Illegal cash-for-cars operators involved in unregulated vehicle disposal targeted in operation
Sarah Slater
A multi-agency operation has targeted illegal cash-for-cars operators involved in unregulated vehicle disposal in Waterford.
Waterford City and County Council, along with An Garda Síochána, the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Social Protection, and the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authority, have carried out what they are calling the “mystery shopper” initiative.
During the operation, officers identified individuals collecting end-of-life vehicles without permits and failing to bring cars to authorised treatment facilities.
The operation focused on identifying people offering to collect end-of-life vehicles on social media, who do not have the required waste collection permit, and may not be bringing the vehicles to an authorised treatment facility where the vehicles can be depolluted responsibly.
The incorrect dismantling of vehicles can pose a serious environmental risk.
Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, outlined that when a car is scrapped, it still contains a lot of “hazardous fluids” such as fuel, oils and coolants, which, if not removed properly from the vehicle, can pose a leak onto the ground and contaminate groundwater.
“Cars can also contain air conditioning gases, which are potent greenhouse gases and need to be collected properly when a vehicle is being depolluted,” Mr Kane continued.
Under the EU (End-of-Life Vehicles) Regulations 2014, it is a legal requirement that all end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) are processed through Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs).
Mr Kane added: “Anyone who uses an unauthorised operator to dispose of an end-of-life vehicle is committing an offence and may receive a Fixed Payment Notice of €100. Always check and make sure that they have a waste collection permit.”
The Council is urging owners to check if collectors hold a waste permit, request proof of authorisation, and demand a Certificate of Destruction.
Vehicle owners can verify permits through the National Waste Collection Permit Office or by contacting the local authority.
