HOW TO ACCURATELY DESCRIBE TO CUSTOMERS THE CONDITION OF USED AUTO PARTS

Its all about managing the customers expectations, minimizing disappointment, complaints, returns & of course cost.

The ARA (Automotive Recyclers Association) coding system is the worlds standard for describing the condition of used autoparts. It gives customers a much clearer understanding of the condition of used parts when buying at a distance (over the phone or on the internet).

Its been widely used... in the USA for many years & is gaining increasing traction in the UK.

For more information visit the MVDA website

http://www.mvda.org.uk/PartsStandards.aspx

SCRAPPERS - BACK IN THE YARD - SERIES 2

Don't forget - the highlight of everyone's week - the next episode of Scrappers is on Tuesday BBC2 22:00hrs.

The series of 6 is now searing its culmination.

Amusing & Horrifying, but oh so familiar, all at the same time!http://www.bbc.co.uk/progammes/b0663ft6/episodes/player

 

 

 

 

 

CATALYTIC CONVERTER DECANNING – WE NEED YOUR HELP

We have been asked by the Environment Agency and Health & Safety Executive for help in making sure that suppliers & manufacturers of catalyst decanning equipment are aware of the problem with RCF in some cats & that they understand the dust abatement and abstraction requirements now necessary.

 

The EA & HSE have identified the following companies. If you are aware of any others can you please let us know ASAP (e-mail info@mvda.org.uk)

 

UK.

Vortex depollution (http://www.vortexdepollution.com/…/cat-proce…/cat-guillotine).
c/o JMC Recycling Systems Ltd
Unit 2, Harrimans Lane Dunkirk Nottingham NG7 2SD
Tel: +44 (0)115 940 9630
Email: sales@jmcrecycling.com

Crow Environmental Ltd
3 The Quadrangle Centre, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9QR
Telephone: + 44 (0) 1473 290267
E-mail: sales@crowenvironmental.co.uk
http://www.crowenvironmental.net/catalytic-convertor-de-can…
 

GERMANY
http://icscontec.com/kat/kat/p_vcat.html
 

USA
http://www.supershears.com/decanner.html
 

CHINA
Jiangyin Metallurgy Hydraulic Machinery Factoryhttp://www.yj-hydraulic.com/

ATTENTION SCOTTISH VEHICLE DISMANTLERS !

The ‘Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 – Guidance on the provisions for Metal Dealers and Itinerant Metal Dealers’ was published on 16 March.

 

The guidance can be viewed HERE:...

http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2016/03/1844

MVDA AIRBAGS REPORT UPDATED

The 2013 ‘airbags report’ put together by MVDA & BVSF has now been updated to take account of the legal changes that came into effect in August last year, and supporting technical information provided by other associated trade bodies.

 

To see a copy of the document & contribute your views/ comments, MVDA members should contact the office & we will e-mail you a pdf version.

 

Not an MVDA member?

 

Want to make your voice heard & work with other like-minded businesses?

 

MVDA welcomes applications from all professional vehicle dismantlers, irrespective of size.

 

www.mvda.org.uk

VEHICLE DISMANTLERS COMING UNDER SCRUTINY FOR HEALTH & SAFETY?

Earlier this year we were contacted by the HSE with a general query about H&S at vehicle dismantling yards. They said that they had identified these premises as a potential area for attention in 2016 & 2017. They did not disclose the reasons for this.

 

Separately we were also contacted by Environmental Health departments at a number of local Councils with queries about dismantling yards. These seem to be general... queries, because they don’t understand how the industry works or what is ‘best practice’ & so didn’t want to go onto site unprepared. This is similar to what we saw in 2014-5 with local authority & Police enforcing SMDA13.

 

As you know there has been a lot of attention about fires at waste sites. This may partly be the cause of these enquiries, but they appear to be unrelated to SMDA13.

 

We passed on to the councils the contact details for Phil Wass, as an independent H&S consultant with experience in this industry.

 

On Monday 21st March, MVDA attended as an observer a training session for Environmental Health Officers organised by Phil.

 

Phil gave a good presentation about how the industry works & what to expect. He ran through vehicle recovery, storage, depollution, crushing, FLTs, scrap handlers, vehicle movements, manual handling, TCM etc.

 

Sadly, council EHO attendees appeared not to have been liaising with their colleagues & Police responsible for enforcing SMDA13 or with the local EA.

 

MVDA members are advised that the HSE & local councils appear to be showing an increasing amount of interest in our industry & to make sure they’re prepared. We will let you know if we hear of anything in particular.

 

If you need H&S advice contact:

Phil Wass
WASS MANAGEMENT LIMITED
Phone - 01773 541441
Fax - 01773 541464
E-Mail - wassmanagement@aol.com
Mobile - 07970 166298http://wass-safety.co.uk/

SCRAP METAL FIRM IN COURT OVER SEVERE INJURIES TO WORKER DUE TO FORKLIFT TRUCK MISUSE

The Health & Safety Executive, HSE (www.hse.gov.uk) reports that a scrap metal firm and its director have been sentenced after a Manchester worker suffered severe injuries to his left arm when it became stuck in a forklift truck.

The worker, aged 30, from Levenshulme remained trapped for over two hours while the emergency services tried to free his arm from the vehicle’s mast at Levenshulme Trading Estate, Printworks Lane on 8 November 2013.

Ultimate Traders Ltd and company director Nasir Rashid were prosecuted by the HSE after it emerged he had been told to stand on the forks of the truck to help move scrap cars into the back of a shipping container.

Manchester Crown Court heard that Mr Rashid, aged 36 from Greenford in London, had been driving the forklift truck and that the scrap cars were due to be exported to Pakistan where the metal would be sold.

The worker suffered severe crush injuries when his arm became trapped and it took the combined effort of three fire crews, a specialist major rescue unit, two air ambulances, a medical team from Manchester Royal Infirmary and three ambulance crews to rescue him.

 

He sustained nerve damage to his left arm which makes it difficult for him to grip or lift items, and was in hospital for nearly two months. He still needs to visit Manchester Royal Infirmary for treatment and has been unable to return to work due to the extent of his injuries. The court was told the company failed to report the incident to HSE for nearly three months, despite being told on several occasions that this was a legal requirement.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Sarah Taylor said: “The worker remained trapped for over two hours while the emergency services battled to cut him free, but this incident could easily have been avoided.

“Ultimate Traders and Nasir Rashid had a legal responsibility to make sure the worker stayed safe, but instead he was instructed to climb onto the forks of a forklift truck to move scrap cars into a container. He suffered severe injuries as a result which will affect him for the rest of his life.

“Workers should never be allowed to stand directly on the forks on a forklift truck because of the risk of them falling or being injured by moving parts on the mast. This case should act as a warning to firms that they will find themselves in court if they do not take the safety of workers seriously.”

SCOTTISH MVDA MEMBERS: APPLY NOW FOR YOUR NEW METAL DEALERS LICENCE

MVDA members in Scotland are reminded that they should contact their local authority ASAP & apply for their metal dealer’s licence before 1st June 2016.

As with SMDA13 in England & Wales, vehicle dismantlers & salvage agents in Scotland will now fall into the definition of a ‘metal dealer’.

DUESMANN & HENSEL RECYCLING (UK) LTD

CATALYTIC CONVERTER RECYCLING

WE BUY CATS!

Tel. 01403 792 506

www.duerec.com

RCF MATTING IN CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

Further to our note to members last year, the Environment Agency is now reclassifying the handling of catalytic converters as high risk.

MVDA has already sent members a detailed e-bulletin about this.

 

If you haven't seen it check your e-mail inbox, log into the LATEST NEWS section of the MVDA website or call the office (01543) 254 254.

http://www.mvda.org.uk/news.aspx

FIREFIGHTERS TACKLE MAJOR BLAZE AT STOKE CAR BREAKER.

On 6th March the Stoke Sentinel reported that 22 firefighters had worked overnight to extinguish a major blaze at the car dismantler McGuinness & Sons, in Longport, Stoke-On-Trent.

Emergency services had been called to the scene at around 5.40pm, where they found a number of vehicles alight and plumes of black smoke rising in the sky.

The blaze is believed to have been started deliberately.

Staffordshire Police ha...ve also been made aware of a possible connection between this fire & a second incident, which took place less than 20 minutes later in a disused factory behind the scrapyard, in Mill Vale Street.

A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "A number of cars have been on fire and compressed air foam is now being used as water was ineffective. The metal was so hot, the water was just evaporating. The foam is now smothering it and the incident is under control.”

"We were also called out to another incident in the area at 6pm, when we received a call regarding a fire in a disused factory in Milvale Street. The police are aware of the incident."

 You can find more details & images here:http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/…/story-28869427-…/story.html

100 ILLEGAL CAR DISMANTLERS & SCRAP YARDS REPORTED IN FIRST MONTH!

The number of illegal dismantlers & scrap yards reported to MVDA, using the new feature on the MVDA website, has now reached 100! In less than 1 month!

 

We are checking through the reports as they arrive, verifying the details wherever possible & reporting them to Crimestoppers & the Environment Agency.

 http://www.mvda.org.uk/illegaloperators.aspx

ALL MVDA CONCERNS RECOGNIZED IN GOVERNMENT REPORT ON CUTTING RED TAPE IN THE WASTE INDUSTRY!

ALL MVDA CONCERNS RECOGNIZED IN GOVERNMENT REPORT ON CUTTING RED TAPE IN THE WASTE INDUSTRY!

As part of the Cutting Red Tape programme, Government ran a review between July-September 2015 to identify barriers to growth & productivity in the waste sector.

The review received evidence from over 100 companies & Trade Associations (including MVDA).

The report from the Cutting Red Tape review of the waste sector has now been published.  It details the main issues raised by industry & the Government’s response. It can be found here

All of the issues raised by MVDA have been acknowledged in the report, including problems with permitting, exemptions, EA inspections, OPRA, TCM/Continuing Competence, & of course illegal operators.

This clearly demonstrates the value of your Trade Association membership.
The review identified numerous issues with waste regulation, including:

• Definition of waste: decisions on whether or not materials are waste or have ceased to be waste are burdensome, costly & time consuming.

• Permitting: the length of time taken to process permit applications, inconsistency between officials & the use and application of ‘standard rules’

• Exemptions: the requirement for registering exemptions for low-risk activities creates unnecessary burdens compared to the levels of risk.

• Inspections: some inspections are being undertaken by officials without the necessary qualifications, experience or training to properly or accurately carry out an assessment. There is also a perceived lack of a risk-based approach to compliance visits and inspections.

In response the Government has said:

• Definition of waste: we will amend guidance to revise & clarify the definition of ‘waste’ & ‘by-products’; the first stage will be completed by March 2016 with the second stage completed by March 2017.

• Permitting: we will start publishing revised guidance for the Environmental Permitting Regime from March 2016, working with business across the sector to investigate the issues & identify root causes of concerns by April 2016, & put an action plan in place to address issues raised in the review by August 2016.

• Exemptions: we will complete an assessment of compliance with exemptions by the end of March 2016 which will inform any subsequent proposal to review existing exemptions; & work to review & streamline the online registration system & deliver initial improvements by June 2016.

• Inspections: we will implement a programme to introduce professional environmental regulator status for staff to ensure inspectors have a broader understanding & knowledge of the challenges facing the sector by March 2016 & engage with businesses on reviewing how the Operational Risk Appraisal system could be improved & further deliver benefits of the ‘earned recognition’ principle by June 2016.

MVDA needs support from existing, lapsed & new members to be able to continue to fight your corner with Government & get action on the issues that matter to you.

Click here to download a membership application form

OIL SKIMMER KEEPS AUTO-DISMANTLER IN COMPLIANCE

Environmentally Sound Solution to Unwanted Oil Reduces Disposal Costs

 

The Oily Issue

Auto Spares and Salvage, like many auto-dismantlers, operates in a rural/farmland area. There are strict EA laws in place that require them to be responsible for any pollutants they might produce. Failure to comply with these laws can result in hefty fines for the companies

When it comes to oil, the main goal for auto-dismantlers is to keep the oil from reaching any natural water source. To do this, site operators must keep the pits or interceptors clean. Should the interceptors become too full, there is the chance that the oil or hydrocarbons can contaminate surface or ground water. It’s also crucial to keep the interceptors clean in case there is a flood - heavy rainwater can cause the interceptors to run over flow.

The Costly and Dreaded Job

Emptying interceptors is a job that can be messy, time consuming, and labour intensive. Additionally, it can also be very expensive. Phil Wood, Auto Spares and Salvage’s Yard Manager, is responsible for waste management and implementing environmental policies. Wood explained to Abanaki UK salesman Graham Smith that Auto Spares and Salvage would empty the interceptor with a capacity of 6,000 gallons 3 times a year at a cost of over £2000. Wood added that Auto Spares and Salvage is always striving to “set an example to others”. With that thought in mind, Wood set out to find a solution that would make cleaning the interceptors easy and efficient for site operators, would reduce removal costs, and was an environmentally sound solution.

A Green Solution

After learning about Abanaki Oil Skimmers Wood & arranging a site visit, Abanaki’s Graham Smith visited the site & recommended Abanaki’s PetroXtractor oil skimmer.

The PetroXtractor is a dependable and cost-effective solution to unwanted oil in water where access to the fluid surface is limited. It acts using the interceptors existing recovery and monitoring wells & it can reach depths of 30 meters or more without the use of pumps. It can be installed in existing wells by mounting it on a flat surface above the well casing with removal rates of up to 45 litres per hour.

Why Choose an Oil Skimmer?

Oil skimming makes use of the differences in specific gravity and surface tension between oil & water. These physical characteristics allow the belt to attract oil and other hydrocarbon liquids from the surface of the fluid. Often, oil skimming by itself will reduce oil to an acceptable level of water purity. Depending on the characteristics of the liquid, it is possible for oil skimmers alone to reduce oil content to less than five parts per million in water. The unit can be used as a pre-treatment before filtration, and in conjunction with coalescing systems as part of an industrial wastewater treatment plan. Oil skimmers offer a cost-effective and environmentally sound solution to oil in water problems.

How the Savings Stacked Up

Typically the PetroXtractor’s 12v DC battery is run on solar power, or can use 12V vehicle batteries.  The skimmed oil is collected into mobile containers, which can then be transferred to a larger waste oil tank.

Wood explains that some of the key benefits in utilizing the PetroXtractor are that it is simple to use & so easy to train someone on how to operate the skimmer.  It has made drastic improvements at keeping costs down. Initially the interceptor was cleaned several times a year with costs over £2000. Since implementing the oil skimmer the interceptor is now emptied once a year at the cost of only £900. Wood says, “It’s one of the best investments made by the company and has proved to be successful over a number of years”.

By utilizing a belt oil skimmer for their auto-dismantling process, Auto Spares and Salvage was able to reduce removal costs, stay in compliance, continue with their efforts to be environmentally aware and responsible, and improve the day to day tasks for site operators.

To find out more about the oil skimming technologies Abanaki offers visit www.abanaki.co.uk. Or call Graham Smith at +01179 616679 or email skimmers@abanaki.co.uk.

About Abanaki Corporation

Abanaki, the world leader in oil skimmer products, manufactures a wide range of products to remove oils, greases, solvents, and related hydrocarbons from water. Skimmer models are available with removal rates ranging from 1 to 200 gallons per hour in both stationary and portable systems. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, Abanaki has more than 40 years’ experience in this field.

SCRAPYARD BOSS GIVEN SUSPENDED PRISON SENTENCE

Wiltshire scrapyard and recycling company owner receives a prison sentence for running an illegal waste site in Melksham.

The owner of a Wiltshire scrapyard and recycling company has received an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years for running an illegal waste operation from a site in Melksham. The case was brought by the Environment Agency.

Lee Hazel, owner and director of Melksham Metals Recycling Ltd, was sentenced yesterday at Swindon Crown Court following two earlier court hearings in June 2014 and November 2015.

On August 23, 2011 an enforcement officer from Wiltshire Council visited the Lowbourne area of Melksham to investigate a report of illegal waste tipping. He found piles of chalky stone, tarmac road planings & concrete pipes on land at Queenfield Farm beside the old Wiltshire to Berkshire Canal.

The officer reported the incident to the Environment Agency. At the entrance to Queenfield Farm he noticed a trail of ‘chalky liquid’ in the road similar in colour to the waste stone he had seen tipped at the farm. He followed the trail back into Melksham to a road leading to Melksham Metal Recycling.

On September 6, 2011 Environment Agency officers visited Queenfield Farm where they saw a Melksham Metals lorry loaded with stone waste drive onto the site.

In addition to stone waste tipped at the site, waste transfer ‘fines’ were also seen. These fines are small particles of waste resulting from a screening process.

Following the visit, the Environment Agency wrote to Lee Hazel at Melksham Metals asking him to provide copies of waste transfer notes for the previous two years.

Lee Hazel claimed the lorry seen at Queenfield Farm on September 6 was taking stone waste to a permitted site near Chippenham. This contradicted what his driver had told Agency officers. Mr Hazel claimed he had never tipped waste at the farm.

Further inquiries revealed that Melksham Metals had a contract to remove waste stone from a local stone masons yard for disposal at a licensed site. When an Agency officer visited the yard he saw cut pieces of stone identical to the stone waste he’d seen at Queenfield Farm.

A court heard Melksham Metals was paid nearly £178,000 to remove waste from the stone masons yard between November 2004 and May 2012.

The Environment Agency had warned Lee Hazel on several occasions about unlawful waste activities including the illegal disposal of waste at Queenfield Farm & depositing waste on land without an environmental permit & the requirements of duty of care.

Lee Hazel had been involved in the waste industry for 20 years & held a Certificate of Technical Competence (CoTC) by the Waste Management Industry Training & Advisory Board (WAMITAB).

‘It is important waste materials are stored, handled and disposed of correctly to protect the environment & safeguard human health. The defendant in this case continued to operate outside the law despite being put on notice that what he was doing was illegal & ran the risk of prosecution,’ said an Environment Agency spokesman.

In June 2014 Lee Hazel was found guilty of four charges in relation to the dumping of waste on land at Queenfield Farm, Melksham. In November 2015 Lee Hazel pleaded guilty to a further five charges in relation to unauthorised waste activities at his Station Yard premises.

Melksham Metals Recycling Ltd was also convicted of similar offences, but will not be sentenced until after a confiscation hearing in June 2016. This hearing will decide the financial benefit obtained by Lee Hazel & make a confiscation order in relation to that benefit.

Fines & costs against both Lee Hazel & his company will also be decided at that hearing.

100 ABANDONED VEHICLES DISCOVERED IN WELSH SLATE MINE

Up to 100 abandoned cars have been discovered 200 feet underground in a closed slate in Ceredigion, Wales, the Daily Mail has reported.

The cars are thought to date from the 1970s.  The mine is thought to have been working from 1836 & closed in 1960.

HUNDREDS OF FAKE HONDA AIRBAGS SOLD ON EBAY

Police have launched an investigation after Honda Motor Europe alerted them to counterfeit airbags being sold at half manufacturers' prices.

 

Hundreds of motorists are being warned their cars have potentially counterfeit airbags following the arrest of a suspect accused of selling fake equipment on eBay.

 

The man was arrested in Dorset on Thursday as officers told 680 people to urgently return their vehicles to a dealer to have their vehicles checked after buying his stock online.

 

Superintendent Maria Woodall, City of London Police said: "We are urging anyone who has concerns about a possible counterfeit car part they may have to contact their nearest authorised car dealer."

 

Officers launched an investigation after Honda Motor Europe discovered counterfeit airbags were being sold at half their normal prices. Factory analysis showed "they would not deploy as a genuine airbag would on collision, presenting a clear danger to the public".

 

City of London police said. "Every individual has been advised to make contact with their local dealership immediately so that their vehicle receives the necessary checks to ensure it is safe," a statement added.

 

It is understood that 148 of the consumers affected purchased suspected counterfeit Honda CRV and Accord airbags.

 

A 34-year-old man was arrested in Blandford Forum on Thursday morning on suspicion of counterfeiting and money laundering offences. He remained in police custody as officers seized approximately 100 suspected counterfeit airbags, financial documents and computers.  Staff from the Ministry of Defence were also at the address as a precaution due to the presence of explosives in the airbags.

 

As a result of investigations, 680 people were identified by officers from payment records relating to eBay vendors using the names ‘EUTrading’, ‘OMNADRENIAK1984’ and ‘barbo2007.’ It has been established that purchases have been made by a wide range of small and medium-sized businesses and individuals. Officers are currently establishing if the remaining 532 purchases concern other counterfeit manufacturer car parts.

 

The counterfeit Honda airbags had been on sale since September 2013 for approximately £170. Philip Crossman, managing director of Honda Motor Europe’s UK subsidiary, said: “The safety of customers is of paramount importance, and we aim to eliminate counterfeiting. We strongly recommend any modification to the airbag systems of our cars be undertaken by a trained technician in an official dealership. If customers are concerned, they should visit their local dealership.”

 

More information can be found here

MVDA had already warned, & indeed shown, Government, Thatcham & Motor Insurers that counterfeit airbags were widely available on the internet.  We have similarly demonstrated the use of eBay by criminals to sell car parts.

9TH INTERNATIONAL ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE ON AUTO RECYCLING - MALAYSIA 20-24TH APRIL 2016

The Malaysia Automotive Recyclers Association (MAARA) invites you to participate in the 9^th International Roundtable Conference 2016 (IRT) to be held at the historical city of Malacca in Malaysia from the 20^th to 24^th April 2016.

This is organized with the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) & supported by the Global Automotive Recyclers Alliance (which consist of the national associations from Canada, USA, Australia, European, China, Japan & Korea).

The IRT on Auto Recycling is an international event held once every 2 years by one of the national associations of the Global Automotive Recyclers Alliance.

Over 300 foreign & local delegates are expected, including international auto recyclers associations, industry, professional speakers & Government Agencies. The event includes an international conference, factory visits and reception party.  Topics to be covered will include the global automotive recycling issues, country reports & discussion on issues relating to international standards & policy for automotive recycling.

The registration fee is $US500.

See the website www.irt2016.greenparts.my for more information.

IRT 2016 Program highlights   

For full details see the website

20^th April (Wednesday): Arrival of Foreign Participants

• 7.30pm–10.00 pm: Welcome Dinner hosted by the IRT organizer (to be held at Concord Shah Alam – Malaysia Buffet

21^st April (Thursday ): Factory Visit

• 8.15 am – 2.30 pm factory visit – PROTON at Shah Alam
• 8.00 pm –10.30pm= Networking Dinner hosted by the IRT organizer at Sky Lounge, Hatten hotel.

22^nd April (Friday ) : - IRT Conference

• 9.45 am - 10.05am:  JARA-Japan: “ELV Concepts – Japan Experience” & “Towards Global Challenge for Japan Premium Recycled Parts Sales “
• 10.05am -10.25am EGARA-Europe: Europe- Implementation of ELV Recycling in EU: A Learning Experience for the ASEAN Economic Community
• 10.25am – 10.45am MAI-Malaysia: Malaysia’s Perspective to Aftermarket Auto Recycling Transformation
• 11.15am – 11.35am AARTI-China: R&D on Recycling of Used Parts & Component
• 11.35am – 11.55am ARC – Canada: Technological Challenges for Today’s Auto Recycling
• 11.55am – 12.10pm MAARA/AGA-Malaysia: Using Automotive BIG Data to Drive Sustainability
• 2.45 pm – 3.00 pm  ARA-USA: Impact of Global Recycling Parts/OEM
• 3.00 pm  -  3.15 pm ARAA-Australia: “Recycling Technologies for Automotive Electronics Components & Systems” or another title is : “Export & Import- Policy of Recycle Parts and Components”
• 3.15 pm  -  3.30 pm  MAI-Malaysia: National Remanufacturing Policy

22^nd April (Friday ) : - IRT Gala Dinner

• 7.00 pm  -  10.30 pm

23^rd April (Saturday ) : ( Country Report )

• 8.30am – 9.00am  = Registration of participants
• 9.00am – 9.10am  = Opening speech by MAARA President
• 9.10am – 9.30am  = Country Report No.1 (Canada )
• 9.30am – 9.50am  = Country Report No. 2 (USA )
• 9.50am – 10.10am  = Country Report No.3 (Australia )
• 10.10am –10.30am = Country Report No.4 (Europe )
• 10.30am –10.45am = Morning Tea Break
• 10.45am – 11.05am = Country Report No.5 (Japan)
• 11.05am – 11.25am = Country Report No.6 (Korea )
•  11.25am – 11.45am = Country Report No.7 (China )
•  11.45am – 12.05pm = Country Report No.8 (Malaysia )
•  12.05pm – 12.45pm = Roundtable Q&A

ILLEGAL CAR BREAKERS - 37 REPORTED IN THE FIRST WEEK

In the first week of launching our new 'report an illegal car breaker' feature on the MVDA website we have received 37 reports on 36 illegal car breakers.

In 2 of these cases, the operators had recently been permitted.

 

The others we have now reported.

Please keep letting us know - we are here to fight for our members.

 

You can anonymously report what you think is an illegal car breaker using this link:http://www.mvda.org.uk/illegaloperators.aspx

ILLEGAL CAR BREAKERS - 13 REPORTED IN JUST A FEW DAYS

It's been just a few days since we launched the 'report an illegal car breaker' function on the MVDA website & already we have received 13 reports.
 

We've checked them all, & surprisingly none seemed to have an Environmental Permit.  Only 1 appeared to be a registered Scrap Metal Dealer.
 

All have now been reported to CrimeStoppers.  These are then automatically fed through to the national waste crime team.
 

We will report in bulk to the Environment Agency once a month.
 

So a big THANK YOU  to everybody that has submitted information (although it may not be members that have reported them).
 

Please, keep the reports coming

REPORT AN ILLEGAL DISMANTLER OR SCRAP YARD – NEW TOOL ON MVDA WEBSITE

Following hard on the heels of the Scrap Metal Dealers site visits & the U16 Exemption study that we carried out last year, we have now added a new function to the public side of the MVDA website.

It is now possible to send us information about suspected illegal operators.  We just ask for some basic info such as the company name, address & any website, eBay or Facebook address, to allow us to identify the operator.

We do not record or store any information on the person submitting the report – it is completely anonymous.

The information about the suspected illegal operator is logged & we will then check & update our database, & if we think they are illegal we will report them to the Environment Agency & Crime Stoppers.

Last year MVDA identified & reported more than 230 illegal car dismantlers.

You can view the new webpage here.

SCRAP CAR BUSINESS OWNER FINED BY COURT

A Cornish man who operated an illegal car-breaking business in St Cleer and Bodmin has been ordered to pay £5,484 in fines and costs.

 

The court heard that the sites used by James Darke, for his JapScrap company over a 2-year period, were ‘unsightly with a clear risk of pollution’. The case was brought by the Environment Agency.

 

Darke, of The Sidings, Bugle, was fined after pleading guilty to depositing, keeping and breaking waste vehicles at Unit C, South West Business Park, St Cleer, without an environmental permit between 5 July and 9 September 2013, and at 11, Paardeberg Road, Bodmin, between 20 March 2014 and 20 March 2015.

 

The Environment Agency told the court that the permits were designed to ensure that people managing waste sites did so without having an adverse impact on the environment or community.

 

All car breaking locations require environmental permits as the activity poses a significant risk to the environment, even on a small scale.

 

In June 2013, an Environment Agency officer received a report of illegal car breaking at St Cleer and found that there were no environmental permits or exemptions for the location.

 

Further investigation found that the site was breaking up cars without a permit and selling the parts on-line. Much of the advertising and marketing of the business was done via Facebook.

 

The operator was first provided with advice and guidance on how to legitimately operate his business.  James Darke admitted the offences to the Environment Agency, agreeing to either comply or cease to trade.  He was offered a caution but did not respond and further investigation in March 2014 showed he had moved to the Bodmin site and was carrying out a similar business on this site.  Darke was given a final chance to accept a caution in January 2015, but did not respond.
 

The Environment Agency said the offences had been deliberate and driven by financial motives.

 

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:

“Darke was aware, after the first investigation, of what was required. He did not respond to the formal caution offer and simply relocated his car breaking business and carried on, without a permit, until caught again. Breaking vehicles without an environmental permit poses significant risk of pollution, and Darke had ignored several warnings, and then moved from one site to another.”

 

Drake admitted 2 offences of operating a regulated facility of depositing, keeping and breaking waste vehicles without an environmental permit, contrary to regulations 12(1)(a) and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) regulations 2010.

 

Darke was fined £640 and ordered to pay a £64 victim surcharge and £4,780 costs by Bodmin magistrates.

SS COMPONENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worldwide Supplier of Automotive Components to the Re-manufacturing Industry

We purchase components for export and re-manufacture.

We are looking for: -
Brake Calipers (Front & Rear)
      

• Starters & Alternators for re-manufacture
• Starters & Alternators for export
• Power Steering Racks
• Manual Steering Racks
• Power Steering Pumps

We also buy bulk scrap Starters & Alternators.

If you can help with the supply any of the above please contact Carl Lloyd on (01924) 497440 or mobile 07711 377748.

 We can arrange to visit on request.

www.sscomponents.co.uk

SMMT PRESS RELEASE: AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY LAUNCHES NEW SCHEME TO RECYCLE OLD CARS & VANS

SMMT offers free recycling take-back service to owners of end of life ‘orphan vehicles’.

95% of every car and van must be recycled, up from 85%.

Vehicle manufacturing plants reduce waste to landfill by 90% since 2000.
 

The British automotive industry has committed to helping thousands of consumers recycle their old vehicles with a free take-back service, designed to help owners whose brand may no longer sell in the UK.
 

Under the End of Life Vehicles Directive, when cars and vans up to 3.5-tonnes reach the end of their lives, they must be disposed of in an environmentally responsible way. However, while manufacturers provide this service free of charge, some motorists can face difficulties if the brand is no longer trading and has no parent company. When this happens, the car or van becomes what is known as an ‘orphan vehicle’.

 

On behalf of its members, The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has now taken on responsibility for these vehicles by partnering with recycling company Autogreen to ensure that all unclaimed cars and vans can be disposed of and recycled responsibly – with no cost to the consumer.

 

This scheme will be especially valuable to owners of orphan vehicles in remote areas of the country who can find it difficult to get to a recycling point. Autogreen has committed to collect vehicles nationally, to make sure that all vehicles can be easily disposed of in a safe, environmentally friendly way for free.

 

Cars are already one of the most efficiently recycled consumer products, with manufacturers now tasked with recycling and recovering at least 95% of old vehicles.¹ Vehicle manufacturing plants are also following this trend, with less than 2% of their waste going to landfill in 2014, down from around a quarter a decade previously and representing a 90% reduction since 2000. In the same period, energy and water usage have been cut by 48.1% and 43.6% respectively, while ‘well to wheel’ CO₂ emissions are down by a significant 40.2% per vehicle produced.²

 

The new take-back system will help ensure that the estimated 700,000 orphan vehicles still on British roads have a route to responsible disposal.

 

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “This new partnership is further evidence of just how seriously UK vehicle manufacturers take their environmental responsibilities. The industry has a strong record, not just on recycling, but on emissions, energy and water usage reduction as a result of huge investments into innovative technologies, production processes and facilities. Thanks to this latest initiative, every motorist in Britain can now be assured that when their vehicle reaches the end of its life it will be disposed of in a way that is not just ecologically sound, but cost-free – no matter where they live.”