But, some firms are already claiming to be Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) even though the government is still working on new regulations to implement the European ELV Directive into UK law.
It is likely that only Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) will be allowed to handle ELVs once the new regulations come into force.
 Businesses working towards ATF status are urged to sign up at the CARE website |
The CARE group is a collaborative project involving the main UK motor vehicle manufacturers, importers and vehicle dismantlers. It has added the new website register for any business aiming for ATF status to enter details for inclusion into a database of similarly minded companies.
The database is unofficial with regard to the forthcoming regulations, but if the new rules lead to manufacturers being given the responsibility to form their own networks of contracted ATFs, the new website will make the submitting companies known to the manufacturer membership within the CARE group.
“We need to know who our potential partners are, and they need to know who to contact within what can sometimes be seen as daunting global businesses. The facility we have added to our website neatly makes the link between the two parties,” explained Peter Stokes, chairman of CARE and environment manager at the Volkswagen Group.
The database will also allow CARE to assess both the local and national capacity for processing ELVs. Some of the more established treatment facilities in the UK are already moving towards ATF status, but it is thought unlikely they will have enough capacity to treat all the ELVs which will arise.
The service is being provided at zero cost to those businesses entering their data, and CARE is strongly urging businesses moving towards ATF status to make use of the facility.
Claim
As the regulations are still being formulated, the situation is becoming unclear as some recycling companies are already claiming to be Authorised Treatment Facilities. Preston Recycling in Lancashire has a statement on its website stating: “Moving along with current legislation, Preston Recycling is an Authorised Treatment Facility for End of Life Vehicles (ELVs). Vehicles are depolluted and treated to environmental requirements. Wrecks are baled into cubes whilst 'b;reakers' are stripped for further use.”
But a company spokesman admitted to letsrecycle.com that Preston Recycling was not yet an ATF. “Everything's ready for the regulations, though,” he said, “we've got one de-pollution rig and we're putting another two in, so everything's in place.”
Click here for the CARE group “Registration of Interest” website.
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