The ELV Directive is a government initiative introduced in 2003 in order to reduce the amount of harmful and hazardous waste produced from vehicles when they are treated. The directive states that any passenger carrying vehicle, light goods vehicle and three wheeled motor vehicles (with the exception of trikes) can only be safely and legally scrapped at Approved Treatment Facilities (ATF’s)
The Directive is implemented through ELV Regulations issued in 2003 and 2005 and through the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2007; in England and Wales they are enforced by the Environment Agency.