To scrap a car in the UK, you must use an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) - a company licensed by the Environment Agency to legally depollute and recycle end-of-life vehicles. The process takes four steps: get an online quote using your registration number and postcode, book a free collection, hand over the vehicle to the ATF driver, and notify the DVLA using your V5C logbook or the DVLA's online service. The ATF issues a Certificate of Destruction, which is your legal proof the vehicle has been scrapped. Using an unlicensed buyer - sometimes called a Lamp Post Trader - is not only likely to result in a lower price, it leaves you legally responsible if the vehicle is later used in a crime or abandoned.
Step-by-step — how to scrap a car
Step 1: Get an instant online quote
Enter your registration number and postcode to get a guaranteed scrap car price in under 60 seconds. The quote is calculated using your vehicle's make, model and weight combined with current local metal prices.
To understand exactly what goes into the calculation and what your car is likely to be worth, our scrap car prices guide explains every factor in detail. There's no obligation and the quote is completely free.
Step 2: Book your free collection
Once you accept the quote, choose a collection date and time that suits you. Remove My Car operates across more than 300 UK scrap locations, covering virtually every postcode. Collection is free in almost all areas, including for non-running vehicles - a flatbed or recovery vehicle is sent where needed.
Step 3: Hand over the vehicle
The ATF driver collects from your home, workplace, or any agreed address. Remove all personal belongings before collection but leave all mechanical parts intact - removing wheels, the battery, or the catalytic converter before handover reduces the quoted price and may invalidate the guarantee.
Step 4: Notify the DVLA
Tell the DVLA you've disposed of the vehicle using the yellow section of your V5C logbook, or online at gov.uk. Full guidance on completing this correctly is in our vehicle registration document guide. You'll automatically receive a refund for any full months of remaining road tax — calculated from the date the DVLA receives notification, so submit promptly.
Step 5: Receive your Certificate of Destruction
Your ATF is legally required to issue a Certificate of Destruction - this is your proof the vehicle has been legally scrapped and removes your liability as the registered keeper. Keep this document permanently; you may need it if the DVLA contacts you in future regarding the vehicle.
Why you must use a licensed ATF
ATFs are regulated by the Environment Agency and are the only businesses permitted to issue a Certificate of Destruction. A scrapped car contains hazardous materials - engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, airbag propellants, and refrigerants - that must be removed under the End of Life Vehicles Regulations 2003. Only ATFs are legally bound to carry this out correctly.
Unlicensed buyers, known as Lamp Post Traders, cannot issue a Certificate of Destruction and are not bound by these regulations. You remain the registered keeper in law until the vehicle eventually reaches a licensed ATF - which may never happen. Our scrap car dealers guide explains how to identify a legitimate ATF and what to look for before you agree to any collection.
What if my car has low scrap value?
Small older hatchbacks sometimes have a scrap value lower than the cost of collection, particularly in rural areas, meaning independent ATFs may decline to collect them. How much your location affects your price is explained fully in our scrap car value guide - the difference between the best and worst areas in the UK can be significant.
Remove My Car's network solves the low-value problem through volume: ATFs collect lower-value cars knowing they'll receive higher-value vehicles through the same network. If your car has been refused elsewhere, enter your registration - collection can usually be arranged even for negligible scrap value vehicles.
Do I need the V5C logbook to scrap my car?
No - the DVLA does not require the V5C for end-of-life vehicles. Some dealers attempt to deduct £25 from the agreed price if you don't have the logbook.
This is a well-known industry practice with no legal basis. Remove My Car never applies this deduction. If you've lost your logbook, notify the DVLA separately using form V62 - full details are in our vehicle registration document guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to scrap a car?
From quote to collection, the process typically takes 24–72 hours. Same-day or next-day collection is available in most areas.
Can I scrap a car that doesn't run?
Yes. Non-runners, cars with no MOT, and vehicles that are damaged or incomplete can all be collected. Mention the condition when getting your quote so the correct vehicle is sent.
Can I scrap a car without a logbook?
Yes. A legitimate ATF will never reduce the price because a logbook is missing. See our vehicle registration document guide for what to do if yours is lost.
Can I scrap a car that still has finance on it?
No — you cannot legally scrap a financed vehicle without the lender's consent, as they retain an interest in it. Contact your finance provider to confirm the settlement position first.
Will I get road tax back when I scrap my car?
Yes. Once you notify the DVLA, you'll automatically receive a refund cheque for any full months of remaining vehicle tax from the notification date - not the collection date.
What happens to a scrapped car?
The ATF first depollutes the vehicle, removing all fluids and hazardous components. Reusable parts are salvaged and sold. The remaining shell is crushed, shredded, and the metal sorted for recycling — around 85% of a vehicle's weight is typically recovered.
How much will I get for my scrap car?
Scrap car prices in the UK typically range from £150 to £400 depending on vehicle weight, location, and current metal prices. For a full breakdown of what affects your quote, see our scrap car prices guide.