The environmental pollution caused by vehicles that have become inoperative and reached the end of their useful life represents a significant global issue. Many countries have instituted various programs aimed at the neutralization of such vehicles. One of the most effective solutions to address this problem is the proper recycling of these vehicles.
The implementation of vehicle recycling programs at the state level is essential for environmental protection. This necessity is underscored by the rising contribution of outdated and non-functional vehicles to air pollution, as well as their adverse effects on land and water resources. Furthermore, uncontrolled disposal of such vehicles without adhering to requisite environmental standards exacerbates environmental damage. The absence of effective disposal processes further amplifies the urgency of instituting comprehensive disposal programs.
Research indicates that vehicles are responsible for 75 percent of the toxic gases emitted into the atmosphere in the capital, Baku. Studies reveal that the annual emission of carbon oxides from vehicles in our country approaches 700,000 tons. This underscores the necessity for stringent regulatory measures to ensure that vehicles comply with environmental standards under rigorous oversight.
Outdated vehicles also pose significant safety risks. With their extended braking distances, they contribute to an increase in road traffic accidents and incidents. Given these considerations, the management of vehicle disposal at the state level has become a critical requirement of the modern era.
State Program
Each year, a significant number of vehicles in our country become unusable due to obsolescence and road traffic accidents. According to statistics, currently, one in every five vehicles in our country fails to meet ecological and safety standards and is in a state of disrepair. Alarmingly, this proportion is increasing annually. Additionally, an average of over 1,600 road traffic accidents occur each year, contributing to the growing number of unusable vehicles. As of 2023, only approximately 15% of the national vehicle fleet consists of vehicles up to 10 years old. This statistic underscores the necessity for implementing measures to renew the vehicle fleet.
In light of these considerations, the "State Program for Road Traffic Safety in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2019-2023," approved by Presidential Decree No. 852 dated December 27th, 2018, includes the development and implementation of a vehicle disposal program. According to Clause 7.3.7.1 of the Action Plan for the State Program, three primary directions have been established for the implementation of this program:
- Enhance the level of road traffic safety in the Republic of Azerbaijan;
- Improve environmental conditions;
- Stimulate domestic car production.
The development of the program involved the participation of up to 15 state agencies and institutions, as well as relevant specialists and experts. Additionally, the experiences of several countries worldwide were examined. Furthermore, new provisions were added to the existing legislation in relation to the program's implementation, and amendments and additions were made to over ten legislative acts in total.
The primary objective and scope of the program
The primary objective of the program is to ensure the removal from circulation of outdated vehicles that are no longer safe from a technical standpoint or environmentally sound. Consequently, the program's main focus is on vehicles that have lost their initial operational characteristics, are obsolete both morally and physically, and are characterized as waste due to their unsuitability for road use. In this context, the relevant normative and regulatory provisions are reflected in the "Law on Waste" of the Republic of Azerbaijan. However, since the disposal of vehicles is based on the principle of voluntariness, vehicles that do not fully meet waste characteristics, including those that are partially functional, may also be submitted for disposal at the discretion of their owners.
The program adheres to the "Polluter Pays" principle, a key international environmental principle that is also reflected in various relevant national legislative acts. Additionally, the program incorporates incentive measures, including one-time payments and discounts for the purchase of newly manufactured domestic vehicles.
Anticipated outcomes of the program:
- environmentally compliant disposal of unusable vehicles;
- improvement of environmental conditions;
- renewal of the existing vehicle fleet;
- enhanced road traffic safety;
- elimination of the shadow economy in the relevant sector;
- creation of new job opportunities;
- provision of valuable raw material opportunities for entrepreneurs.
