Illegal treatment of end-of-life vehicels: assessment of the environmental, micro- and macroeconomic effects : executive summary

In: Texte 2022, 130

Abstract

Based on the results of this study, it is estimated that around 363,000 end-of-life vehicles are dismantled annually in Germany (reference year: 2018) by illegal dismantling actors, and around 73,000 end-of-live vehicles are illegally exported. Against this background, the research objective of this project, was to quantify the ecological and economic impacts caused by the illegal end-of-life vehicle recycling and the illegal export of end-of-live vehicles. Additionally, suitable, effective, and efficient measures aimed at minimising these impacts were to be derived. It can be conclued that illegal actors have relevant cost advantages in the dismantling of end-of-life vehicles. Illegal dismantling results in negative environmental impacts compared to dismantling in legal operations. A shift to authorised dismantling shows positive economic effects and would reduce environmental costs. A reduction in illegal dismantling activities can be achieved by means of various measures, which are described in detail below.