Vehicles: Dispose of end-of-life vehicles (proof of recycling)

Under certain conditions, you can return your old car to the manufacturer or importer free of charge.

Since 01.01.2007, as the last owner of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (i.e. vehicles for the transport of goods up to 3.5 tonnes), you have the opportunity to return your end-of-life vehicles that you want to dispose of to the manufacturer or importer free of charge.
They are obliged to take back end-of-life vehicles and must set up a nationwide take-back system themselves or through commissioned third parties.

If a vehicle is finally decommissioned and disposed of, a certified end-of-life vehicle recycling company must issue a recycling certificate for the motor vehicle registration authority.

Responsible:

• Information on take-back points and approved dismantling companies:
  • Joint Agency for End-of-Life Vehicles of the Federal States (GESA)
  • Regional Councils
• Deregistration and receipt of proof of utilization:
  • Vehicle Registration Office

To deregister and provide proof of recovery, please contact your local vehicle registration office.

Information on take-back points and recognised dismantling companies can be obtained from the regional councils in Darmstadt, Giessen and Kassel as well as from the Joint Agency for End-of-Life Vehicles of the Federal States (GESA).

Proof of recycling from the certified end-of-life vehicle recycling company

• The end-of-life vehicle must contain all essential parts, components and electronic control units before recycling
• The vehicle must be registered in the European Union at least 1 month before the final decommissioning.
   

If you want to have your end-of-life vehicle disposed of, you must hand it over to a recognised collection or return point or dismantling company.

• There you will receive a proof of utilization, which you must present to the vehicle registration office for deregistration.
• Approved companies in your area can be obtained from the Regional Council as the waste authority, from the motor vehicle guilds and on the Internet on the websites of the Joint Office for End-of-Life Vehicles (GESA) and the vehicle manufacturers.
   

Fee free of charge