With the global economic downturn creating uncertainty in the value of scrap metal, the proper disposal of scrap vehicles is once again becoming a real concern - particularly in remote rural areas of the UK. So the Department for Business is reminding owners that they can dispose of their old cars and vans freely and responsibly by taking them along to one of the nationwide manufacturer-appointed Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs). Local authorities can also benefit from the same arrangements.
(Media-Newswire.com) - With the global economic downturn creating uncertainty in the value of scrap metal, the proper disposal of scrap vehicles is once again becoming a real concern - particularly in remote rural areas of the UK.
So the Department for Business is reminding owners that they can dispose of their old cars and vans freely and responsibly by taking them along to one of the nationwide manufacturer-appointed Authorised Treatment Facilities ( ATFs ). Local authorities can also benefit from the same arrangements.
The vast majority of the population lives within 10 miles of a manufacturer ATF, but any owner who is further than 30 miles from their nearest facility is entitled to a free collection service for their vehicle.
A few years ago, local authorities had to deal with large numbers of abandoned vehicles, but the problem faded as scrap metal prices reached an all-time high and the End of Life Vehicles ( ELV ) Producer Responsibility Regulations were introduced.
Economic and Business Minister, Ian Pearson said:
"We know the scrap metal market is experiencing difficulties at the moment and it's precisely for these sorts of circumstances that the ELV Regulations were designed.
"It doesn't matter what the value of a scrap car currently is - under the requirements of the Regulations, automotive manufacturers have established networks of convenient facilities where vehicles can be returned at no cost to the last owner. They will then ensure the car or van is properly treated and at least 85 per cent of it is recycled and put to new uses.
"Although the ELV Regulations have been in force for a couple of years, this is the first time that the 'free take-back' system has been seriously called into action. It's now more important than ever that people are aware of this service so we can minimise the potentially damaging impact of fluctuating metal prices on local authorities, who have a duty to collect abandoned vehicles."
Owners wanting to scrap their vehicle should take it to their nearest manufacturer-ATF, which will handle the rest of the process. A Certificate of Destruction will be provided to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency that the vehicle has been destroyed; ending the registered owner's licensing responsibility for the vehicle.
Notes to Editors
* There are two conditions attached to the free take-back service:
1. The vehicle must be largely complete, i.e. it has not been stripped of major components
2. The vehicle must not have been filled with any other waste.
* The vehicle manufacturers have organised the ATF networks through two service providers: Autogreen, http://www.autogreen.org ( tel: 0800 5422002 ) and Cartakeback, http://www.cartakeback.com ( tel: 0845 2573233 ).
* Autogreen represents brands including BMW, Honda, Mercedes, Toyota and Vauxhall. Cartakeback acts for Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault and Volkswagen, among others. A complete list of the represented brands can be found on the Autogreen and Cartakeback websites.
* Across the country there are hundreds of other non-affliated ATFs, which are not legally bound to accept vehicles. Owners can continue to take their vehicles to these facilities but there is no guarantee of free take-back and the cost of disposal and recycling is likely to reflect prevailing market conditions.
* Depending on scrap metal prices, last owners may be offered payment on delivery of their vehicle. However, this is not an entitlement under the regulations and is subject to individual negotiation with the accepting treatment facility
* The End of Life Vehicles ( Producer Responsibility ) Regulations were introduced in 2005. They introduced higher environmental standards for the treatment and dismantling of vehicles when they are scrapped. For more information visit: http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/sectors/sustainability/elv/page30591.html
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