Reduce Reuse Recycle

Toyota designs and manufactures cars with reduced waste and easier material recovery.

Reducing waste is central to any environmental concept. For Toyota that means manufacturing vehicles in ways that ensure maximum energy efficiency and minimum waste. For example:

All our European manufacturing plants have zero waste going to landfill since January 2007.
In Europe, the average energy consumption required to build a car has reduced by 44% since 2001.
During the same period water usage in Europe has been reduced by 37%.

Reusing materials starts with a simple dismantling process. Toyota has designed an 'Easy to Dismantle Mark' which indicates points that assist in initial dismantling. We have also developed a special plastic that can be used to make bumpers and other parts. This plastic is easily recyclable and can be used many times over.

Recycling batteries, tyres, and oil filters requires an efficient collection system. To minimise the environmental impact Toyota has set up a waste collection system that retrieves used parts from European dealers and sends them back for recovery.

This is just a small part of the work being done to reduce the environmental impact of cars.

Case example: Toyota Avensis and the 3 R’s

Plastic recycled from polypropylene is used in four separate parts.
Two parts use plastic recycled from production waste.
Renewable materials (recycled cotton and wool) for sound absorption and insulation.
Recycled plastic for the bumper, instrument panel and other coverings.