Estonia launches campaign for free junk vehicle removal

The Estonian Ministry of Climate has launched a campaign to help citizens dispose of junk vehicles located in yards or fields. Under this initiative, waste management companies will provide free towing services for these vehicles, whereas owners would typically have to arrange and pay for transport themselves.

Piret Otsason, head of producer responsibility and hazardous waste at the Ministry of Climate, noted that these decaying vehicles pose environmental risks and occupy space. The campaign also serves as a prompt for owners to update vehicle registries. Starting in 2027, motor vehicle tax will expand to include vehicles that have lacked insurance and inspections for over two years.

Additionally, the Ministry advises owners to deregister lost or destroyed vehicles this year to avoid a new 800-euro fee for deregistering without a destruction certificate starting next year. Deregistering with a valid destruction certificate remains free. Owners can contact the Transport Administration for free document replacement if registration certificates are lost.