Local Elementary School Students Discover Auto Recycling Processes at MATEC Facility

On September 22, 2025, a unique educational event took place that offered young students an inside look at the auto recycling industry. Fifth graders from Sapporo's Higashi Naebo Elementary School participated in an insightful field trip organized by the Automobile Recycling Promotion Center, a public interest foundation based in Minato City, Tokyo. This initiative aimed to provide students with hands-on experience regarding eco-friendly practices in vehicle disposal and recycling.

The program began with a theoretical session where the students learned about the various stages of the recycling process, from dismantling vehicles to the recovery of usable parts and materials. The students were introduced to the fundamental concepts of how old cars are processed and the importance of effective recycling in protecting the environment. This segment set the stage for the hands-on experience that would follow.

After the educational session, the students traveled to the MATEC facility, where they observed the dismantling process of various vehicle components. MATEC, a leading industry player renowned for its commitment to sustainable practices in vehicle disposal, opened its doors to the young minds eager to learn. During the visit, the participants witnessed the safe dismantling of airbags and observed heavy machinery in action as it crushed and dismantled cars. This direct observation of large equipment at work created a lasting impression on the students, captivating their interest in environmental science and industries.

Many of the students voiced their excitement and awe after the tour. One student noted, "The experience of watching such large machines dismantling cars was incredibly powerful." Another added, "Seeing how finely the cars were crushed was surprising and made me realize how different it is from what I imagined." These reflections indicated that the event was not only educational but also inspiring, as it encouraged students to think critically about the importance of recycling and environmental responsibility.

The event was made possible with the collaboration of MATEC’s representative, Hiroyasu Sugiyama, who demonstrated exceptional commitment to educating the next generation about sustainable practices.

Event Details

- Date and Time: September 22, 2025, 9:30 AM - 11:25 AM
- Location:

- MATEC ELV Dismantling Facility
- 1-22-16 Shinko Minami, Ishikari City, Hokkaido
- MATEC Ishikari Shinko Business Office
- 2-8-1 Shinko Higashi, Ishikari City, Hokkaido

- Participants: 27 fifth graders from Sapporo’s Higashi Naebo Elementary School
- Program Highlights: Learning about auto recycling, observing dismantling and crushing processes, and seeing resource recovery in action.

This event exemplifies how engaging with industries can ignite a passion for environmental sustainability among youth. Initiatives like these help to pave the way for future generations to adopt eco-friendly practices and understand their role in shaping a sustainable future.