Automotive industry challenges in meeting EU 2015 environmental standard

Automotive Shredder Residue (ASR) generation in EU is approximately 2–2.5 million t/y, constituting 10% of total hazardous waste in the EU. Currently, about 75% of ELVs total weight is recycled while the remaining 25% (ASR). Not surprisingly, Europe is the world’s largest vehicle producer as about 30% of the 50 million cars produced globally are manufactured in the EU. Worldwide, ASR is considered an increasingly problematic waste, consisting of a large number of different materials that basically remains unprocessed and directed to landfills. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the ASR problem and the options for processing this waste in order to minimize the waste directed to landfills.

► ASR generation is approximately 2–2.5 million t/y in EU.
► Car manufacturers in EU face the challenge of anticipating to recycling legislation.
► ELVs is considered as significant environmental issue.
► ELV Directive 2000/53 aiming at ASR sustainable management.