Introduction: This article examines the legal basis and economic feasibility of the recycling fee in the Russian Federation. Based on an analysis of the regulatory framework (Article 24.1 of the Federal Law of June 24, 1998, No. 89-FZ "On Production and Consumption Waste") and its bylaws, the fee collection mechanism is clarified, the payers, calculation procedures, and exemptions are defined. Conclusions relevant for practical application are drawn, and proposals are made. Materials and Methods: General scientific principles, approaches, and methods are used. The theoretical basis of the study is comprised of scientific works, publications, publications, and other information and reference materials containing information on the legal basis and justification for collecting the recycling fee in the modern economic system, legislative and other regulatory acts of the Russian Federation, including Russian Government Resolutions, recent scientific articles, scientific and practical manuals on the issue under study, and scientific reports. The results of the study: The authors attempt to assess the extent to which the recycling fee meets its stated objectives (ensuring environmental safety and financing vehicle recycling) and its impact on economic processes, including the automotive market, pricing, competition, and budget revenues. The paper examines the evolution of the legal regulation of the recycling fee from its introduction in 2012 to the latest amendments in 2024-2025; the legal positions of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation and the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation, which identify conflicts and shortcomings in the current mechanism; economic effects: rising vehicle prices, changes in the import and production structure, impact on inflation and budget revenues; contradictions between the environmental and fiscal functions of the fee, and its role as a protectionist policy tool. Findings and Conclusions: In writing this article, the authors draw conclusions that, despite the fact that the legal basis for the recycling fee is enshrined at the federal level, the mechanism for its collection contains gaps and ambiguities that require clarification. Furthermore, the economic feasibility of the levy remains debatable: on the one hand, it promotes the development of recycling infrastructure and supports the domestic auto industry; on the other, it provokes price increases and reduces the affordability of transport for the population. To improve the levy's effectiveness, it is necessary to enhance the transparency of environmental spending, revise differentiated rates taking into account the actual environmental impact of vehicles, and minimize the fiscal bias toward environmental considerations.