End-of-life vehicles proposal must reflect importance of  refrigerants

The Australian automotive industry is taking a proactive approach to environmental responsibility, with the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) securing a $1 million grant to develop a national product stewardship scheme for end-of-life vehicles (ELV).

However, publicity surrounding the announcement – including a study into ELV stewardship commissioned and published by the FCAI and MTAA – makes only passing reference to refrigerants (in an infographic where it is labelled air-con gas), for which proper recovery and disposal is not only mandatory but essential if Australia is to meet climate goals, as well as being aligned with the broader industry’s desire to promote a circular economy, and boost the vehicle recycling industry’s financial viability.