ELVES, the producer compliance scheme for End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) in Ireland, has successfully ensured that the ambitious EU ELV reuse and recovery targets of 85% and 95% have been achieved in Ireland for another year.

This is the sixth year that Ireland has maintained full compliance with the ELV targets, which were fully met for the first time in 2018. ELVES has achieved this objective by funding additional recycling of ELV material that would not normally occur otherwise.

The newest figures available are those for 2023, which reveal that ELVES achieved a national reuse and recycling rate of 89.48%, and an overall combined reuse and recovery rate of 97.17%. These compare favourably with 2022 figures of 88.5% and 95.5% respectively. The overall volume of ELVs processed dropped significantly in 2023, down 14.3% on 2022, to 95,879 tonnes.

The data now shows a specific reuse figure, reflecting the important part reuse plays in achieving the targets and in the circular economy of vehicles. It is important to note that due to the way the targets are calculated, the tonnes from reuse reported only reports the non-metal proportion of these parts. The total weight of the parts reused would be significantly more that what is reported in the statistics.

EU ELV Directive (2000/53/EC) sets out measures to promote the reuse, recycling and recovery of ELVs. It requires each Member State to meet targets of 95% reuse and recovery of ELVs, with a minimum of 85% reuse and recycling.

The EPA uses information provided by ATFs through the National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO) and other waste facilities to gather data on ELV collection and processing.  This data is supplemented by information from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), ELVES and the Department of Transport.

According to Fiacra Quinn, CEO of ELVES, “Since the inception of this scheme in 2017, ELVES has partnered consistently with ATFs in our network, to improve on overall reuse and recycling rates.  These collaborations have helped to enable ELVES meet and exceed national targets from 2018 onwards in the areas of ‘reuse and recovery’ and ‘reuse and recycling’. To attain this standard again for 2023 is a wonderful achievement and a recognition of the efforts of all involved in this industry in Ireland.”

To read more about the 2023 ELV reuse and recycling + reuse and recovery statistics:  https://www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/waste/national-waste-statistics/end-of-life-vehicles/