What is vehicle decontamination and why is it important?​

The decontamination of vehicles in Mallorca is a key process in the life cycle of cars and trucks that have reached the end of their use. End-of-life vehicles (ELVs) contain materials and hazardous substances that, if not properly managed, can have a devastating impact on the environment. At Reciclajes y Metales Pérez, we are an authorised centre specialising in vehicle decontamination and recycling, ensuring a safe process that complies with current environmental regulations.

What does vehicle decontamination involve?

The vehicle decontamination process refers to a set of operations that remove or neutralise hazardous elements from vehicles, such as oils.

This process involves several key stages:

1. Removal of hazardous and contaminated liquids:
   • Toxic liquids such as engine oil, brake fluid, coolants, steering fluid, and fuel are extracted, as these can contaminate the soil and water if not properly handled.
   • Additionally, lead-acid batteries, electronic components, and oil filters contain hazardous substances that must be handled in a specialised way to prevent contamination.
2. Dismantling of reusable components:
   • During the process, reusable or recyclable components such as engines, catalytic converters, tyres, and windscreens are removed, which can have a second life in the spare parts market or in metal recycling.
   • This contributes to the circular economy, helping reduce the need to manufacture new components and promoting the reuse of materials.
3. Treatment of hazardous waste:
   • After contaminants are removed, hazardous waste is sent to specialised facilities for safe treatment. This waste includes heavy metals, oils, and coolants that cannot be simply disposed of without causing environmental damage.
4. Vehicle recycling:
   • Once decontaminated, the vehicle can be fully dismantled and its materials (such as steel, aluminium, and plastics) recycled for other industrial uses. In this regard, scrap metal plays a crucial role in the manufacture of new products, reducing the consumption of virgin resources and the carbon footprint.

Environmental impact of not following the decontamination process

When vehicles are not properly managed at the end of their life, the environmental impact can be significant. The main dangers include:

• Soil and groundwater contamination: Toxic liquids such as oil and fuel can seep into the soil if not properly disposed of, contaminating aquifers and affecting biodiversity.
• Toxic air emissions: Abandoned hazardous materials such as coolants or brake fluids can release gases that harm the ozone layer and contribute to climate change.
• Loss of reusable materials: Without proper recycling processes, valuable materials that could be reused are wasted, increasing the demand for natural resource extraction, such as minerals and metals.

Reciclajes y Metales Pérez: Guarantee of safe environmental management

At Reciclajes y Metales Pérez, as an authorised centre for vehicle decontamination and recycling in Mallorca, we strictly follow the regulations set by the European Directive 2000/53/EC on end-of-life vehicles, which governs the management of ELVs to minimise their environmental impact. We work directly with the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) to manage the definitive deregistration of vehicles, ensuring that the entire process is carried out in accordance with legal regulations.

Our team has the experience and tools needed to carry out vehicle decontamination, ensuring that every component is handled safely and with respect for the environment.

Why is vehicle recycling important?

In addition to its environmental importance, vehicle decontamination and subsequent recycling significantly contribute to the circular economy, reducing dependency on raw material extraction and lowering the carbon footprint. Recycling metals, such as steel or aluminium from a vehicle, can save up to 80% of energy compared to producing new metals, making the process not only beneficial for the planet but also for the economy.

The process of vehicle decontamination in Mallorca is crucial for environmental protection and promotes a more efficient use of resources. At Reciclajes y Metales Pérez, we ensure that every vehicle entering our facilities is managed safely and sustainably. If you have an end-of-life vehicle, do not hesitate to contact us so we can take care of its proper decontamination and recycling, helping to reduce pollution and support a circular economy