April 18, 2002
Proposal for "Law Concerning Recycling Measures for End-of-Life Vehicles"
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) is pleased to announce that the "Law Concerning Recycling Measures for End-of-Life Vehicles" (more commonly known as the "Automobile Recycling Bill") is scheduled to be presented to the current session of the National Diet. JAMA prides itself on being an active participant in deliberations aimed at promoting systematic measures for automobile recycling, such as sending members to serve on the Industrial Structure Council and the Central Environment Council and mounting energetic efforts on other fronts as well.
Compared to other durable consumer goods, a high level of recycling is being achieved in automobiles (between 75 and 80 percent on a weight basis). Yet, with reuse even more closely attuned to the needs of a recycling society having emerged as a pressing theme for the 21st century, the move to create a legal system supporting that end is extremely well timed. Such a law promises to clarify the respective roles of the many parties involved in the field, and otherwise pave the way for meaningful and lasting progress in this important direction.
As envisioned under the new system, automakers will play focal roles in the establishment and operation of automobile recycling schemes, while working to define and streamline a highly effective overall approach. This will involve the infusion of both human and capital management resources, in a strategic drive to minimize the social costs. The following types of efforts will be advanced.
- Promotion of Recycling-Oriented Vehicle Manufacture
Programs at the product development and manufacturing stages will be raised to even higher and more effective levels, in the quest to enhance the ease of recycling and optimum processing. - Promotion of a Comprehensive Recycling System
Following the establishment of systems to comply with the Law for ensuring the Implementation of Recovery and Destruction of Fluorocarbons concerning Specified Products, for which efforts are now being advanced with the target of total enactment in the autumn of this year, the goal is to enact a system for the transactions and disposal of specified items for recycling required under the Automobile Recycling Bill. Keen energies will be also be channeled into setting up a comprehensive system required for logistical control incorporating information, cost controls and an electronic manifesto. - Establish a System to Smoothly Implement the
Recycling Law
A system will be established to implement recycling of automobile shredder residue (ASR), CFCs, airbags and other specified recyclable commodities. Comprising a premier role at this phase will be more sophisticated processing of ASR, the greatest bottleneck in the effort to recycle end-of-life vehicles. Close teamwork will be organized with all parties involved, in bringing a new and more effective system into existence. - Continued Cooperation to Deal with Abandoned
Vehicles
The programs of the existing "Association for Cooperation in Abandoned Car Disposal with the various industry partners concerned" will be carried on, supported by active cooperation with local municipalities to eliminate the practice of abandoning vehicles on the street and mounting thorough efforts to dispose of those which are discarded.
- Implementation of Autonomous Approaches for
Motorcycles, and Commercial Vehicles rearbody and applications
Highly effective autonomous programs will be organized and advanced for the recycling of motorcycles and commercial vehicle beds.
All JAMA member automakers are determined to continue to fulfill their key roles and responsibilities in working toward the goals defined in this critical sector. This will include the timely supply of information and intelligence to all enterprises involved in automobile recycling, vehicle owners and national and local administrative authorities. JAMA respectfully requests your redoubled understanding, support and active coverage of all aspects of this dynamic challenge.
