What is Global Car Recycling Day?

Global Car Recycling Day is held every year on June 20 and is observed worldwide. The day raises awareness about the environmental impact of car disposal and promotes responsible recycling of vehicles at the end of their life. It encourages better systems, smarter designs, and more conscious decisions about what happens to cars after they stop driving.

Old vehicles contain valuable materials, but they also produce waste. Global Car Recycling Day aims to keep those materials in use and keep toxic waste out of the environment. It brings attention to the importance of safe dismantling and reuse of metals, fluids, plastics, and parts.

In the Netherlands, the day is recognised by recycling companies, environmental groups, and local governments. Campaigns and events often focus on sharing knowledge, offering services, and inviting people to recycle their old vehicles in responsible ways.

History and Origin

Global Car Recycling Day was founded in 2023 by CarTakeBack, an international car recycling network based in the United Kingdom. The group wanted to create a moment for the world to focus on the environmental impact of car waste and the potential for circular systems in the automotive industry.

The date, June 20, was chosen to align with other environmental observances and to highlight summer as a key season for scrapping older cars. Since its launch, the day has gained support from car makers, recyclers, and climate-focused organisations.

Global Car Recycling Day is now used to encourage people to think about the entire life cycle of their vehicles. It reminds both individuals and businesses that sustainability starts at design and continues beyond the road.

Who participates in Global Car Recycling Day?

• Car manufacturers: Design vehicles with recycling in mind and support collection programs.
• Recycling centres: Offer services and host events to educate the public about vehicle disposal.
• Environmental groups: Campaign for better regulations and more awareness about car waste.
• Government agencies: Promote safe dismantling practices and track recycling statistics.
• Drivers and car owners: Choose responsible disposal when a vehicle reaches the end of its life.

Slogans and Themes

Global Car Recycling Day focuses on sustainability, reuse, and responsibility. Common slogans include “Give Cars a New Life,” “Drive Change with Recycling,” and “Vehicles Deserve a Clean Farewell.” Themes focus on how car parts can be recovered and reused, reducing pollution and saving resources.

Colors, Symbols and Patterns

Colors

• Green: Represents sustainability, nature, and recycling.
• Blue: Suggests trust, care, and responsibility.
• Grey: Reflects the car industry and mechanical materials.

Symbols

• Car icon: Represents the subject of the day and its environmental weight.
• Recycling arrows: Emphasise reuse and continuous flow of materials.
• Earth or leaf shapes: Suggest harmony between industry and nature.

Patterns

• Circular loops: Reflect the concept of the circular economy.
• Gear shapes: Refer to the mechanical side of vehicles and recycling systems.
• Broken lines: Show dismantling and the separation of materials.

Most used hashtags

• #GlobalCarRecyclingDay
• #CarRecycling
• #SustainableMobility
• #RecycleYourCar
• #EcoDriving

How do you celebrate Global Car Recycling Day?

• Recycle an old car: Use a certified facility to ensure safe and eco-friendly processing.
• Learn the process: Visit a recycling centre or watch how vehicles are taken apart and reused.
• Spread the word: Share facts, photos, or tips online using the official hashtags.
• Support smart design: Choose vehicles made with recyclable materials and efficient systems.
• Join a campaign: Help an organisation raise awareness about responsible car recycling.

Why is Global Car Recycling Day important?

Global Car Recycling Day is important because it draws attention to a major source of waste that often goes unnoticed. Cars are complex machines made of valuable parts and toxic materials. If not treated properly, they can cause serious environmental damage.

The day also highlights solutions. Proper recycling keeps useful resources in circulation and reduces the need for new raw materials. It encourages long-term thinking in both design and disposal. Global Car Recycling Day turns a simple idea into a powerful reminder that sustainability includes everything we build, use, and leave behind.