If you’ve recently sold your unwanted car to a Perth auto wrecker, you probably received instant cash and had the vehicle removed hassle-free. But have you ever wondered what actually happens to your vehicle once it’s towed away? Auto wreckers don’t just crush cars and leave them to rust. In fact, Perth auto wreckers follow a detailed, eco-friendly process that salvages valuable parts, recycles materials, and ensures responsible vehicle disposal. This process benefits not only car owners and buyers of second-hand parts, but also the environment. Let’s take a look behind the scenes and explore what really happens to your vehicle after it’s picked up by a professional wrecker in Perth.
Free Car Removal & Transport to the Wrecking Yard
The process begins when the auto wrecker collects your vehicle, often offering free towing anywhere in Perth. Whether the car is sitting in your driveway, broken down roadside, or left at a mechanic’s yard, the wrecker handles the logistics at no cost to you. The vehicle is then transported to a licensed wrecking yard, where it’s assessed and logged into the system for dismantling and recycling.
Documentation & Legal Check
Before any dismantling begins, wreckers ensure all necessary paperwork is complete. This includes:
- Verifying proof of ownership
- Cancelling or confirming registration status
- Issuing a receipt or disposal notice
- Lodging vehicle disposal forms with the Department of Transport if needed
This step protects the seller from any future liability and ensures the vehicle is processed legally and responsibly.
Fluid Draining & Hazardous Material Removal
Cars contain various fluids and components that must be handled carefully to prevent environmental damage. Perth auto wreckers are trained and equipped to safely extract:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Brake and transmission fluids
- Petrol or diesel
- Battery acid and refrigerants (from A/C systems)
These fluids are either disposed of through certified waste management or recycled where possible. No toxic waste ends up in landfill or waterways, which is a major win for the environment.
Dismantling & Salvaging Reusable Parts
The next step is to strip the vehicle of all salvageable and reusable parts, which may include:
- Engine and transmission components
- Alternators, starters, and radiators
- Tyres, wheels, and batteries
- Doors, mirrors, bumpers, and windows
- Seats, dashboards, and interior features
- Lights, sensors, and electronics
These parts are tested, cleaned, and resold as quality second-hand parts. Many also supply these to local workshops and mechanics, helping others save money on car repairs while reducing manufacturing demand for new parts.
Recycling the Vehicle Shell
Once all reusable components are removed, what remains is the metal chassis or body shell. Instead of dumping it in landfill, Perth wreckers crush and shred it, separating the materials for recycling:
- Steel and iron are sent to metal recycling plants
- Aluminium and copper from wiring and body panels are repurposed
- Glass and plastic elements are sorted and recycled when possible
This step ensures that as much of the vehicle as possible is recycled and reused, minimising waste and supporting the circular economy.
Disposal of Non-Recyclables
Some materials in the vehicle, such as contaminated upholstery, rubber seals, or deteriorated insulation, can’t be reused or recycled. These are disposed of in accordance with WA environmental guidelines, using licensed waste management providers. Reputable wreckers aim to recycle or reuse up to 90% of every vehicle, with only a small portion going to landfill.
The Environmental Benefits of Auto Wrecking in Perth
Auto wreckers aren’t just good for your wallet — they’re good for the planet. Here’s how:
- Reduces landfill waste
- Lowers demand for raw materials
- Prevents toxic fluid leaks
- Decreases carbon footprint by reusing parts and metals
By choosing a certified Perth auto wrecker, you’re making an eco-conscious decision while also supporting local industries.
Final Thoughts
So, what happens after a Perth auto wrecker picks up your car? It’s not just scrapped and forgotten. Instead, it’s carefully dismantled, recycled, and repurposed, with reusable parts given a second life and scrap materials processed in a sustainable way. It’s a win for your wallet, a win for local businesses, and a win for the environment. Thinking of selling your car in Perth? Get in touch with a trusted auto wrecker near you for a free quote, fast pickup, and instant cash — and rest easy knowing your vehicle will be handled the right way.