Car Scrapping Guidance
If your car is no longer economical to repair or sell, scrapping it can be the simplest option. This guide explains when scrapping makes sense, how the process works, and how to make sure you scrap your car legally and for a fair price.
Already know your reg? → Get a free car valuation
How car scrapping works
Scrapping a car means permanently removing it from the road and recycling it through an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). This ensures the vehicle is disposed of legally and in line with UK environmental regulations.
When you scrap a car correctly:
It is depolluted and recycled safely
You receive a Certificate of Destruction (CoD)
The DVLA is notified that the vehicle no longer exists
You should never scrap a car through an unlicensed buyer or without receiving confirmation that it has been officially destroyed.
Helpful guide: Read our full explanation of the scrapping process and what to expect step by step.
When does scrapping a car make sense?
Scrapping is usually the right option when the cost, effort, or risk of selling outweighs the car’s remaining value.
Common reasons people scrap cars
The car has failed its MOT and repairs aren’t cost-effective
Repair costs exceed the car’s market value
The car has significant mechanical or structural issues
It’s been written off or is uneconomical to insure
The vehicle has been unused for a long time
If you’re unsure whether to sell or scrap, it’s worth comparing your options before deciding.
👉 “Should I scrap or sell my car?”
In some cases, basic repairs or maintenance can change whether scrapping is the right choice — see our car maintenance guidance.
What affects scrappage value?
Even scrap cars still have value, but the amount you receive can vary.
Factors that influence scrap value:
Vehicle weight (especially metal content)
Current scrap metal prices
Whether the car is complete
Ease of collection
Location
Some cars that feel “worthless” can still return more than expected, especially if parts or weight are favourable.
👉 “How much is my car worth as scrap?”
You can also check our car valuation guidance to see what your vehicle might be worth before scrapping it.
Scrapping vs selling vs breaking for parts
Scrapping isn’t the only end-of-life option, but it’s often the simplest.
Factors that influence scrap value:
Scrapping isn’t the only end-of-life option, but it’s often the simplest.
Selling may return more money but requires a buyer
Breaking for parts can maximise value but takes time and effort
Scrapping offers speed, legality, and certainty
If your vehicle still has value, our car selling guidance explains your options before deciding to scrap.
Scrapping myths & misconceptions
Myth 1 :
“I need to pay someone to scrap my car.”
Legitimate ATFs usually pay you for the vehicle, not the other way around.
Myth 2 :
“Any scrap dealer is fine.”
Only licensed Authorised Treatment Facilities can legally scrap cars and issue a Certificate of Destruction.
Myth 3 :
“Scrapping is complicated.”
When done correctly, scrapping is usually quicker and simpler than selling a non-running vehicle.
Myth 4 :
“I don’t need paperwork.”
You should always receive confirmation that the DVLA has been notified and the car is officially destroyed.
Ready to check your car’s value?
Before scrapping, it’s often worth checking whether your car still has resale value — even if it’s old, damaged, or not running.
No obligation. See whether selling or scrapping makes more sense. Decide what to do next in your own time
Prefer not to enter details yet? Learn more about scrapping your car legally and safely.
If your car still has value, you can get a free valuation here.
Learn how to prepare your car for a quick sale, understand how mileage, mechanical defects and condition affect your valuation, and discover the best ways to compare genuine offers online from repuatable UK and local scrap disposal experts.
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More information
When you scrap your car you’ll usually need your V5C logbook? proof of ID and a receipt or Certificate of Destruction from the Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). The V5C proves you’re the legal keeper, and the CoD shows the DVLA that the car has been recycled properly and you’re no longer responsible for it.
See our ‘What documents do I need to scrap my car? full information page
To get the best price when you scrap your car, keep it as complete as possible, be honest about its condition, compare offers from multiple scrap buyers and make sure you only deal with an Authorised Treatment Facility. Removing parts, hiding faults or accepting the first offer can all reduce what you’re paid.
You don’t always have to declare SORN before scrapping, but you must make sure the DVLA knows your car is off the road or has been scrapped. In many cases the DVLA record is updated when the ATF issues a Certificate of Destruction, but if the car is off the road for a while first, putting it on SORN can stop you paying unnecessary tax and insurance.
When you scrap your car through an Authorised Treatment Facility, they’ll collect or receive the vehicle, de-pollute it by safely removing fluids and hazardous parts, strip any reusable components and then recycle the remaining metal. Once the car has been processed they’ll issue a Certificate of Destruction and the DVLA will update their records and refund any unused road tax.
Find out how easy it is to scrap your car.
Yes, you can scrap a car without the V5C log book – it’s not illegal – but it can make the process a bit more awkward. You’ll need to prove your identity and ownership, and you must still tell the DVLA in writing that you’ve sold the car for scrap so they can stop taxing it and remove you as the keeper.
Click below to see our full page information;
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