The End-of-life Vehicle Recycling Law came into effect in January 2005 with the aim of lowering chlorofluorocarbon emissions, preventing illegal disposal of materials such as shredder dust and increasing vehicle recycling.
Japan’s massive economy has boosted mass production, mass consumption and mass disposal. In recent years, however, awareness of environmental degradation, resource depletion and related problems has increased, emphasizing the importance of resource recycling and greater
interest in environmental protection.
The end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling law, enacted in 2002 and put into force from January 2005, was prompted by the problem of insufficient landfill space, which led to illegal disposal of automobile shredder residue (ASR) generated when vehicles are scrapped. By systematizing vehicle recycling, the law specifies the responsibilities of car manufacturers and importers, the recycling fees to be paid by vehicle owners, and the registration and licensing of processors. The changes it has brought about have encouraged more companies to enter the field.
Car ownership in Japan totals around 80 million vehicles, and as many as five million are disposed of yearly, so vehicle recycling is a key step in establishing a recycling-based economy in Japan.
So importantly providers should be able to junk your car for free because when you bought the car you would have paid, or the previous owner would, the recycling fee mandated by law.
You should check that the provider is registered and authorized by local authorities to junk and deregister vehicles. They should follow all regulations for recycling automobiles, including parts, lubricants, and fluorocarbons contained in your vehicle.
Most providers will also pick up your car for free and complete all the paperwork required for deregistration. In most cases disposal of the car is also free.
