The deadline, though still several months away, doesn't leave enough time for recyclers to fully remove all reusable parts from the vehicles. Parts typically removed at the centers are starters, alternators, and transmissions. "True recycling is using something to its fullest potential; we're breaking that circle here by crushing good quality parts," said Jeff Cantor, an auto recycler in Candia NH. He added, "We can't process them quick enough in six months."
The deadline was set into place in the early stages of the cash for clunkers program, before the government realized how popular the program would be. Most recycling centers are receiving double or even triple the number of cars they expected to see from the program. "At times, we were having to stack cars on top of cars -- it got unruly there for a little *** said Nathan Adlen of Aadlen Bros. Auto Wrecking in L.A.
Vehicles also have the time-consuming process of needing to be drained of all fluids including oil, antifreeze, and transmission fluid. "If it's about recycling, the thing to do is to give us another six months and let us do them the correct way each time," said Harry Haluptzok of John's Auto Parts in Minnesota.
Source: AP