Two of Australia’s key automotive bodies have teamed up to solve in one of the industry’s biggest problems; how to deal with cars at the end of their life.
About 850,000 motor vehicles reach this point every year in Australia, generating around 1.36 million tonnes of waste and although 70 per cent is recycled, much of the residue goes into costly and potentially damaging landfill.
Now the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) have developed a strategic pathway for boosting automotive recycling through a product stewardship scheme and higher material-recovery rates.
Complex barriers
The extensive study has identified a fragmented recycling sector, a diverse vehicle fleet, and insufficient processing options for non-metal materials as some of the key barriers preventing reducing the problem for End of Life Vehicles(ELV).
The ‘The Outlook for End-of-Life Vehicles in Australia’ report has identified ways to increase material recovery rates, avoided interstate leakage of the vehicles and reduce landfill.
While it recognised the substantial part played by the recovery industry in sourcing useable parts and recyclable metals, multiple other materials including plastics, glass, rubber and textiles did not have the same organised recovery rates and often went to landfill.
Unique Model
The study made a comprehensive study of overseas models, including manufacturers like Japan, and distinguished Australia needed a customised model for an ELV plan to adopt the best of these examples and catch up with international standards.
Its plan is to work with manufactures and other automotive bodies in a co-regulatory environment to increase whole of life responsibility for products and part of this would be developing better ‘cradle to grave’ tracking of vehicles.
The plan would oversee all passenger vehicles and light commercial vehciles under 3.5 tonnes that making up the bulk of the Australian car parc.
But the two bodies are also calling on government to work with the strategy and support its next steps arguing a nationally consistent scheme including national standards for recyclers was critical to ensure its success and prevent interstate ‘leakage’.
Urgency
FCAI CEO, Tony Weber says getting a ELV scheme operational may take some time but the sheer number of ELV vehicles amassing in Australia meant acting on its advice was critical now.
‘“The study presents a way forward for the sector and clearly shows the need for cooperation between the automotive, dismantling, recycling and waste management sectors and the different levels of government.”
The report notes that “Authorised Collection Facilities (ACF) and Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATF) with standardised operating and environmental features and Certificates of Destruction (CoD) to support higher standards of vehicle tracking would be needed to guarantee the success of any initiative in Australia,’
It also wants a future pathway to include all vehicle powertrain technologies and new materials, such as from EVs, a broader recovery of parts, improved separation of materials and better redirection of materials away from landfill.
MTAA CEO Matt Hobbs says the substantial work put into the report gives a clear pathway forward.
“This is a pivotal moment for us to enhance recovery efforts and reduce environmental impact as the industry moves towards a more sustainable future.” Hobbs says.
“Our research reveals the necessity of modernising Australia’s vehicle dismantling and recycling processes. The proposed stewardship scheme will not only streamline operations across the industry but also address the unique challenges we face.”
Cooperation
VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym, CEO, VACC says the proposed stewardship scheme would be a “significant step” towards upgrading vehicle recycling infrastructure.
“Our industry needs to improve recovery rates and adopt more effective practices in automotive recycling, but we need support to achieve this,” Gwilym says.
“We are eager to assist our members through this transition and assist them to capitalise on the opportunities that an end-of-life vehicle program will create for small to medium sized businesses in particular.”
The report is being released at the Auto Parts Recyclers Association of Australia (APRAA) conference at the Gold Coast from the $1 million grant received from the federal government’s Project Stewardship Innovation Fund.
The Outlook for End-Of-Life Vehicles in Australia report can be found here: