What happens to Fluff in automotive recycling after the scrap metal is gone?

What exactly is Fluff?

When a discarded car is delivered to an auto recycler, it goes through a series of processes in the recycling process. First, it can be disassembled to salvage any usable parts and retrieve any fluids or batteries. After the hazardous materials have been removed and the salvageable pieces have been retrieved, the car is ready to be crushed and shredded in an automotive shredder. Following shredding, ferrous and nonferrous metals are removed and recycled or repurposed for various uses. Automobile shredders have been able to recover approximately 80 to 85 per cent of the vehicle weight by shredding scrap metal in an ideal setting. The remaining 15 to 20% is made up of plastics, fibres, glass, foam, rubber, wood, sand, soil, and other materials known as automobile shredder residue (ASR) or auto fluff.

While the metals are recycled and reused, the auto fluff is disposed of in landfills. However, new technologies are being developed to recycle this auto fluff and give it a new life. These new technologies can turn ASR into useful products like construction materials, energy, or even new car parts.

What Can We Do With Fluff?

There are many ways to recycle and reuse ASR, but it all starts with separating the different materials. This can be done through a variety of methods, including wind sifting, optical sorting, and manual separation. Once the materials have been separated, they can be used to create new products.

For example, glass and plastic can be turned into pellets that can be used to create new products like plastic fencing or construction materials. The pellets can also be used as a fuel source for power plants. Fibres can be turned into insulation, carpet padding, or even sound-proofing material for cars. Wood and rubber can be used in various construction projects, and foam can be used as an additive in concrete or as a packing material.

While there are many ways to recycle and reuse ASR, the technology is still in its early stages. However, as we continue to develop new ways to recycle and reuse this auto fluff, we can reduce our reliance on landfills and create new products from what was once waste.

Super Metal Recycling

345 Frankston – Dandenong Road, Dandenong South VIC 3175

(03) 9706 4909