Disposing of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) isn’t just about clearing space—it’s a responsibility that carries significant environmental and legal implications. In British Columbia, stringent regulations ensure that vehicle recycling minimizes harm to our land, air, and water. For businesses in Burnaby, understanding these rules is essential to maintain compliance and uphold environmental standards.
Understanding the Regulatory FrameworkIn B.C., the Vehicle Dismantling and Recycling Industry Environmental Planning Regulation (VDRIEPR) mandates that any facility dismantling more than five “wet vehicles” annually must develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and register with the provincial government. A “wet vehicle” refers to a motor vehicle that is no longer used for transportation purposes and has not been reduced to a steel hulk or to a steel hulk with only the plastic, fabric, or foam components still attached.
The EMP must detail procedures for the removal, storage, treatment, recycling, or disposal of hazardous materials commonly
