Thousands of old cars disappear from Austria each year, with most thought to be illegally exported, according to ORF.

Günther Weiss, a recycling entrepreneur from Hallein near Salzburg, says vehicle exports are supposed to follow strict regulations. However, Walter Kletzmayr, from the Shredder Association, which oversees the collection and recycling of old vehicles, said many cars are still leaving Austria illegally. This, he added, is costing the country millions in lost tax revenue and valuable raw materials.

“Last year, 205,000 vehicles were permanently taken off the road, but only 28,000 were officially recycled,” said Kletzmayr. “That leaves 177,000 vehicles unaccounted for. This has created an economy of extreme losses.”

Many of these vehicles are reportedly sold to countries with weak or non-existent environmental and safety standards, which experts say poses further risks.

To tackle the issue, the recycling industry has proposed several measures, including cutting bureaucracy, increasing border checks, and introducing a scrappage scheme. In Austria, up to 97% of a car’s components can be recycled, generating as much as €500 per vehicle.