Scrapping a car doesn’t have to be hard work! Our UK-wide network of scrap partners and specialist dismantlers means we make it easy to find the very best offers in the area.

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Can you collect my car if it’s full of rubbish?

Our scrap partners will not remove a car that is full of rubbish or personal belongings – so, to make sure they don’t make a wasted journey, we would ask you to make sure the car is empty before it’s collected.

Don’t worry; we don’t expect the car to be valeted and looking like new! We appreciate that your car isn’t going to be in showroom condition – but our partner scrap yards simply do not have the means to empty waste or owner’s items from the car. 

What can you collect?

Since our scrap partners specialise in car parts, it’s usually okay if any of the components from the car are inside the vehicle – for instance, it’s not uncommon for wheel trims or spare wheels to arrive loose in the boot! If your car has been involved in an accident, you may end up putting bits of damaged bodywork in the car too – which is also fine. Generally speaking, if a component or part was originally supplied with the car, then it’s okay to stow it in the car when it makes its journey to the scrap yard.

Is it okay if the car comes with aftermarket components still installed?

In some cases, people fit aftermarket components and accessories to their car – but choose not to remove them when it’s time to have the car scrapped. Again, this is fine – but supplying the car with aftermarket components is unlikely to increase the price you’re quoted. 

What can’t be in the car?

Although no one will mind if there’s an odd carpark receipt still in the car when it’s collected, we do ask that you try to remove any rubbish – i.e. cans, coffee cups, food wrappers – as well as emptying the ashtrays. It’s worth checking the car for personal items too – as it’s not uncommon for our dismantlers to find phone chargers, sunglasses, and even the occasional sat nav that’s been overlooked! 

It might sound like our scrap partners are being fussy – but emptying the rubbish out of each car they receive would take a long time; increasing their running costs and reducing the amount they can offer for our customer’s vehicles. If you can quickly clear the rubbish from your car, we can make sure we continue to provide the very best prices for all scrap cars. 

Avoid wasted collection journeys

In the rare instance that someone does leave a lot of rubbish or personal belongings in the vehicle, our collection drivers may refuse to take the car – and may also charge for making a wasted journey. Many of our specialist scrap recovery partners are willing to travel for the makes and models they specialise in, so wasted journeys can be costly for all involved. 

Other related FAQs

Looking for more related content to this? We’ve picked a selection of related topics that you may find helpful

When scrapping your car, you must inform the DVLA. You’ll need your logbook to pass onto the ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility). Afterwards, you’ll be given a Certificate of Destruction (CoD).

End of Life Vehicle (ELV) is the term used to describe a car that is no longer suitable for use – either through wear and tear or damage. ELVs must be recycled at authorised treatment facilities.

To scrap your car legally, the three absolute musts are you must use an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), ensure your logbook (V5 certificate) is completed correctly, and, if the vehicle’s to be destroyed, obtain a CoD (Certificate of Destruction).

Yes, our network of dismantlers can scrap vehicles that are registered in other countries. You’ll need to inform the governing body in the country that the car is from; usually by sending them the completed registration document.

When a car is scrapped, any hazardous materials are removed, along with any parts considered harmful to the environment. Tyres will be removed for recycling, the car will then be crushed and separated into plastic, fibre and metal, and recycled.

Yes, you can. Before your car is collected, you’ll need to ‘retain’ your registration with the DVLA; either online or through the post. Your registration will then be held on a retention certificate, ready to transfer to another car.

It’s illegal to scrap someone’s car without their permission and take payment. The Scrap Dealers Act requires that individuals scrapping cars provide photo ID and proof of address and are never paid in cash, ensuring transactions can be easily traced.

If you’re entitled to any unused road tax when you scrap your car, you should get in touch with the DVLA to reclaim it. Since tax discs were phased out, this can no longer be done at a post office – so you’ll need to contact the DVLA directly, either on the phone, by post, or using their website.

ATF stands for ‘Authorised Treatment Facility’ - another name for a scrap yard, breaker’s yard or vehicle dismantler that meets with strict government guidelines relating to the handling processing of End of Live vehicles.

The answer unfortunately is no. Once your MOT has expired you must get it renewed immediately. If you’re found to be driving without a valid MOT certificate, you could be fined up to £1,000.