The Directive was supposed to be implemented by the UK by April 2002, but the first stage of the regulations will now come into effect on November 3, 2003, with the rest of the Directive subject to a consultation paper expected later this year.
This first stage of the regulations will dictate permitting and standards for the dismantling, recycling and disposal of ELVs by authorised treatment facilities (ATFs). A system using Certificates of Destruction as a condition for de-registering an ELV when it is taken to an ATF is also being introduced.
With speakers from DTI DEFRA Environment Agency Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders British Vehicle Salvage Federation British Metals Recycling Association Consortium for Automotive Recycling Motor Vehicle Dismantlers Association Charles Trent Ltd. Redcorn
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Commenting on the new regulations, trade minister Stephen Timms said: “Old cars and other vehicles produce a lot of waste material and we need to find new ways of encouraging their reuse and recycling. The new environmental standards are the first step in modernising our approach to dealing with this waste, which is around two million tonnes each year.”
Manufacturers
For manufacturers, the new regulations will bring in a ban on using hazardous substances in the design of new cars, particularly the heavy metals lead, mercury, cadmium or hexavalent chromium. The legislation also requires manufacturers to make dismantling and recycling information available for their vehicles.
The new regulations will mean that producers are responsible for the costs of collecting and treating vehicles with a negative value put on the market after July 2002. From 2007, these manufacturers will be responsible for the costs of collection and treatment for all ELVs. However, this part of the Directive's requirements will form part of the second stage of implementation, which the government is expected to consult on in November 2003.
Once fully implemented, the Directive will require that the UK recycles 85% of ELVs by weight by 2006, although for vehicles put on the market before 1980 this target could be lowered to 70%. The recycling target set for all ELVs by 2015 is 95%. At the moment it is thought that the national ELV recycling rate is about 75%.
Delegates at a letsrecycle.com ELV conference on November 20, 2003, will be given the chance to find out about the new regulations – and the consultation on the next stage of implementation – from DTI and DEFRA officials. The conference, to be held in Central London, will also hear from representatives of the motor manufacturing industry, ELV dismantlers and recyclers and local authorities.
For more details on the conference, Vehicle Recycling — Decision time, click here, and a chance to book online, click here.
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