Lengthening the life cycle of automobiles as a business idea : Case studies Fangmbeng & Son’s Shipping ay

Abstract

Nowadays there are plenty of cars which still can be used, for instance, as a source of spares part after they have been used for work, business, or pleasure. It is usual that those cars consume petrol or diesel and contribute to pollution of the atmosphere. But they could last with good services and repair for quite a long time, maybe for ten years or more. However there comes a time when the repairing does not pay. But for sure these cars can be used as spare parts storage for many other cars, even after they have been taken to the scrap yard, which earlier would have been a final resting place for them. Nowadays we are stripping the cars of useful components, which can be taken into use. These useful parts may include a wide range of materials.

These parts and materials can be sold to private car customers who are in need of spare parts, and also to companies that can reclaim the materials for further use. The rest of the car can be crushed into blocks. These are melted down in special furnaces; the waste is removed leaving the usable metal, normally steel. The recycled metal can be used to manufacture new cars or other products.

This thesis discusses some of these issues of recycling and concludes with suggestions for improvement in life cycles of cars, waste management solutions in various locations or areas in Finland and abroad, especially in Africa. The main research method was a questionnaire alongside with books, journals and internet sources. Also the personal experience of the author has contributed in a great measure to the conclusions. The Fangmbeng & son`s shipping open company has made comparisons on how different municipalities deal with the recycling issues in general, but particularly with metal recycling and with abandoned cars. The company tries to update the differences in waste management policies in local communities in both Finland and abroad.