Extender Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines for End of Life Vehicles (ELV)

The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) represents a significant shift in environmental policy, where manufacturers, along with other key stakeholders, bear responsibility for managing the lifecycle of products, including their safe disposal. In the case of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), EPR aims to ensure sustainable recycling, minimize environmental impact, and foster a circular economy by effectively utilizing resources embedded in vehicles at the end of their service life.
In line with this initiative, the End-of-Life Vehicles (Management) Rules, 2024 were published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-Section (ii) via notification S.O. 367 (E) dated 30th January, 2024, inviting objections and suggestions from the public within a period of 60 days from the publication date.
After careful consideration of all received feedback, the Central Government, in exercise of the powers granted under the relevant sections of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, has officially enacted the Environment Protection (End-of-Life Vehicles) Rules, 2025, which will come into force on 1st April, 2025.
These rules establish a robust framework for the proper management, handling, processing, and disposal of ELVs while assigning specific responsibilities to various stakeholders, including producers, recyclers, registered vehicle owners, bulk consumers, and registered vehicle scrapping facilities (RVSFs).

Responsibilities of Automobile Manufacturers in End-of-Life Vehicle Management

Producers of vehicles have significant responsibilities when it comes to the management and disposal of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs). These responsibilities ensure that vehicles are properly scrapped and recycled in an environmentally friendly manner. Here's an overview of the key duties producers must undertake:

1.    Fulfilling Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Producers are obligated to meet their EPR commitments for the vehicles they introduce to the domestic market, including those used by themselves. This means they must meet specific targets for scrapping vehicles and ensure that ELVs are deposited at Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) or designated Collection Centres. These efforts aim to reduce environmental harm and promote recycling.

2.    Meeting Scrapping Targets & Reporting
Producers must adhere to scrapping targets outlined in the regulations, ensuring a set number of vehicles are properly disposed of and recycled. Every year, they are required to submit detailed reports on the number and types of vehicles they’ve placed in the market, the steel used, and their overall EPR fulfillment. These reports must be filed by June 30th and uploaded to the centralized online portal, keeping the process transparent and accountable.

3.    Engagement with Registered Entities
Producers must only engage with registered entities for scrapping ELVs and fulfilling their EPR obligations. This ensures that the entities handling ELVs comply with proper environmental standards. Additionally, producers are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices in vehicle production in alignment with guidelines issued by the Central Board to minimize the impact on the environment.

Arrangements for Collection of ELVs

Every producer must ensure they have arrangements in place to receive ELVs from registered owners. This can include setting up Collection Centres or accepting ELVs at their own sales outlets. The producer must provide a list of these collection points on their website and in a prominent place at their outlets. This list must also be submitted to the Central Board for further monitoring.

Responsibilities of Registered Owners and Bulk Consumers

1.    Vehicle Testing Compliance: Owners and bulk consumers must ensure their vehicles undergo fitness tests as per the applicable laws to confirm roadworthiness and safety standards.
2.    Deposit of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs): ELVs must be deposited at designated outlets such as the producer’s sales outlet, Collection Centers, or Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) within 180 days of being classified as ELVs, ensuring timely disposal and compliance with regulations.
3.    Prohibition on Retention: ELVs should not be retained beyond the 180-day period to prevent improper usage or environmental harm. This ensures that vehicles are either recycled or disposed of responsibly within the set timeframe.
4.    Bulk Consumer Registration: Bulk consumers are required to register on the centralized online portal managed by the State Pollution Control Board, ensuring proper tracking and management of their ELVs.
5.    Annual Reporting: Bulk consumers must submit an annual report by 30th June, detailing the vehicles owned and the ELVs scrapped at designated facilities. This helps maintain transparency and ensures proper compliance with waste management guidelines.

Responsibilities of Collection Centers in ELV Management

Collection Centers play a vital role in managing End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) by ensuring they are handled responsibly and in compliance with environmental regulations.
1. Collection and Storage
Collection Centers are responsible for collecting and securely storing ELVs, ensuring their proper transfer to Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) for further processing.
2. Environmentally Sound Handling
ELVs must be handled following strict environmental safety norms. This includes managing hazardous materials and minimizing the environmental impact during storage and transfer.
3. Record Maintenance
Maintaining detailed records of the ELVs received, processed, and transferred ensures transparency, regulatory compliance, and accountability throughout the process.
By adhering to these responsibilities, Collection Centers help facilitate efficient ELV recycling while protecting the environment and meeting legal requirements.

Responsibilities of Automated Testing Stations in Vehicle Fitness

Automated Testing Stations (ATS) are responsible for uploading the details of vehicles declared unfit to a centralized online portal. This ensures that accurate records are maintained for all unfit vehicles, promoting transparency and compliance with safety standards. By doing so, ATS contribute to better vehicle safety and regulatory adherence.

Responsibilities of a Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility

A Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) plays a vital role in the environmentally sound disposal of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs). The facility is responsible for dismantling vehicles, ensuring proper segregation and separation of various waste types. This includes the safe storage of hazardous and non-hazardous materials in separate bins to prevent contamination. Additionally, the RVSF is tasked with recycling and refurbishing materials such as plastics, metals, tyres, catalytic converters, magnets, batteries, and e-waste. This can be done either in-house or through authorized recyclers and refurbishes, ensuring that valuable resources are reused and hazardous waste is handled safely.