Auto Recycling: illegal channels and communication

Fighting illegal channels: why communication is a strategic lever

Communication is a strategic lever against illegal ELV channels because it helps vehicle holders understand their legal responsibilities, the risks of informal operators and the availability of authorised collection. By making compliant routes visible, simple and trusted, Recycler Mon Véhicule aims to shift behaviour and strengthen legal treatment networks.

Vanessa Montagne at a vehicle recycling facility in France. — Vanessa Montagne

Vanessa Montagne, General Director of Recycler Mon Véhicule, discusses why communication has become a strategic tool in tackling illegal channels for end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). While regulation remains essential, the effectiveness of the legal system also depends on vehicle holders understanding their responsibilities, the risks posed by informal operators, and the availability of authorised solutions. Communication can directly influence behaviour and strengthen compliant ELV treatment.

The fight against illegal channels in the treatment of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) is often approached from a regulatory perspective. In practice, however, its effectiveness also depends on a less visible lever: the understanding and behaviour of vehicle holders. A compliant system can only deliver results if it is known and used, and an illegal channel will only be avoided if its risks are understood. This is why communication is strategic.

Making the risks tangible

A significant share of ELVs still escapes the legal system through informal operators offering fast, paid-for collection. For many private individuals, this option appears both practical and financially attractive, with no obvious risk.

Yet the consequences go beyond environmental concerns. The economic impact on compliant operators and the balance of the legal system are equally important.

In this context, communication aims, in particular, to raise awareness of the consequences of non-compliant handling. When a vehicle is handed over to a non-compliant operator, it is never officially destroyed. In the eyes of the authorities, the holder therefore remains the vehicle’s owner. In the event of an offence or fraudulent use, they may be held liable.

Highlighting this risk is a major focus of Recycler Mon Véhicule’s communication. Users are primarily looking for a practical solution. The consequences of their choice are often secondary. Raising awareness of this risk helps make the issue more concrete for vehicle holders, who are often poorly informed about the implications of their decision.

Diversifying channels to reach different audiences

Awareness-raising means addressing varied audiences. Recycler Mon Véhicule has developed a multichannel approach that combines media outreach, field actions, and digital tools.

Traditional media channels play a key role in giving the issue visibility and credibility. They help show that illegal channels are part of a wider problem, not isolated cases.

Public events are another lever. At the Salon du 2 Roues motorcycle show, discussions confirmed the need for better information: a significant share of the public does not know that home collection of a complete vehicle is free, that it relies on a structured network of authorised ELV centres, and that flyers posted at traffic lights are illegal.

At the same time, Recycler Mon Véhicule is exploring new formats to reach audiences that are less receptive to traditional channels. The development of an educational experience within the Fortnite gaming environment follows this logic: creating an initial awareness by embedding messages in spaces already used by the target audience.

Informal vehicle-buying advert on a street pole highlighting illegal VHU collection risks in France.

End-of-life vehicle undergoing depollution at an authorised VHU facility in France.

Reused exhaust components labelled and stored for resale at a vehicle recycling facility.

Making compliant solutions visible and accessible

Awareness-raising alone is not enough. It must be accompanied by work to make legal solutions more visible. In practice, vehicle holders often make choices based on simplicity and accessibility, making clear and understandable information all the more necessary.

Making compliant solutions easy to use is essential to changing behaviour. The decision in France to rely on a “one-stop shop” follows this logic: by centralising collection solutions on a single platform, it simplifies the process for vehicle holders.

The objective is to ensure that using the legal channel appears to be the simplest option.

Embedding communication in a collective effort

The fight against illegal channels depends on coordinated mobilisation among approved organisations within the extended producer responsibility framework, public authorities, law enforcement, local authorities, and partner ELV centres. In this context, communication helps align messages, highlight joint actions and strengthen overall consistency.

As European regulatory frameworks become stronger, the challenge is no longer only to structure compliant systems, but to ensure they are actually used. This effectiveness is largely shaped by the individual decisions of hundreds of thousands of vehicle owners. Each decision represents a tipping point between the legal and illegal route.

Communication is not peripheral. It is becoming an operational lever capable of directly influencing behaviour and, ultimately, the system’s overall performance.