End of Life Vehicles

In the UK around 2 million vehicles are scrapped each year (Defra). There are now systems in place that ensure that vehicles are properly disposed of when they can no longer be used. However, there are a number of options for reducing the number of vehicles that an organisation needs to dispose of.

This advice applies to all motor vehicles. Although EU legislation proposed different requirements for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, the UK interpretation of the legislation made no such distinction, so all Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and Passenger Service Vehicles (PSVs) buses, coaches etc. For full details of the scheme, its aims and achievements click here.

Separate information for the disposal of tyres can be found on EiE's Tyres Page.

Reduce

Vehicles represent a significant investment for businesses, so disposal is clearly a last resort in most cases. However, in reducing the need for 'disposing' of vehicles there are other considerations to be made.

Is vehicle ownership necessary?

Many firms have company cars and fleet vehicles simply because 'they always have'.More and more firms are exploring other options in place of vehicle ownership.

For staff travel to meetings and events consider public transport as a first option. Public transport options are often faster, and allow for work to be done during journeys.

Where cars are required, consider using hire vehicles, which provide all the benefits of vehicle ownership, but remove the initial financial outlay as well as ongoing maintenance costs. Many national and local vehicle hire firms will provide favourable business rates to organisations that will regularly use vehicles.

For deliveries, consider the use of courier systems or logistics companies. This can be cheaper and also removes the need for vehicle storage, maintenance and of course vehicle disposal at the end of its life.

Reuse

Whilst commercial vehicles may no longer meet an organisation's requirements, this does not mean that they need to be disposed of. Many organisations run systems where vehicles at the end of their 'working life' are sold on to staff, or private individuals for use as private vehicles.

There are also decisions that can be taken that will prolong the life of commercial vehicles including driver training schemes, fleet management options, and maintenance. More details can be found on the transport pages {LINK}.

Recycle

ELV Recyclers

Under the ELV regulations, manufacturers of vehicles have been required to offer a free take back service to consumers. Some organisations may make no charge at all, while some may charge for collecting a vehicle. In most cases manufacturers are affiliated with a particular recycler. You manufacturer should be able to advise you which service to use. In most cases, when arranging ELV recycling, you will be required to enter details of the vehicle including make, model and registration number. If the recycler quotes a cost for recycling, it is likely that the manufacturer of your vehicle is affiliated to a different recycler. Try contacting another ELV recycler.

 

 

 

 

 

ELV Recyclers for HGVs and PSVs

Although HGVs and PSVs must be properly disposed of, the same recyclers are not equipped to deal with larger vehicles. The companies listed are the results of EiE's own research. If your company offers ELV services for HGV or PSVs please contact us to be included in this list.

 

 

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