Clunkers get crushed for cash

SPANISH FORT, Ala. - The flattened shards of metal and rubber were once gas-guzzling clunkers. Over 128 vehicles which were picked up in the "Cash for Clunkers" program got flattened into steel pancakes.

Counselman's Automotive Recycling hired a company to crush the vehicles turned in for cash.

"We're trying to get this crush pile out of here, so we can make room for more cars we'll probably be getting in next week," said owner James Counselman.

The powerful machine can crush as many as 150 vehicles a day. After being drained and destroyed, the vehicles are piled on a flatbed, secured and hauled off.

The cars may be smashed, but it's not the end of their life. They'll actually make a 360 degree cycle through the auto industry.

"It goes full circle. They'll go from here to a shredder. The parts left over from the shredder will be recycled and be melted back down and reformed into new parts for cars. So it will be like new hoods, new fenders, new doors, things like that," Counselman said.

Counselman is one of many businessmen who's glad the program has been extended at least until September. President Barack Obama signed off on more money going into the incentive, an additional $2 billion. It's a move that's great for everyone involved.

"We're excited about it, excited that the government feels like it's a good enough program. We get a lot of benefits out of it. I think it'll be good for the auto industry and good for the salvage industry," he added.

Counselman said the dealers make money off the sales, the salvage yards profit off the parts and lots more jobs are available because of the extra labor needed. He hopes this program continues to be a smashing hit.