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Driving Sustainable Solutions: How EDOE is Tackling Greece’s ELV Recycling Challenges

EDOE plays a vital role in managing the end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling process in Greece. EDOE collaborates with nearly 150 Authorized Treatment Facilities (ATFs) and 15 collection points, ensuring the safe dismantling, depollution, and recycling of vehicles. However, the organization faces significant challenges, including the issue of illegal dismantling due to temporary deregistrations, making regulatory compliance and industry audits crucial for maintaining effective recycling practices.

 

Driving Sustainable Solutions: How EDOE is Tackling Greece’s ELV Recycling Challenges p
Managing ELV Recycling in Greece: EDOE’s Role and Key Challenges

EDOE is the ELV PRO (Producer Responsibility Organization) for Greece, which has a contractual agreement with 122 vehicle producers and 142 ATFs and 15 collection points. According to the agreement, ATFs are obliged to receive ELVs, which are depolluted and dismantled. The “carcass” is then delivered to shredders for further treatment, and since 2004, EDOE has recycled 1.270.000 ELVs.

For every ELV received, its licensing data is entered into the EDOE computerized system, where its data is audited by the EDOE personnel. After a successful audit, the ATF may proceed with issuing the CoD for this ELV. The CoD is then delivered to the Ministry of Transport so that the vehicle can be deregistered. Vehicles cannot be deregistered unless a CoD is issued from the EDOE. 

EDOE is performing about 300 audits per annum of the contracted ATFs to ensure that the process is promptly followed.

One operational challenge is Temporary deregistration when a vehicle license is suspended indefinitely. As a result, many vehicles end up in illegal dismantlers. 

Adapting to New EU Regulations: Challenges for Vehicle Recycling in Greece

Vehicle recycling companies have adapted reasonably well to the existing Directive (53/2000). The upcoming EU ELV Regulation will probably make dismantling of some parts compulsory (i.e., bumpers, dashboards, electronic boards etc.), which will increase the labor costs at the ATFs. Also, it may require a high compulsory recycling percentage of plastic (approx. 15%), which may prove difficult, especially for countries without a large industrial base.   

Combating Illegal Vehicle Recycling in Greece: Measures and Effectiveness

Illegal vehicle recycling is a significant challenge in Greece, with temporary vehicle deregistrations often leading to unregulated dismantling. To combat this, the government requires a legal CoD for deregistration, ensuring vehicles are processed through authorized treatment facilities. State environmental agencies conduct audits to prevent illegal operations. While these measures promote legal recycling, their effectiveness is limited by enforcement challenges and the scale of illegal activities, requiring stronger oversight and industry collaboration.

Recycling Vehicle Parts in Greece: Challenges Without a Manufacturing Loop

The vehicle recycling process in Greece faces distinct challenges due to the absence of a manufacturing loop, which plays a key role in larger European countries’ recycling systems. Without facilities to reintroduce recycled materials into new production, Greece focuses heavily on the reuse of parts. 

Up to 15-20% of a vehicle’s total weight is reused through the second-hand spare parts market. This contrasts with closed-loop systems in other nations, where recycled materials are reintegrated into manufacturing, making it harder for Greece to meet stringent EU recycling targets.

The Future of Vehicle Recycling in Greece: The Role of Collaborations and Industry Evolution

The vehicle recycling industry in Greece, largely comprised of small family-owned businesses, is set to evolve as market demands and regulations become stricter. Collaborations and consolidations are expected to play a vital role in the industry’s future, enabling companies to share resources, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency. Some companies are already investing in advanced equipment to meet new standards, particularly in response to EU regulations. By joining forces, smaller businesses can better adapt to mandatory recycling requirements, such as plastic recycling and complex dismantling, while fostering innovation and positioning themselves for long-term growth and competitiveness.

To find out more about EDOE, please visit www.edoe.gr 

Driving Sustainable Solutions: How EDOE is Tackling Greece’s ELV Recycling Challenges logo

All images courtesy of EDOE

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