How to Scrap Your Car Legally in the UK

August 17, 2025
Blog

Scrapping a car in the UK can feel overwhelming — especially if it’s your first time. With legal requirements, paperwork, and different prices offered by scrap buyers, many people aren’t sure where to begin.

The good news? At ScrapCarQuote.co.uk, we make the process simple, fast, and fully compliant with UK regulations. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about scrapping your car legally in 2025.

Step 1: Get a Free Scrap Car Quote

The first step is to find out what your scrap vehicle is worth. Scrap car prices depend on factors such as:

  • The make, model, and year of your car
  • The vehicle’s weight (heavier cars = higher scrap value)
  • Current scrap metal market prices
  • Whether the car is complete or missing parts

👉 The quickest way to find out your car’s value is to use our instant scrap car quote tool. Enter your registration and postcode to get your quote in seconds.

Step 2: Choose a Licensed Scrap Car Recycler

In the UK, only Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) are legally allowed to dispose of scrap vehicles. Using an unlicensed operator risks fines and leaves you responsible for the car.

At Scrap Car Quote, we only work with trusted, licensed recyclers, so you can be confident your vehicle is disposed of safely and legally. Learn more about our process on our About page.

Step 3: Prepare Your Car for Collection

Before collection, you’ll need to:

  • Remove any personal belongings
  • Find your V5C logbook (if possible)
  • Keep your car accessible for the collection driver
  • Cancel your car insurance once the vehicle has been collected

For a full list of what you need, see our FAQs.

Step 4: Paperwork and DVLA Notification

When your car is collected, the ATF will handle the necessary paperwork, including:

  • Issuing you with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD)
  • Notifying the DVLA that the car has been scrapped
  • Ensuring your road tax refund is automatically processed

This gives you total peace of mind that your car has been scrapped legally.

Step 5: Get Paid for Your Scrap Car

Once the vehicle is collected, you’ll receive payment securely by bank transfer. No hidden fees, no hassle.

👉 Ready to find out what your scrap car is worth? Get your free scrap car quote today and arrange collection in just a few clicks.

Why ScrapCarQuote.co.uk?

  • 10,000+ happy customers helped
  • Free scrap car collection nationwide
  • Best prices guaranteed using advanced pricing technology
  • Only licensed recyclers for safe, legal disposal

Scrapping your car doesn’t need to be stressful. With Scrap Car Quote, it’s quick, simple, and completely legal.

👉 Get started now with a free scrap car quote and have your vehicle collected at a time that suits you.

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