ELV Depollution

What Is ELV Depollution?

Before end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) can be disposed of, recycled, or sold for parts, they need to be depolluted. At ELV Training, we create educational programmes to help ensure this process is carried out properly.

ELV vehicle depollution is the process of removing hazardous chemicals and components from ELVs, converting them from hazardous to non-hazardous waste. UK regulations require ELVs to be depolluted. This must be carried out by Authorised Treatment Facilities. Once an ELV has been depolluted, the vehicle can be safely dismantled. This means that parts can then be removed, resold or recycled. Depolluting an ELV is a several-stage process that involves the removal of different pollutants, liquids, and components. Fuel, coolant, and airbags are some of the parts that need to be removed during depollution. Proper storage and specialist disposal of hazardous material is also part of the depollution process.

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Why is Depollution Important?

If a vehicle is disposed of without being depolluted, it is considered hazardous waste. This can be damaging to the environment, with the potential to contaminate the soil, water, and air for years to come. ELV vehicle depollution eliminates this risk, as chemicals are safely disposed of before they can damage the health of humans or wildlife.

Depolluting vehicles also means that they can be recycled. This encourages the resale of parts, reducing the amount of new metal that needs to be manufactured.
With over 1 million cars being scrapped each year, the importance of correctly processing ELVs so that they don’t pollute the environment, and can be recycled, is a priority.

What Are the Different Types of ELV Depollution?

There are two types of ELV depollution – destructive and non-destructive.

Many newer or more lightly damaged vehicles are carefully processed using non-destructive methods in order to maximise the number and value of components removed for resale. Destructive depollution does not succeed in saving as many parts for recycling or selling on.

The most appropriate method is chosen based on the type, age, value, and condition of the vehicle in question.

Alternatively Powered Vehicles (APVs), such as electric and hybrid vehicles, require specialised non-destructive depollution. APVs can carry additional high voltage hazards and therefore require non-destructive specialist HV battery processing and specialised training.

What is the Process of Depollution?

Authorised Treatment Facilities are required to follow a detailed step-by-step process in order to safely depollute ELVs and convert them to non-hazardous waste. These are some of the main steps:

Preliminary checks & actions

This stage includes a variety of checks, such as assessing the vehicle for hazards, confirming the presence of airbags and removing the battery.

Fluid removal/removal of other hazardous materials

This is the most extensive stage, including a variety of removal processes. Facilities are required to safely remove hazardous materials such as engine oils, transmission oils, hydraulic oils, and coolant.

Removal of airbags

One of the final stages in the depollution process is the removal or deployment of airbags. This is because airbags are potentially volatile if left in ELVs.

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Why is ELV Depollution Training Important?

Safely depolluting ELVs requires precise procedures to be accurately followed. If they are not carried out properly, the vehicle will remain hazardous and will pose a risk to humans, wildlife and the environment.

This is why it’s so important the staff at Authorised Training Facilities are properly trained in the depollution process, leaving no room for error.

Our accredited training courses educate about the proper disposal of ELVs, with clear tutorage on how to depollute vehicles in line with UK regulations. We support learning at your own pace, awarding recognised qualifications on completion of our courses.

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