Cost-effectiveness of end-of-life vehicles recycling: The case of Poland

End-of-life vehicles are one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world which should be managed correctly in accordance with Directive 2000/53/EC on End-of-Life Vehicles, which aims to making dismantling and recycling of ELVs more environmentally friendly. Consequently, the treatment of end-of-life vehicles with the purpose of avoiding environmental pollution and to recover useful materials, especially metals is a major environmental concern. Hence recycling is essential method to solve this problem. It is the first waste management technique that should be applied which can be followed by various treatment and storage techniques. The aim of this study is to describe the cost and cost-effectiveness of the recycling of end-of-life vehicles by medium sized dismantling stations using questionnaires given to dismantlers, visual observations of the author, and other available information. Additionally, this paper provides recommendations for an effective and efficient end-of-life vehicles recycling in Poland and for other developing countries.