In this post, we shed some light on the most common misconceptions when it comes to scrapping a car.
Myth 1: Cars can be scrapped with any service provider.
Debunked: In the UK, you must send your car to an authorised treatment facility (ATF) when it reaches its end of life. Using an unauthorised facility to scrap your car can lead to legal troubles and cause environmental harm.
Myth 2: Scrapping a car is time-consuming and complicated.
Debunked: Scrapping a car can be straightforward if you use a reputable scrapyard. Many ATFs will handle the paperwork and logistics on your behalf, making the process easy and hassle-free.
Myth 3: You won’t get much money for scrapping your car.
Debunked: Car scrapping values vary depending on factors like make, model, age and the condition of the vehicle. Demand for parts, the car’s weight and the current price of scrap metal all play a role. In some cases, particularly with older or rare models, the parts can be quite valuable. Read our article about the 10 most valuable parts of a scrap car to find out more.
Myth 4: The DVLA doesn’t need to be notified.
Debunked: It’s crucial to inform the DVLA when you scrap your car. Failure to do so can result in a fine, as the DVLA must be aware that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle. The ATF should do this on your behalf and issue you with a certificate of destruction (CoD) – if in doubt, speak to your service provider, as it is your responsibility to ensure your vehicle is officially deregistered.
Myth 5: Scrapped cars are simply crushed and wasted.
Debunked: Modern car scrapping aims to salvage the majority of all reusable parts and materials, significantly reducing waste and environmental impact. In fact, the industry is currently tasked with reusing, recycling or recovering 95% of the vehicle by weight, making cars one of the most effectively recovered and recycled consumer products out there.
Myth 6: Personal items in the car are not important.
Debunked: It’s important to remove all personal belongings from your car before scrapping, as you won’t be able to retrieve them from the scrapyard. For peace of mind, you might also consider deleting any personal information stored in the navigation system or on-board computer.
Myth 7: Scrapping is the only option for an old car or one that’s no longer roadworthy.
Debunked: Depending on its condition, an old or damaged car could be repaired, donated, or sold for parts.
Read up on preparing your vehicle for recycling or – if you’re all set – take the first step by completing our online car scrapping quote