Operation targeting illegal cash-for-cars businesses carried out in Waterford

Waterford City and County Council say they recently conducted an investigation into illegal cash-for-cars operations in the county.

The council says the mystery shopper operation was in collaboration with An Garda Síochána, Revenue Commissioners, Department of Social Protection and the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authority (WERLA).

The operation focused on identifying people offering to collect end-of-life vehicles on social media who don’t have the required waste collection permit and may not be bringing the vehicles to an authorised treatment facility.

Senior Executive Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, Niall Kane, said incorrectly dismantling of vehicles can pose a serious environmental risk.

“When a car is scrapped, it still contains a lot of hazardous fluids like fuel, oils and coolants, which, if not removed properly from the vehicle, can leak into the ground and contaminate groundwater. Cars can also contain air conditioning gases, which are potent greenhouse gases and need to be collected properly when a vehicle is being depolluted,” said Mr Kane.

Under the European Union (End-of-Life Vehicles) Regulations 2014, it is a legal requirement that all end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) are processed through Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs).

Waterford City and County Council is urging all vehicle owners to avoid illegal operators and protect our environment by using authorised facilities.

Using an unauthorised operator to dispose of an end-of-life vehicle is an offence and may result in a Fixed Payment Notice of €100.

You can check to ensure an operator is authorised by checking the following:

• Ask to see a copy of their waste collection permit. Authorised collectors are required to carry a copy of it.
• Authorised collectors have their name and their permit number of their vehicle, * Contact your local authority or check the National Waste Collection Permit Office website www.nwcpo.ie.
• Ensure you receive a Certificate of Destruction when handing over your vehicle.