auto experts: ball joints and control arms?

[mrbigstuff]

JoeH wrote:
[quote=mrbigstuff]
it drives me crazy that a huge piece of aluminum is tossed aside, when it takes so much energy to manufacture and all it needs is a rubber bushing.

Auto parts like control arms are largely sold with a core charge. The used part gets returned for a credit. Most get used for remanufactured parts after being evaluated for damage that would preclude being reused. Bushings and other wear parts get replaced using proper tooling, the part gets sold. Those that are damaged get recycled. They are not just tossed aside.
They maybe recycled but they are not usually subject to a core charge. You may be the thinking of brake calipers.