Scrapyard challenge

This week, after some delay, the DTI introduced legislation making vehicle manufacturers and professional importers responsible for recycling their cars and light vans when they are scrapped.

The regulations, due to come into force on 3 March, complete the UK's implementation of the EU-led End of Life Vehicle (ELV) Producer Responsibility Regulations. Under the legislation, from 2006, 85 per cent of the weight of all cars and small vans will need to be re-used, recycled or recovered at the end of the life of the vehicle. This percentage will rise to 95 per cent from 2015.

For the first year, as usual, the final owner of the car will have responsibility for disposing of their vehicle. However, after 1 January 2007, manufacturers and importers will be required toprovide free take-back of vehicles through a national network of authorised treatment facilities.

Albeit in two years' time, the legislation should end the UK's current problem with abandoned vehicles — every two minutes someone in the country dumps their car at the side of the road rather than paying councils or scrapyards around £40-£50 for the privilege of removing it.