New Delhi, 9 January 2025: Automobile manufacturers and owners must now take responsibility for the proper disposal of end-of-life vehicles, according to new regulations notified by the Union Environment Ministry. Effective April, the rule mandates vehicle scrapping to occur only at government-registered facilities, ensuring scientific disposal to reduce pollution and enhance public safety.
The ministry defines end-of-life vehicles as those declared unfit by Automated Testing Stations or those with expired registrations. Private cars over 20 years old and commercial vehicles exceeding 15 years fall under this category, alongside vehicles that have sustained extensive damage.
“Unfit vehicles not only pose risks to the environment but also to public safety. Their proper disposal is critical,” the ministry stated.
Under the new rule, vehicle manufacturers must establish systems to accept end-of-life vehicles from registered owners. The ministry also encourages automakers to introduce incentives like buy-back schemes to facilitate safe scrapping.
Owners will need to deposit vehicles at licensed scrapping centers, where materials will be segregated, and recyclables sent to authorized recyclers. Currently, India has only 70 registered scrapping facilities, prompting the government to urge states to increase collection centers.
Additionally, Automated Testing Stations will upload details of unfit vehicles to a centralized portal managed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Manufacturers must recover at least 8% of the steel used in vehicles sold 20 years ago. This scrap will serve as feedstock for electric arc and induction furnaces in steel manufacturing.
Certain agricultural equipment, such as tractors, combine harvesters, trailers, and power tillers, are exempt from the vehicle scrapping policy.
The government’s focus on vehicle recycling is part of broader efforts to curb pollution caused by unfit automobiles and promote resource-efficient recycling systems.