The automotive aftermarket industry was green before being

Transcription

1 The Automotive Aftermarket Green Story The automotive aftermarket industry was green before being green was mainstream. The businesses in this industry, from manufacturing, remanufacturing, distribution and retail, to service and repair, are committed to sustainable practices and products that meet the needs of the present without compromising the future. The core purpose of these aftermarket businesses is to provide the parts, products and services to keep America s vehicles operating properly, efficiently, safely and cleanly, which contributes to better gas mileage, less energy consumption and cleaner air. The widespread environmental thinking and practices in the areas of, disposal, packaging, transportation and facilities management delivers energy efficient, recyclable, reusable and non-hazardous results. On behalf of aftermarket businesses throughout the United States, the Auto Care Association has prepared this eco story to help demonstrate the environmental stewardship of the industry through its commitment to having a minimal impact on the health of the ecosystem and a positive impact on society and the planet. Driving Toward a Cleaner Environment

2 RECYCLING ENGINE OIL 95% of companies (primarily repair shops and parts stores) surveyed by the Auto Care Association indicated they recycle used engine oil. 40% of oil pollution of our nation s harbors and waterways is a result of improper collection, disposal or of motor oil. An estimated 1.3 billion gallons, or 5.2 billion quarts, of motor vehicle engine oil is generated each year from oil changes performed primarily at repair shops or by do-it-yourselfers. This amount is equivalent to six times more oil than was reportedly leaked from the Deepwater Horizon well in the Gulf. Fortunately, most engine oil drained from automobiles is recycled. Ninety-five percent of companies (primarily repair shops and parts stores) surveyed by the Auto Care Association indicated they recycle used engine oil. The majority of used oil is collected and sold as combustible fuel, mainly used for energy for power plants and heating. ENGINE OIL About 16 percent of used engine oil is re-refined into new oil. One gallon of used motor oil can produce 2.5 quarts of re-refined oil. It takes about 85 percent less energy to produce re-refined motor oil than it does to produce motor oil from crude oil. Re-refining used oil conserves natural non-renewable resources and keeps millions of gallons of oil from being disposed of improperly. Petroleum molecules never wear out, so used motor oil can be re-refined over and over again. The Oil that is dumped on the ground or into the sewer system rather than properly collected and recycled can contaminate one million gallons of drinking water. If the entire 1.3 billion gallons of used oil in the U.S. were recycled, it could generate enough electricity to meet the needs of 1.8 million households for an entire year equal to all of the households in Colorado. Forty percent of oil pollution of our nation s harbors and waterways is a result of improper collection, disposal or of motor oil.

3 RECYCLING BATTERIES An estimated 63.3 million automotive batteries were recycled last year, equal to 1.4 billion pounds of lead, according to the Auto Care Factbook. Nearly all (98%) of automotive aftermarket companies surveyed by Auto Care Association have battery methods in place. More than 95 percent of an automotive battery can be recycled. The lead, plastic, acid and sulfuric acid found in batteries are reclaimed and reused in the manufacturing of new batteries. The lead is cleaned and melted and used in the production of new lead plates and other parts for new batteries. The plastic is cleaned and melted into pellets used to manufacture new battery cases. Old battery acid can either be neutralized into safe water and released into the sewer system or converted into sodium sulfate used in laundry detergent, glass and textiles. BATTERIES The An estimated 63.3 million automotive batteries were recycled last year, equal to 1.4 billion pounds of lead, according to the Auto Care Factbook. Nearly all (98 percent) of automotive aftermarket companies surveyed by the Auto Care Association have battery methods in place.

4 REMANUFACTURING PARTS Remanufacturing automotive parts typically reuses about 88% of the raw materials from the original parts. Remanufacturers have been for more than 80 years.* Rebuilt engines require 50% of the energy and 67% of the labor that is required to produce new engines. Remanufacturing automotive parts typically reuses about 88 percent of the raw materials from the original parts. Remanufacturers have been for more than 80 years.* In remanufacturing, worn-out, missing or non-functioning components are replaced with new or rebuilt components, and the part is reassembled and tested for compliance with performance specifications. A rebuilt part normally costs percent of the cost of a comparable new one, and customarily carries the same warranty. Nearly 58 percent of companies surveyed by the Auto Care Association manufacture, distribute, use or sell remanufactured products. The value of remanufactured parts was about $40 billion in the U.S. in 2009, based on estimates by APRA.* The About 50 percent of the original starter is recovered in the remanufacturing process, for example. This can result in annual savings in the U.S. of 8.2 million gallons of crude oil from steel manufacturing, 51,500 tons of iron ore, and 6,000 tons of copper and other metals. remanufacturing PARTS Rebuilt engines require 50 percent of the energy and 67 percent of the labor that is required to produce new engines. The yearly energy savings by remanufacturing worldwide equals the electricity generated by five nuclear power plants or 10,774,000 barrels of crude oil, which corresponds to a fleet of 233 oil tankers.** The yearly raw materials saved by remanufacturing worldwide would fill 155,000 railroad cars forming a train 1,110 miles long.** * Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA) ** The Fraunhofer Institute, Stuggart, Germany

5 RECYCLING TIRES 88% of companies (primarily repair shops) surveyed by the Auto Care Association indicated they recycle tires. Approximately 89 percent of the scrap tires generated in the United States by weight are consumed in end-use markets.* More than 300 million tires are scrapped annually, or about one tire per person in the United States. Total replacement tire sales in 2009 were $26.6 billion. Fortunately, 88 percent of the companies (primarily repair shops) surveyed by the Auto Care Association indicated they recycle tires. Approximately 89 percent of the scrap tires generated in the United States by weight are put to new productive use. Approximately 54 percent of scrap tires are used as tire derived fuel (TDF), a low-sulfur, high heating value fuel. TIRES Ground rubber applications account for 17 percent of the scrap tire market. Ground rubber is used to produce asphalt rubber, and also can be used as groundcover under playground equipment and on tracks and athletic surfaces. Approximately 12 percent of scrap tires are used in civil engineering applications, including road and landfill construction. Nearly 300 million tires are scrapped every year and 88 percent of companies (primarily repair shops) surveyed by the Auto Care Association indicated they recycle tires, keeping them out of landfills and stockpiles. When not recycled, tires pose health and environmental risks. Scrap tires in landfills can cause problems due to their uneven settlement and tendency to rise to the surface, which can harm landfill covers. Tire stockpiles can create tire fires that cause air pollution, as well as toxic oil runoff that can contaminate soil, surface water and groundwater. Stockpiles also can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and rodents that can carry deadly diseases and pose a threat to human health. * Scrap Tire Markets in the United States, Biennial Report, May 2009, Executive Overview, Rubber Manufacturers Association Other sources: 1) Scrap Tire Markets in the United States, Biennial Report, May 2009, Executive Overview, Rubber Manufacturers Association 2) 3) 4) Acumen (88 percent indicated they were tires) 5) Modern Tire Dealer (Total replacement tire sales in 2009 were 26.6 billion) -

6 RECYCLING OIL FILTERS 50% The rate at which used oil filter has climbed nationally from near zero just 10 years ago.* Each year, the United States generates approximately 425 million used automotive oil filters containing 160,000 tons of iron units and 18 million gallons of oil.** An estimated 425 million oil filters are disposed of annually. Used oil filters are composed of steel the number-one recycled material in North America and are being recycled into new steel products, including cans, cars, appliances and construction materials. After being removed from the vehicle, a used oil filter may still contain approximately 45 percent used motor oil in weight. Two quarts of re-refined oil can be produced from one gallon of used oil. It takes less energy to produce a gallon of re-refined motor oil than to produce the same amount from crude oil. OIL FILTERS The rate of used oil filter has climbed more than 50 percent nationally from near zero just 10 years ago. Estimates suggest that 100 percent of used oil filters would allow recovering 160,000 tons of steel enough to make 16 new stadiums the size of Atlanta s Olympic Stadium and nearly 18 million gallons of oil. Recycling used oil filters conserves non-renewable resources and landfill space, and prevents oil from contaminating soil and water. Recycling metal saves up to 74 percent energy and 40 percent water consumption, compared with using virgin materials.*** * Filter Manufacturers Council ** Feasibility Study for Recycling Used Automotive Oil Filters in a Blast Furnace, American Iron and Steel Institute. *** Earth911 Other sources 1) Filter Manufacturers Council, 2) Earth911, 3) CalRecycle,

7 RECYCLING WOOD PALLETS 84% of companies (repair shops, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and jobbers) surveyed by the Auto Care Association indicated they recycle wood pallets. 90% Estimated percentage of pallets that are made of wood, and every year, approximately 1.9 billion wooden pallets are in circulation in the United States. Approximately 700 million pallets are manufactured and repaired each year. When a used wood pallet cannot be repaired or reused, it can be recycled. The Auto Care Association survey indicated that 84 percent of companies (repair shops, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and jobbers) recycle wood pallets. Wooden pallets can be recycled into mulch for landscapes, fuel pellets, pressed logs, pet bedding, medium-density fiberboard, and as a composting agent to increase airflow and decomposition. WOOD PALLETS Wood accounts for roughly 17 percent of the waste in U.S. landfills. Wood pallets that are recycled minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills. Recycling pallets also conserves natural resources as fewer trees are harvested, which preserves local ecosystems and reduces air and water pollution associated with deforestation. Forests help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by taking up carbon dioxide and storing carbon in trees and soil. U.S. forests offset roughly 11 percent of industrial greenhouse gas emissions annually.* Recycling 720,000 wood pallets per year is equivalent to saving 212,000 trees. ** * United States Department of Agriculture ** AutoZone Other sources 1) U.S. Forest Service 2) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and the USDA Forestry Service Study 3) 4) Acumen (84percent recycle wood pallets)

8 RECYCLING CARDBOARD & PAPER 72% of companies (repair shops, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and jobbers) surveyed by the Auto Care Association indicated they recycle cardboard. In 2009, a record-high 63.4 percent of the paper used in the United States was recovered for.* More than 85 percent of all products sold in the United States are packed in cardboard and an estimated 31.4 million tons of cardboard are discarded every year. Fortunately, 72 percent of companies (repair shops, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and jobbers) surveyed by the Auto Care Association indicated they recycle cardboard. Recycled cardboard is used to create new cardboard, packaging material and textile tubing, and as biodegradable garden supplies such as mulch. Paper reached an all-time high of 63.4 percent in 2009, yet office workers in the United States continue to generate approximately two pounds of paper and paperboard products every day. In addition to writing paper and paper towels, more than 5,000 products can be made from recycled paper. Recycling cardboard and paper saves valuable landfill space. When using recycled cardboard, only 75 percent of the energy is needed to make new cardboard and the emission of sulfur dioxide that is produced when making pulp from trees is lessened. Every bale of cardboard that is recycled saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 380 gallons of oil and enough energy to heat a home in the United States for six months. American businesses generate enough paper every day to circle the earth 20 times. Similar to cardboard, paper conserves resources, including trees, water, oil and energy. Recycled paper reduces water pollution by 35 percent and air pollution by 74 percent, and eliminates many toxic pollutants. CARDBOARD AND PAPER * Paperrecycles.org Other sources Acumen generated enough paper to circle earth stat every bale stat

9 RECYCLING PARTS CLEANING SOLVENTS 91% of companies (primarily repair shops) surveyed by the Auto Care Association indicated they recycle parts cleaning solvents. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the most dangerous waste commonly created in repair shops is from solvents used to clean parts. Auto repair shops use solvents to clean engine parts. Of the companies surveyed by the Auto Care Association, 91 percent recycle parts cleaning solvents. In addition to solvents, many repair shops also follow green practices regarding solvents, including reducing the amount of hazardous solvent used, reusing solvent, using a less-hazardous or non-hazardous solvent, and disposing of spent materials in accordance with federal, state and local requirements. Chemicals that make up the solvents used by repair shops to clean parts are dangerous to humans, animals and the environment. If solvents are not handled properly, health problems can occur due to eye contact, skin contact, and inhalation and swallowing. When solvents evaporate, they cause hazardous air pollution and smog. If not disposed of properly, solvents can cause environment problems such as contaminating water supplies. There are additional risks of fire, explosion and pollution from careless disposal of solvents. PARTS CLEANING SOLVENTS Other sources Acumen ECAR RCRA in Focus (pdf)

10 RECYCLING SCRAP METAL 96% of companies (primarily repair shops) surveyed by the Auto Care Association indicated they recycle scrap metal. The volume of material recycled in the United States in 2009 includes 71 million tons of iron and steel, 4.6 million tons of aluminum and 1.7 million tons of copper.* The Auto Care Association survey indicated that 96 percent of companies (primarily repair shops) recycle scrap metal from several automotive components, including alternators, brakes, engines and transmissions. Among the most commonly recycled metals by volume are iron and steel, aluminum and copper. Recycled iron and steel scrap are a vital raw material used to produce new cast iron and steel products. Recycled aluminum is often re-used for the same application for which it was originally manufactured, while recovered copper is used in a wide range of applications, including electrical, piping, roofing and insulation, and household items. SCRAP METAL Scrap metal conserves natural resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, saves energy and minimizes the amount of waste sent to landfills. More specifically, one ton of steel conserves 2,500 lbs. of iron ore, 1,200 lbs. of coal and 120 lbs. of limestone.** Through the use of ferrous scrap metal (iron and steel), CO2 emissions are reduced 58 percent. The energy saved using recycled materials versus virgin ore is up to 56 percent for steel, 92 percent for aluminum and 90 percent for copper. The energy saved from one ton of aluminum is equal to the amount of electricity the average home uses over 10 years.*** * Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. Fact Sheet, ** Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc., Face Sheet, *** Keep America Beautiful, Other sources Acumen Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc., Bureau of International Recycling, Keep American Beautiful, Planet Metals,

11 RECYCLING DUNNAGE 71% of companies (repair shops, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and jobbers) surveyed by the Auto Care Association indicated they recycle dunnage. Nearly 30% of all loose fill (commonly known as packing peanuts) is reused, and approximately 45 million pounds of plastic loose fill are produced each year in the United States.* Packing peanuts, bubble wrap, paper products, air bags, air pillows and foam are among the types of dunnage commonly used to prevent damage from occurring during the transport of goods. Of the companies surveyed by the Auto Care Association (repair shops, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and jobbers), 71 percent indicated they recycle dunnage. DUNNAGE Most dunnage can be reused by the recipient of the goods, taken to a shipping or mailing center for reuse, or turned into a center where materials can be converted into other useful products. Dunnage made with expanded polystyrene, such as packing peanuts, resists decomposition in landfills. Recycling and reuse diverts dunnage from landfills, conserves the earth s resources, and limits air and water pollution associated with extraction and manufacturing of raw materials. * The Plastic Loose Fill Council, Other sources Acumen Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers,

12 RECYCLING PLASTICS 54% of companies (repair shops, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and jobbers) surveyed by the Auto Care Association indicated they recycle plastics. The rate for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic bottles is 37 percent and 28 percent respectively. Recovery of plastics for is approximately 2.1 million tons annually.* Plastics are used to manufacture thousands of products. Packaging, which includes bottles, containers and cups, is the largest end-use market for plastics. Additionally, the use of lightweight plastics in vehicles has grown to approximately 330 pounds per vehicle. At present, over 50 percent of a vehicle s volume is composed of plastics and plastic composites.** A wide range of products are made with the recycled content of plastics, including new food and beverage bottles, carpets, clothing, automobile parts, plastic lumber, bags, industrial fibers and office accessories. PLASTICS Plastics are polymers composed primarily of petroleum. When plastics are recycled, this natural resource is preserved. Producing new plastic products from recycled materials uses 66 percent less energy than is required to make products from raw materials, and when recycled material is substituted for virgin material, greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced. Recycling also reduces the amount of plastics in landfills. For every ton of recycled plastics, 16.3 barrels of oil are saved. When a single plastic bottle is recycled, enough energy is conserved to light a 60-watt light bulb for up to six hours. * Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ** Plastics in Automotive Markets Technology Roadmap A New Vision for the Road Ahead, March 2009, American Chemistry Council, Plastics Division. Other sources Society of the Plastics Industry, EPA, American Chemistry Council, Acumen Earth911,

13 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE Vehicle maintenance is the simplest, most inexpensive and effective way to make a car, truck, SUV or minivan environmentally friendly. vehicle Maintaining vehicles to keep them operating properly, efficiently and cleanly has a direct positive impact on the environment. Regularly maintained vehicles are more efficient, thus using less fuel and polluting less. Routine tune-ups, properly inflated tires, the replacement of dirty air, fuel and oil filters, regular oil changes all minimize energy use and pollution, and extend the useful life of the vehicle, saving the energy and resources required to build new vehicles. Examples of environmentally-beneficial routine vehicle maintenance from the Car Care Council include: 4% improvement on gas savings from tune-up 3% increase in gas mileage from properly inflated tires 10% increase in gas mileage from replacing dirty or clogged air filter 2 mpg enhancement by replacing dirty spark plugs 1 mpg gain from regular oil change MAINTENANCE In addition to cutting down on air pollution, vehicle maintenance, whether performed at the repair shop or done by the do-it-yourselfer, leads to the additional environmentally-friendly practices of parts, fluids and materials. Billions of quarts of used engine oil are recycled every year from oil changes, keeping the oil from polluting our ground or water. Millions of tires, batteries, hoses, belts, plastics, solvents and other components and materials are recycled every year, keeping them out of landfills and water resources. Remanufacturing automotive parts removed from a vehicle typically reuses about 88% of the original raw materials.

14 RECYCLING A/C REFRIGERANT For more than 20 years, the automotive service industry has been instrumental in recovering and mobile air conditioning (a/c) refrigerant to prevent ozone layer destruction and minimize greenhouse gases. $1.5 billion was spent by the U.S. auto service industry to purchase refrigerant recovery machines and tools, plus ensure certification of all service technicians during the transition from R-12 to R-134a.* The phase out of R-12 under the Montreal Protocol agreement and the subsequent transition to R-134a the predominant refrigerant in today s motor vehicle a/c system have required significant commitment, change and expense for the automotive service industry for more than 20 years. To prevent the release of refrigerants during the servicing of motor vehicle a/c systems and ensure of used refrigerants per Section 609 of the Clean Air Act, today s technicians are trained and certified and use approved refrigerant recovery equipment. Automotive service facilities also adhere to safe disposal, equipment certification and recordkeeping requirements. A/C REFRIGERANT Through proper recovery and efforts, the automotive service industry helps protect the environment by preventing the harmful release of refrigerants into the atmosphere. Emissions of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), as well as other certain synthetic chemicals, destroy the Stratospheric Ozone layer that shields the Earth from the sun s harmful ultraviolet radiation and have created an ozone hole over the South Pole. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) refrigerant (R-134a) does not deplete the ozone layer, however, it is a potent greenhouse gas that has a high global warming potential (GWP) that is approximately 1,400 times greater than carbon dioxide. The industry is in the process of identifying alternatives for the refrigerant R-134a in continuing efforts to reduce emissions from mobile a/c refrigerant. *F.A. Vogelsberg, An Industry Perspective: Lessons Learned and the Cost of the CFC Phaseout. (R-12 is also known as CFC-12 and various trade names, such as Freon ).