The Disposal of End-of-Life Vehicles - ELVs

As a company, Goldstar Metal Trading is committed to sustainability through metal recycling, a part of which involves the processing and disposal of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), as the two go hand-in-hand. 

As an Authorised Treatment Facility (AFT) approved by the Environment Agency, we have a responsibility to deliver disposal solutions that meet the strict code of practice laid out by the UK government, dismantling ELVs safely and responsibly to meet the highest possible standards. In the wrong hands, ELVs can discharge harmful substances into the environment, and in order to minimise that risk, there are four key stages when it comes to scrapping a vehicle: de-pollution, dismantling, recycling and waste disposal.

By carefully following this process, we ensure that all harmful substances are safely removed, reusable parts separated and any materials - steel and aluminium for example - recycled and reused. Using these recycled metals reduces the need to mine and source virgin resources, which in turn reduces energy consumption, helping preserve the environment. It goes full circle, with the UK aiming for a 95% reuse, recycling and recovery rate for ELVs.

When you consider the pollutants, the significance of ELVs becomes clear, with the de-pollution phase alone including the removal of the vehicle’s battery, fuel, wheels, tyres and lead balance weights, liquefied gas tank (if present), other liquids including coolants, antifreeze, and brake fluid, air-conditioning gas, shock-absorber fluid and windscreen wash, and oils including engine, gearbox, transmission and hydraulic. We also need to process potentially explosive materials such as airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners. 

Once de-pollution is complete, vehicles can be dismantled safely, components and materials separated, processed and finally recycled. 

At the end of the day, any vehicle that is crushed or disposed of without being de-polluted is hazardous waste. Its harmful fluids drain into the surface of the earth, causing environmental damage. 

ELVS | Goldstar