Automakers will charge car owners recycling fees ranging from 7,000 yen to 18,000 yen starting in January when the automobile recycling law takes effect, the government said Monday.

The recycling fee had been expected to be around 20,000 yen per vehicle in 2002 when the recycling law was established.

But according to data compiled by the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and the Environment Ministry as of Monday, the automakers are considering charging less, largely because they have worked out a system to make cars easier to recycle.

The ministries compiled the date based on reports from automakers.

The recycling fees for minicars and compact cars -- with engine capacity of up to 2,000cc -- will range from 7,000 yen to 16,000 yen, while those for cars with engines bigger than 2,000cc will range from 10,000 yen to 18,000 yen.

The charge for large buses will be between 40,000 yen and 65,000 yen.

The fees will vary depending on what is installed in the vehicle, including air conditioners and air bags. Automakers will unveil the fees for each of their cars on their Web sites starting at the end of this month. Owners will be required to pay an extra 510 yen to 610 yen for data management.

The fees will be collected through car dealers when new cars are bought.