WRITTEN QUESTION E-0002/98 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (29 January 1998)

Subject: Disposal of used catalytic converters in Greece

Recent studies in Greece show that (a) new pollutants are being detected in the air for the first time (benzol, toluene, xylene) caused by old catalytic converters that are not being replaced by newer models and (b) while 1 100 000 cars using new technology are in circulation in Greece, some 150 000 of these should have their catalytic converters replaced. The Association of Motor Mechanics states that a minimal number of replaced converters are sent to France and Germany for recycling despite the existence of a two-year-old agreement with a private firm.

Given that there is a great need to do something about hazardous catalytic converters, can the Commission outline the system for disposing of used converters in Greece (are they buried, exported? In what numbers?).

As long ago as 1994 (Question E-2394/94) ((OJ C 75, 27.3.1995, p. 41. )), the Commission said that it would propose measures to harmonize the final disposal and recovery of disused vehicles and catalytic converters. What are these proposals?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (18 March 1998)

As announced in its answers to written questions E-2394/94 and E-3319/97, the Commission has made a proposal for the harmonization of measures on end of life vehicles ((OJ C 337, 7.11.1997. )) including catalytic converters.

The proposal for a directive on end of life vehicles adopted by the Commission on 9 July 1997, establishes that end of life vehicles shall be stripped and safely stored (by the removal of tyres as well as all fluids, batteries, air conditioning systems, air-bags, catalysts and other hazardous components and materials) before any further treatment. Such operations shall be carried out in such a way as to ensure the suitability of vehicle components for re-use and recovery, in particular for recycling (Article 6 of the proposal).

The proposal would establish quantified targets for the re-use, recycling and recovery of end of life vehicles (Article 7 of the proposal). By virtue of these targets, the re-use, recycling and recovery rate has to reach at least 85% by weight per vehicle by 2005 and 95% by 2015. Specific targets for the material recycling of end of life vehicles are also part of the proposal (80% by 2005 and 85% by 2015). Although the proposal would not impose a specific obligation to recycle catalytic converters, the Commission believes that the achievement of the quantified targets will require in practice that such components are recycled.

A study carried out for the Commission in 1997 shows that, in Europe, the number of catalysts recycled depends on the incentive to collect them, on the prices of precious metals as well as on the proportion of scrapped cars equipped with catalysts. Since this proportion is bound to increase (increasing the volume of the recycling business) and in light of the stripping requirements of the proposal, the Commission considers that the recycling of catalysts will increase. According to the above mentioned study, there seem not to be any problems of recycling capacity for such components.

The Commission does not have information concerning the present situation relating to the treatment of catalytic converters in Greece.