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Where to scrap a car near me

Where to scrap cars

When a car needs repairing and the repair cost is more than the car is worth, it’s probably time to scrap it. If the cost of repair is slightly under the value of the car but you know that other items such as tyres and brake pads will soon need replacing, it could be time to get rid of the car.

If your vehicle has been involved in an accident, it may not be repairable and the insurance company might therefore declare it a write off that needs to be scrapped.

The car must be taken to what is officially called an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), but is more commonly known as a scrapyard or breaker’s yard.

Many people search for ‘where to scrap cars near me’. The answer is simple, you can find a scrapyard through the official government website. Simply enter your postcode to see a list of scrapyards in your area. The only information this provides is the name and address of the scrapyard and a link to find it on online maps.

If you want to find out more about the scrapyards near you, try a Google search for “scrap my car” or use other search engines. The search result will show both scrapyards near you and national organisations that will scrap your car. A scrapyard that is not nearby may offer you less money for your car as they’ll have to travel further to collect it.

There are also price comparison sites where you can compare offers from several scrapyards. You can’t guarantee to find an offer on these sites that is higher than other local scrapyards. Getting the best price from a local scrapyard takes some research.

What the local scrapyard does with your car

There are several ways that the scrapyard can make a profit after buying your car. The metal in all cars is worth money and can be recycled. Parts can also be removed from the car and sold. If you take out parts to sell before the car goes to the scrapyard, then you’ll receive less money for it.

Sometimes an unroadworthy car can be repaired by the scrapyard for less than your local garage charges. It can then go through its MOT and be sold on.

Who not to sell the car to

Don’t sell the car to someone who offers cash as this is illegal. ATFs have to pay you by cheque or bank transfer.

If someone offers to take the car off your hands but doesn’t offer any money, it is not wise to give your car away. All cars have value, if only for their scrap metal worth.

Your legal obligations

You need to give your logbook to the scrapyard, but tear off and keep the yellow portion that says that you’ve transferred ownership of the car. You’re legally obliged to tell the DVLA that the car has been scrapped. Failure to report that the car has been scrapped can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. 

Bear in mind that if there are any whole months left on the car tax, then you can apply for a refund.

When your car reaches the end of its life, sell it to a local ATF who will collect it from your home. If you're looking to scrap your car today you can rely on our Scrap My Car service that will automatically find the best price from your local scrap yard.

Other related FAQs

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

When a car is no longer roadworthy, it still has some value. An Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) will pay you the scrap value of your car, which could be well over a hundred pounds, depending on the model.

You can get in touch with your insurance company and cancel your cover after your car has been collected. If you cancel your insurance before collection, you’ll be breaking the law if you drive the car on a public road. -

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.

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.

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).

When a car is no longer roadworthy and needs to be scrapped, there’s probably a scrap dealer near you who will collect the car and pay you money for this. It’s easy to find a nearby scrapyard.

No. It’s important that your car is free of rubbish and personal belongings - as our scrap partners are not equipped to deal with anything other than the car.

Yes – it’s important that you inform the DVLA when you scrap your car, as you could be liable for any on-going charges relating to it if you don’t. The quick and easy way to inform the DVLA is by completing and returning section 9 (or section 4 on post-April 2019 documents) of the V5C log book form.

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.

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).