An international comparative study of end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling systems

TLDR

End‑of‑life vehicle (ELV) recycling is a global issue, with legislative systems in the EU, Japan, Korea, China, and the US, and many countries targeting over 95 % recovery despite challenges such as the high calorific value and heavy‑metal content of automobile shredding residue. The study aims to improve ASR recovery efficiency and promote environmentally friendly design and recycling technologies to meet high recovery targets. An international workshop collected data and discussed 3R policies, recycling frameworks, and case studies across several countries to compare ELV recycling systems.

Abstract

End-of-life vehicles (ELV) have become a global concern as automobiles have become popular worldwide. An international workshop was held to gather data and to discuss 3R policies and ELV recycling systems, their background and present situation, outcomes of related policies and programs, the framework of recycling and waste management, and case studies on related topics in several countries and regions, as well as the essential points of the comparison. Legislative ELV recycling systems are established in the EU, Japan, Korea, and China, while in the US, ELV recycling is managed under existing laws on environmental protection. Since automobile shredding residue (ASR) has a high calorific value and ash content, and includes heavy metals as well as a mass of unclassified fine particles, recycling ASR is considered highly difficult. Countries with a legislative ELV system commonly set a target for recovery rates, with many aiming for more than 95 % recovery. In order to reach this target, higher efficiency in ASR recovery is needed, in addition to material recycling of collectable components and metals. Environmentally friendly design was considered necessary at the planning and manufacturing stages, and the development of recycling systems and techniques in line with these changes are required for sound ELV management.