Material Composition and Revenue Potential of Australian End of Life Vehicles Using Machine-Based Dismantling

Abstract

To date, little is known about the recyclability of End of Life Vehicles in Australia. This study, the first of its kind, attempts to fill the gap by presenting data collected from the dismantling of 1,115 ELVs at an Australian auto-recycler using an excavator-based multi-dismantling machine. The dismantled components grouped by rough metal content are compacted and weighed before being sold to the respective recycling markets. The findings are put into perspective by comparing them with available data from Europe. The material composition of the Australian fleet is aggregated to highlight the call for the auto recycling industry, which relies on revenue from the sale of used parts, to adopt machine-based dismantling as a value-added activity. This business strategy has the potential to significantly benefit the industry’s sustainability by capitalising on overlooked revenue streams.