How Prepared Are U.S. Dismantlers to Meet the EU Directive for ELV Recycling?

This paper will present the results of evaluating the ability of U.S Automotive Recycling Centers (ARCs) to meet requirements equivalent to the recently legislated European Union (EU) Directive on automotive recycling. Data and other available information regarding these requirements are used for an analysis of the status among dismantlers in the U.S. to meet requirements equivalent to the EU Directive and to estimate the performance of the U.S. recycling infrastructure.

Criteria used to categorize the performance of U.S. ARC's include

• Number of dismantlers,
• Facility size,
• Facility locations,
• Ability to meet certification requirements,
• Environmental compliance,
• Techniques and methods in use,
• Equipment in use,
• Disposal practices, and
• Market Factors

This analysis provides insight on current levels of performance at ARC's, vehicle recyclability, component reuse, material recycling, vehicle pretreatment and handling of hazardous materials.