and to get the maximum life out of them. After the vehicle has been dismantled, the car is ready to be crushed!

Interested in recycling your car? Find more info here.

2. 27 million cars are recycled across the globe each year

It’s no wonder that with 27 million cars recycled each year they are classed as the most recycled product in the world. From batteries to windscreen wipers, 95% of our cars can be reused once we’ve finished with them.

Did you know that recycling metal uses around 75% less energy than creating new metal? That’s a huge amount of energy saved when you take into account the number of cars that are recycled each year.

Overhead shot of scrap cars

3. Recycling cars has boosted our economy

The more cars that are recycled, the more work that’s needed for the process.

Auto recycling has created a positive boost for the worldwide economy over the years, with almost 800,000 workers employed in the automotive industry in the UK alone. As the majority of the work requires hard labour, the number of employees in the recycling business is only growing more and more.

So, not only does recycling our cars reduce our carbon footprint, it has also created hundreds of thousands of jobs across the globe. A great boost for the economy and our planet!

4. Millions of tonnes of material are saved every year

As cars are predominantly made from metal, it’s obvious that the largest material used for recycling is, of course, metal. To give you a better idea, there are around 14 million tonnes of steel that are recycled annually from end-of-life cars. That’s a shocking amount that would simply go to waste if it wasn’t for auto recycling!

Bonus Fact: Each year, scrap metal buyers divert roughly 145 million tonnes of material from entering landfill. What do they do with all this material? They recycle it and keep it in production!

5. Around 1 million cars are scrapped each year in the UK

A staggering amount of cars are scrapped each year, and this number is only increasing!

If it wasn’t for businesses like Overton Automotive, these cars would pile up in landfill and seriously harm our planet. Toxic chemicals would be released into the environment and millions of tonnes of material would go to waste each year.

Pile of scrap cars ready to be recycled

You might’ve thought that auto recycling was as simple as crushing cars, or you might’ve been aware of all the work that goes into saving car parts. Either way, these are just some of the eye-opening facts and figures about the auto recycling industry. From reducing our carbon footprint to boosting the economy, it seems to be an industry that is becoming increasingly popular.

Have any questions about recycling your car? Our friendly team are happy to answer any questions you might have. Call us on 01224 722 354 or email us at sales@overton-automotive.co.uk. Or feel free to use our live chat feature where one of our team members will respond as soon as possible.

 

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What are the benefits of car recycling?

As we work towards building a greener world, finding sustainable solutions is imperative. In the automotive industry, we’ve seen a huge surge in car recycling in recent years as more people are beginning to recognise the environmental and economic benefits it has to offer.

According to Climate.gov, our activities involving burning fossil fuels and clearing forests adds about 11 billion metric tons of carbon to the atmosphere each year. With statistics like this and growing concerns about climate change, there has been a significant change in the automotive industry. Fortunately, we’ve seen a positive increase in car recycling and a rising demand for recycled car parts. 

But what exactly do the benefits of car recycling and buying green parts mean to you? Let’s take a look at the positive impact it has on the environment, your wallet, and the overall sustainability of the automotive industry.

Environmental Impact

Did you know that when new car parts are manufactured, it puts a huge strain on the environment? This is because the manufacturing process and extraction of raw materials requires energy from fossil fuels and electricity, which results in greenhouse gas emissions.

Not only that, the transportation of newly manufactured parts to different locations also contributes to carbon emissions. So, as you can gather, the entire lifecycle of new car parts has a substantial environmental impact.

When you purchase green parts, however, it’s guaranteed that you’re contributing to a greener future. Whenever a green part is purchased, the lifespan of the part is extended and is prevented from ending up in landfill.

Recycled parts means there is a reduced demand for new part production, which in turn helps conserve valuable resources like metal, plastic, and energy. Recycling car parts also minimises waste, reduces landfill space, and decreases the pollution associated with manufacturing new components. By opting for green parts, you’re actively participating in the circular economy and support the responsible use of resources.

At Overton Automotive, we recycle vehicles and sell green parts across the UK. We also collect cars from anywhere around the UK (and cover the costs), which helps to reduce carbon emissions caused by transportation. Make the world a greener place and recycle your car with us today.

Cost Effective

Did you know that purchasing green parts is significantly cheaper than buying brand new car parts?

By purchasing recycled parts, you can often find high-quality alternatives at a fraction of the cost of new parts. Find more info on our blog about how much money green parts can save you.

Whether you’re a car owner or a repair shop, opting for green parts allows you to make substantial savings while still ensuring the reliability and performance of your vehicle. If you’re looking for affordable car parts without compromising on quality, it’s definitely worth checking out green parts over new.

Car being handed over in exchange for money.

Availability & Quality

As car recycling has become increasingly popular in recent years, it’s resulted in a wide availability of green parts for various makes and models of vehicles. 

Whether you need an engine, radio unit, body panel, or any other component, there’s a good chance that a recycled alternative is readily accessible. Check out our stock of 50,000+ parts on our ebay store.

You also don’t have to worry about the quality of green parts as all parts are carefully inspected, tested, and refurbished to ensure their compatibility and functionality, making them a reliable choice for vehicle repairs and maintenance.

All of Overton Automotive’s green parts are VRAC guaranteed with every purchase, meaning all parts we sell are fully checked, graded and certified. 

Green parts lined up in an automotive salvage yard.

Sustainability Awareness

When buying green car parts, you’re actively contributing to a more sustainable automotive industry. 

Now more than ever, there’s a much larger message out there about car recycling. For example, Global Car Recycling Day was recently announced to encourage a more sustainable future. Days and events like this are a great way to spread awareness about the topic, particularly on social media, and encourage people from all over to get involved.

Whenever someone makes an environmentally conscious decision like car recycling and purchasing green parts, it ultimately reduces the environmental footprint associated with manufacturing new parts and encourages responsible consumption. It sends a powerful message to manufacturers and the industry as a whole, promoting the importance of sustainable practices and encouraging further innovation in the industry.

Global Car Recycling Day graphic

Choosing to recycle your car and purchasing green parts is a win-win situation. Not only do you contribute to an environmentally friendly future, but you can also benefit from significant cost savings and access to high-quality components. So, next time you need a car part, consider the benefits of buying green and join the movement towards a greener, more sustainable future through car recycling.

Get in touch with us for all your car recycling and green part queries on 01224 722 354 or sales@overton-automotive.co.uk.

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Global Car Recycling Day: Everything you need to know

In today’s world, where environmental consciousness is more important than ever, finding sustainable solutions has become a priority. When it comes to the automotive industry, car recycling and the use of green parts play a vital role in reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Global Car Recycling Day

That’s why it’s important to acknowledge the announcement and new awareness day by the auto recycling experts, CarTakeBack. To encourage a sustainable future, the company announced the first annual Global Car Recycling Day which is to be held on June 20th.

Here’s what CarTakeBack’s Business Development Manager, Alison Price, has to say:

“Establishing responsible car recycling networks across the globe, after meeting the UK and EU’s tough environmental standards and 95% recycling rates, has revealed the pressing need for this campaign. While many countries love their cars, and are increasingly environmentally aware, at the end of a vehicle’s life the right choices are not always clear or indeed available.

To avoid environmental harm and to ensure the protection of sustainable car production into the future, it’s essential that car recycling regulations are improved internationally. The public can help to drive that progress by demanding an environmentally responsible route for the disposal of their old car.

We’re looking forward to raising awareness through Global Car Recycling Day and working with organisations and individuals worldwide to maximise its effect.”

The campaign will no doubt be supported by many in the automotive industry, and we are glad to encourage everyone to participate and spread the word. Mark your calendars for June 20th and use the hashtag #GlobalCarRecyclingDay to share your support and contribute.

Auto Recycling at Overton Automotive

Overton Automotive is on a mission to make a significant impact on waste reduction and carbon footprint by actively engaging in the recycling of end-of-life vehicles, hence our full support behind the campaign.

So, let’s delve into our recycling process.

When a vehicle arrives at our yards for recycling, we carefully dismantle and depollute all materials and liquids. Our skilled technicians remove all hazardous materials, such as fluids, batteries, and mercury switches, ensuring their safe disposal. 

The car is then disassembled, with valuable components and parts being salvaged for reuse or refurbishment. Our store currently holds over 50,000 green parts.

We recycle 95% of the vehicle, with all remaining materials which cannot be sold as green parts (e.g. the shell, wiring etc) being taken to a recycling facility. These materials are then shredded, sorted, and processed to separate different materials, including steel, aluminium, and plastics. 

At Overton Automotive, our recycling process guarantees the safe, responsible, and efficient recycling of your car, providing you with peace of mind in making an environmentally-conscious choice.

As we celebrate Global Car Recycling Day, it’s essential to recognise the impact that car recycling can have on the environment. By choosing to recycle your car, you actively contribute to conserving resources, reducing waste, and promoting a sustainable future. 

So, make a difference today by embracing car recycling and spreading awareness about the importance of this global movement. Together, we can drive change and build a greener, more sustainable planet to live in.

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Everything you should know before recycling your car

If you have an old vehicle that you no longer need or want, you may be considering recycling it. Recycling your car can be an eco-friendly way to dispose of it, and you may even be able to make some money from it! 

Although, before you recycle your car, there are a few things that you should know to ensure that the process is safe, legal, and efficient.

Find a Reputable Auto Recycler

To ensure you recycle your car correctly, make sure to look for a recycler that has a good reputation, is licensed and insured, and follows environmentally responsible practices.

Overton Automotive have been in the auto recycling industry for over 60 years now and are one of the UK’s leading vehicle recycling and green parts facilities.

Find out more about Overton Automotive and how they can help here.

Remove Personal Items 

Before you recycle your car, make sure to remove all personal items, including licence plates, registration, and insurance documents. You should also remove any valuables, such as electronic devices or jewellery. If you do leave anything, don’t worry! We will return any items we find in your vehicle.

Check for Hazardous Materials

Make sure to check for other materials such as petrol cans and gas canisters and dispose of them properly prior to bringing your vehicle in.

V5/Registration Documents

You’ll need to transfer ownership of the car to the auto recycler, so make sure to have all the necessary paperwork, including the title, ready to go. 

If you have misplaced or lost the documents please speak to our dedicated team who will advise on how to proceed without these.

Overton Automotive’s recycling process means you can ensure that your car is recycled safely, responsibly, and efficiently. Not only will you be doing your part to protect the environment, but you may also be able to make some money in the process. So, if you have an old car that you’re ready to say goodbye to, it’s definitely worth recycling it.

If you’re thinking about recycling your car, get your free quote today.

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How much money can green car parts save you?

Have you ever looked at the price of a new car part and found yourself reluctantly paying out £1000s just for one single part?

Something as simple as replacing your AC/Heater controller could cost you an absolute fortune – all for the sake of keeping you cool on your hot, afternoon commute home.

In the current financial climate, buying a brand new car part isn’t something that anyone wants to pay out for lightly. But with thousands of different parts that keep your motor running, one day you’re inevitably going to find yourself paying out to replace a faulty part.

So, let’s delve into why you should consider replacing new parts with green parts, and find out just how much money you could be saving.

‘Not only are you saving money when buying green parts, you’re also saving the planet.’

How expensive are new car parts?

With COVID-19, Brexit, and European driver shortages in the UK, there’s been a decrease in the availability of Original Equipment Manufacturer parts (OEM). This has led to a 44% increase in OEM parts prices since 2013, and in some cases the parts have been unavailable to order for months at a time.
(Source: Gesamtverbands der deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft or GDV)

Fortunately for us all, the popular e-commerce company eBay has become a prime distribution route for salvage and refurbishment outlets. They say that green parts can cost considerably less on their website compared to the sticker price of a new equivalent.

There’s a clear demand for recycled parts as eBay also says how new car part imports are dropping by around 2% each year and the sales of green parts have risen by 24% in 2021.
(Source: ThisIsMoney.co.uk)

Not only are recycled or green parts hugely cost-effective, but they’re also faster to find and faster to buy, as eBay estimates 90% of its parts are available for next-day delivery.

Save money and the planet when you purchase a green part

How much money can green car parts save me?

With the constant rising costs in today’s financial climate, it’s no wonder green parts are becoming increasingly popular.

At Overton Automotive, 95% of every car we take in is recycled. Our salvage yards, which you can find across the country, have a stock of over 74,000 guaranteed recycled green parts on our shelves and 195,000 parts on our vehicles ready for removal.

With such a large stock, you could save up to 75% off with our green parts compared to manufacturers’ new car parts. Not only are you saving money when buying green parts, you’re also saving the planet. With every green part, you can save an average of 30kg CO2 emissions.

How can I purchase a green car part?

Luckily, with Overton Automotive’s green parts service it’s easy to find exactly what car part you’re looking for.

Head over to our eBay store where you can find thousands of green car parts and save yourself up to 75% off.

Have any questions about purchasing green parts? Our friendly team are happy to answer any questions.
Call us on 01224 722 354 or email us at sales@overton-automotive.co.uk. Or feel free to use our live chat feature where one of our team members will respond as soon as possible.

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