More recycling: EU plans to ban exports of scrap cars

Parliament’s chief negotiator, Jens Gieseke (CDU)said after the agreement: “Vehicles must be designed so that they can be more easily disassembled at the end of their use and their parts can be more easily reused and recycled.” The result of the negotiations is one Success for the environment, climate and industry.

In order for the new rules to come into force, they still need the official approval of Parliament and EU states. However, if the negotiators have already agreed on a compromise, this is usually just a formality. Exceptions to the requirements should apply to small vehicle manufacturers.

Fixed recycling quotas

The agreement stipulates, among other things, that a quarter of the plastic used in vehicles will be used in the future Recyclingplastik should be. A fifth of this is said to be plastic that was previously obtained from vehicles. Targets for other materials like recycled steel, aluminum, magnesium and critical raw materials are still to be determined by the EU Commission.

Every year in the EU, according to official figures, more than six million vehicles the end of their lifespan. The vehicles are full of raw materials. According to this, the European automotive industry, for example, accounts for 19 percent of the demand in the EU steel industry (more than seven million tons per year).

The industry is also one of the largest consumers of aluminum (around two million tons per year) and copper. In addition there is a consumption of six million tons of plastic in the year.

Export ban on scrap cars

For scrap cars and other vehicles, five years after the rules come into force Export bans introduced. The measure aims to ensure that the EU fulfills its obligations not to contribute to pollution in third countries and to keep valuable materials within its territory.