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Oct 15, 2007
Drapers Fight Against Abandonded Cars Reaches New Height
15 October 07
Hull waste management firm Drapers, which has led the way locally in the de-pollution of potentially hazardous dumped cars, has reached a significant milestone after crushing its 4000th vehicle since being selected to deliver the ‘End of Life Vehicle Directive’ in 2005.
Abandoned vehicles have been a growing problem in the region and represent a day to day part of the business, which now handles around 100 abandoned vehicles a month. Peter Draper, Director of Drapers explains:
“Abandoned vehicles now represent a major problem for local authorities and it’s our job to deal with them safely, efficiently and effectively. It’s not just the hazard caused by the vehicle itself, it’s the potential danger from arson, vandalism and the pollutants within the fuel’s tank, battery and tyres.”
Now authorities are getting much tougher on the rogue vehicles and their owners. Local authorities reports and where necessary arrange removal of the vehicle within 24 hours. Notification is subsequently given to the registered keeper. Drapers are obliged to keep the vehicle for fourteen days, after which they de-pollute it, removing all fluids, battery and tyres, before sending it to the crusher. To produce valuable recyclable steel
Peter continues,
“Around one third of the vehicles we recover are abandoned because the tax has ran out. Sometimes people just can’t afford to keep their car on the road but they just don’t realise the potential hazards they are leaving behind.”
Drapers is a family owned firm in its 85th year which has recently invested over half a million pounds into new equipment and training at their 3 acre site in Raven St, Hull as part of a long term strategy to create a recycling centre of excellence. Currently under the third generation of owner managers, the company has a UK wide reputation to recycle waste of any size from any industry. In the past this included steam trains, aeroplanes, trawlers and even an old cold war submarine. Much of the material is exported to many different countries across Europe, and as far a field as china.
Picture caption: Peter Draper and his team at the recycling facility.
For further information:
Craig Lazenby
Press Office for Albert Draper & Son Ltd.
Tel: 01482 308819
Email:
