Recycling and environmentally sound waste disposal are becoming more entrenched in everyday life. From depositing bottles at the bottle bank, taking bigger items down to a local recycling centre or some local councils even provide home collections; much of the waste we create can be recycled in some shape or form. Smaller items are not a problem but what about the really big items like your car? Say your car has reached the end of the road and it’s time to ‘bin’ it – is it possible to dispose of it in a way that does not harm the environment? The answer is yes. The EC End of Life Vehicle Directive was established to do the job. It aims to reduce the amount of waste generated from scrapped vehicles. 80% of the weight of an average car can be re-used or recycled. With approximately two million vehicles in the UK being scrapped every year (source: Environment Agency) for reasons ranging from write-offs, too expensive to fix, to failing an MOT. With so many vehicles being scrapped, it’s a good thing the EC End of Life Vehicle Directive has a ‘green’ disposal system in place.

Where and how to dispose of your car

If it’s time to say a sad farewell to your trusty motor, the first thing you need to do is contact a local Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). It might sound like a glorified scrap yard, but ATFs are Government approved facilities that adhere to the directive rules. Since 2007, disposal at an approved ATF is free of charge as the cost is paid by the vehicle manufacturer. This is provided you can deliver the car to the ATF yourself. It not, you may have to pay a collection cost. However, there may be salvageable parts on your car that could be sold for scrap, which would allow you to recoup the cost of the collection. Once you have said your last goodbye and the ATF have taken your car away for disposal, you will be given a Certificate of Destruction. This is proof that your car has been disposed of responsibly.

Understanding the ATF disposal process

ATFs must ensure that they comply with directive regulations and are subject to regular checks at their facilities to ensure that storage, recycling of the cars and their components are up to directive standards.

The ‘de-pollution’ of vehicles is one of the key aspects of the directive. ‘De-pollution’ involves the removal of the car battery and all types of fluids including fuel, oil, brake fluids etc. These are then disposed of carefully to prevent contamination of waterways and landfills.

For more information about recycling policies, the EC End of Life Vehicle Directive, and how it is implemented by an ATF, visit the Waste Online website.

Not all scrap yards are ATFs

If you want to be sure you are disposing of your car in a ‘green’ way, ensure the scrap yard you are using is a registered ATF.

Once your old car has been disposed of responsibly, ensure you have adequate car insurance cover for your new car. Most car insurance companies offer quick and easy car insurance quotes online. For a car insurance quote and more information about the types of car insurance available from Direct Line, visit www.directline.com/motor/welcome.htm