Recycling of end-of-life vehicles: Assessing trends and performances in Europe

Abstract

End of Life Vehicles (ELVs) represent one of the most important waste streams in terms of volumes and material contents. During the last decades, they received attention from both researchers and industrial actors. However, there are still many knowledge gaps in terms of variables to predict future ELV volumes and trends. To this aim, the paper focuses on evaluating the potential correlation among European ELV flows (in terms of generated and recycled volumes) and two key variables (Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and population) through a linear regression model. Results show that an increase of 1000 GDP means +350 g of recycled ELVs and +10.7 kg of recycled ELVs per capita. Future values of both generated and recycled ELVs have been estimated in 2030, equal to 9.3 and 8.3 million tons, respectively. Here, a Likert scale provided by managers shows a priority of the economic side and the relation between the technological progress of the recycling plants and the adoption Circular Economy models. In addition, a comparison of European ELV flows clustered Member States’ performances into three groups, with Bulgaria, Ireland and United Kingdom excelling among all European countries. Finally, some policy implications are presented at the end of the paper in terms of both the economic importance of the Likert scale and the relevance of a synergy between Circular Economy (CE) and technology.