The EU is considering passing laws which will require manufacturers of motor vehicles to ensure that models are designed to be easily recyclable.

If passed, manufacturers would have to develop new vehicles that would minimise waste by promoting the reuse, recycling and recovery of component parts and materials.

The rules would cover new passenger cars and light duty trucks up to 3,500 kg, which would have to comply with minimum rates in respect to their re-usability, recyclability and recoverability.

The re-use of certain parts in the construction of vehicles would be banned for safety and environmental reasons, while provision would be made for the marking of component parts.

If the proposed directive is approved, all member states will be required to take the necessary legislative action to implement the directive in domestic law.

The laws are currently awaiting the First Reading of the European Parliament, which is expected on April 14th next month.

The EU recently brought its end of life vehicle (ELV) laws into effect, meaning that manufacturers will have to take back used cars for recycling as of the beginning of 2007.