Under an updated End of Life Vehicles directive, carmakers are now responsible for the disposal of old vehicles across the European Union, the BBC reports (via Tree Hugger).

The requirement was already in place for cars made after 2002, but now applies to all vehicles of any age. The amount of harmful materials, such as mercury and lead, will now also be reduced in new models by manufacturers.

EU Carmakers have argued (via Ecolocal) that the directive could cost millions of pounds and threaten struggling car producers with bankruptcy.

A similar scheme will come into operation for the disposal of electrical and electronic goods by the middle of the year.