Union ministers set to agree car recycling measures

Date: 04/03/1999

By Simon Coss

EU-WIDE rules which would oblige national governments to ensure up to 90% of the Union's old cars are recycled look set to move a step closer next week.

Union environment ministers are expected to agree a compromise deal on the European Commission's proposals for an 'end-of-life vehicles' directive at their meeting next Thursday (11 March).

The plan has already been examined by the European Parliament, which made several changes to the Commission's original text in Strasbourg last month.

In its current form, the legislation would require 95% of the parts used in all vehicle models approved after 2005 to be 're-used and recovered' (ie old components should be used again for their original purpose) and 85% to be 're-used and recycled' (ie broken down for use as scrap). For vehicles approved before 2005, these targets would not apply until 2015.

Environment ministers are, however, likely to alter this formulation during their deliberations next week.

National officials argue that setting different recycling quotas for car parts produced before and after 2005 would be unworkable in practice. They point out that it would be extremely difficult for a car scrap dealer with a yard full of thousands of dismantled components to keep track of exactly when a particular item was made. "The Parliament's approach to recycling was just a tiny bit ludicrous," said one EU expert.

There is more common ground between the Parliament and EU governments on other points. Both institutions are opposed to the Commission's original suggestion that certain dangerous 'heavy metals' should be removed from old cars before they are broken up for scrap in automated vehicle shredders.

Last November, environment ministers said lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium should be gradually phased out of car production and recycling as alternatives became available, rather than facing a blanket ban. This approach was supported by MEPs during last month's first reading.

EU carmakers' lobby ACEA has been hostile to all versions of the proposed directive which have been presented so far. They are particularly unhappy with the suggestion that owners of old cars should be able to dispose of their vehicles free of charge.

ACEA is concerned that the bill for this 'take back' guarantee would ultimately end up on its members' desks. This, it says, would discourage scrap merchants from offering competitive prices for vehicle disposal and eventually force up the price of new cars. "Dismantlers could ask whatever price they wanted because customers would not care as they finally do not pay," complained one ACEA official.

The European Automotive Recycling Association (EGARA) has, however, warmly welcomed the proposals.