Israel Faces Dilemma Over 255,000 Scrapped Cars Annually

Israel is grappling with a lack of a comprehensive system for recycling end-of-life vehicles, despite approximately 255,000 cars being taken off the roads in 2023. While regulations exist for tire and battery disposal, there is no overarching law dictating the fate of the remaining vehicle components. This situation contrasts with Europe, where a new phase of the End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) reform, effective August 13, 2026, mandates stricter recycling standards and will eventually prohibit the export of vehicle scrap outside the EU starting in 2031.

In 2023, Israel declared around 255,000 vehicles unfit for use, a figure comparable to Germany's 251,000, despite Germany's significantly larger automotive market. The EU's ELV reform requires manufacturers selling cars in the bloc to adhere to specific dismantling and recycling protocols, aiming for 95% of a vehicle's mass to be recovered, with 85% for industrial reuse and 10% for energy recovery. By 2032, new cars sold in the EU must incorporate at least 15% recycled plastic and 20% recycled metal.

Currently, Israeli law only addresses the recycling of tires and batteries. Importers are responsible for recycling 85% of tires sold, and regulations exist for battery disposal, though many electric vehicle batteries are exported. For all other materials like metal, plastic, and glass, there are no mandatory recycling rules within Israel. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Transport share responsibility for this sector, with the Ministry of Transport deferring the issue to the environmental ministry.

Discussions regarding a comprehensive vehicle recycling policy in Israel have been ongoing for about five years without concrete legislative action. The Ministry of Environmental Protection stated that it is monitoring the rise of electric vehicles and European legislative changes. Implementing EU standards would require Israeli legislative procedures. The ministry is exploring a potential extended producer responsibility system for entire vehicles and is examining legal and economic mechanisms suitable for the Israeli market and its recycling infrastructure. Public consultation is planned once a draft proposal is developed.