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Nestled in the Munich suburb of Unterschleißheim, Germany, lies the BMW Group Recycling and Dismantling Centre (RDC), a facility with a twofold mission: serving as the nation’s leading car recycler and spearheading advancements in the field. Since its inception in 1994, the RDC has focused on dismantling pre-series vehicles, meticulously extracting valuable insights to inform future improvements in the efficiency and sustainability of the recycling process.
The car’s journey at the RDC begins with the cautious removal of the high-voltage battery in electric vehicles, ensuring its safe handling for further specialized recycling. Adhering to strict legal guidelines, pyrotechnic components like airbags and seatbelt tensioners are meticulously neutralized using a specialized tool developed in-house by the RDC’s team. This is followed by the meticulous extraction and drainage of various fluids, including oil, coolant, and brake fluid, for responsible reuse within the center itself.
The scene then shifts to a more intensive dismantling process. A powerful excavator takes center stage, methodically ripping off the car’s roof, seats, and dashboard, creating an almost surgical display of precision. The intricate network of wires is then systematically extracted with the aid of a specialized tool, ensuring the capture of every valuable component. This intricate dance between human expertise and innovative machinery allows the RDC to process a staggering 10,000 cars annually.
The remaining car body, stripped of its usable parts, undergoes a final transformation. A colossal 300-ton press applies immense pressure, compressing the shell into a compact cube roughly the size of a refrigerator. This cube is then shipped to an external partner for further processing, where it will be shredded, meticulously separated based on material composition, and cleaned. Finally, the individual materials are melted down, embarking on a new life within their respective recycling streams. This comprehensive process allows BMW to meet its legal obligations, achieving an impressive 85% recyclability and 95% recoverability, which factors in thermal recycling as well.
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The BMW Group Recycling and Dismantling Centre stands as a testament to the carmaker’s commitment to environmental responsibility. By continuously innovating and meticulously optimizing its processes, the RDC plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of car recycling, prioritizing not just efficiency but also the responsible recovery of resources and the minimization of environmental impact.