End-of-life vehicles (ELVs) are end-of-life vehicles that are destined for destruction. According to a recent survey, produces more than 1.5 million of them each year. Classified as dangerous, they must not be thrown into the environment. By the law, ELVs must be recycled. What is the point of recycling? How is it done? Does it entitle you to a bonus?
Why recycle your used vehicle?
If recycling used cars has become a widely adopted practice, it is because of the many advantages it presents.
Environmental Protection
Much more than just a trend, recycling end-of-life cars is a real environmental issue. This operation is beneficial for the environment, biodiversity, and wildlife. Indeed, a used vehicle contains toxic and polluting products such as airbag explosives, battery sulfuric acid, air conditioning fluid, used oil, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. If not treated properly, these elements can pollute the soil, spill into water, and even cause accidents. Thus, ELVs can have disastrous consequences for both the environment and our health.
Preservation of raw materials
Along the same lines as the previous paragraph, recycling an ELV contributes to the preservation of raw materials. Indeed, this system gives a second life to more than 3,000 still functional auto parts or 81% of the vehicle’s mass. This saves the energy and natural resources needed to manufacture new auto parts. In addition, no production waste is released into the environment.
Money making
By recycling your ELV, you can make a significant amount of money. Indeed, many companies are looking for used spare parts that are still in working order. These structures are particularly fond of them since these materials come back to them at a very advantageous price. Thus, they will offer you an attractive amount to buy them. And the more auto-operational parts your vehicle has, the more money you will earn.
How to recycle your vehicle?
To get rid of your ELV, the most recommended option is to call on an approved professional, in particular a free wrecker 91. The latter will take care of properly treating hazardous waste and will isolate it from recyclable waste. Calling on this expert will allow you to:
- achieve a huge time saving;
- protect your environment and your health from pollution;
- to avoid sanctions (two years of imprisonment) and paying fines (75,000 euros).
Does recycling qualify for the scrappage premium?
The scrappage premium is financial assistance allocated by the State to the owner of an old vehicle who decides to get rid of it and replace it with a new, less polluting model. Thus, if you plan to scrap your ELV in order to buy another car, you are eligible to benefit from this allowance. The amount varies between €1,000 and €5,000. To determine the amount to be awarded to you, specialists will take into account your income, as well as the type of vehicle purchased or rented.