SMMT introduces environmental recycling project

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has launched a new recycling strategy to ensure all end of life vehicles (ELV) are disposed of in a way which is kinder to the environment.

Currently, there is a Europe-wide directive that states that cars and vans weighing up to 3.5 tonnes must be recycled as much as possible when they are no longer useful. Automotive manufacturers provide the service free of charge to customers, however, some cars are from manufacturers that no longer trade in the UK and owners can find the task of recycling such cars difficult.

The SMMT has partnered up with recycling company Autogreen to provide services for ‘orphan’ cars such as Daihatsu, Saab and Rover, which have ceased to trade in the UK or European markets and ensure they are recycled responsibly and at no cost to the owner.

New regulations state that 95 per cent of cars and vans must be recycled, a ten per cent increase from previous rules. Figures show that manufacturing plants have already reduced landfill waste by up to 90 per cent since 2000, with less than two per cent of their waste in 2014 disposed of through non-recyclable means.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "This new partnership is further evidence of just how seriously UK vehicle manufacturers take their environmental responsibilities. The industry has a strong record, not just on recycling, but on emissions, energy and water usage reduction as a result of huge investments into innovative technologies, production processes and facilities.

"Thanks to this latest initiative, every motorist in Britain can now be assured that when their vehicle reaches the end of its life it will be disposed of in a way that is not just ecologically sound, but cost-free – no matter where they live."

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