Scrapping a car might seem straightforward—your vehicle reaches the end of its life, you sell it for scrap, and it gets dismantled. However, there’s a lot more to car scrapping than meets the eye. Behind the scenes, the car recycling industry is a sophisticated and regulated operation that plays a vital role in sustainability, resource conservation, and environmental protection.

Here are some surprising facts you might not know about scrapping cars!

1. The Car Recycling Industry is One of the Largest in the World

Did you know that vehicle recycling is one of the largest recycling industries globally? Car scrapping is a crucial part of the economy, with millions of vehicles reaching the end of their life each year. In the UK alone, thousands of cars are scrapped daily, with their materials repurposed and given a second life in various industries.

2. Around 95% of a Car Can Be Recycled

Modern scrapping methods ensure that most cars don’t go to waste. While you might think only the metal is valuable, other components like glass, plastic, rubber, and fluids such as oil and coolant can be reused or properly disposed of to prevent environmental damage.

Metal

Tyres

Glass

Plastics

Thanks to modern recycling processes, scrapped cars can significantly reduce the need for raw materials.

3. Scrapping a Car Can Help Reduce Carbon Emissions

Recycling car materials requires far less energy than producing new ones from raw resources. Manufacturing steel, for instance, is an energy-intensive process, but using recycled metal significantly reduces emissions. You’re contributing to lower carbon footprints by responsibly scrapping your old car.

4. It’s Illegal to Scrap a Car for Cash in the UK

Think again to receive a cash-in-hand payment for scrapping your car. The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 prohibited scrap metal dealers from paying cash for vehicles. Payments must be made via bank transfer or cheque to ensure a legitimate and traceable transaction, helping to combat metal theft and fraudulent activities.

If anyone offers you cash for your scrap car, they are likely operating illegally—avoid them and always use an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) for your car disposal.

5. Your Car Needs a Certificate of Destruction (CoD)

Once your vehicle has been scrapped, you should receive a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) from the DVLA within seven days. This certificate confirms that your car has been officially de-registered and disposed of in accordance with legal requirements.

Failing to get a CoD means you could still be held responsible for the vehicle, including tax and insurance obligations. Always ensure your scrapping service provides this documentation.

6. Car Parts Can Be More Valuable Than the Whole Car

Before a vehicle is crushed, valuable components like the engine, catalytic converter, and gearbox can be removed and sold separately. Some cars, especially older or rare models, may have parts in high demand, making them worth more when sold individually rather than as scrap.

However, if you plan on removing parts before scrapping, be mindful that some scrappers may only accept complete vehicles for collection and may reduce the quote if essential parts are missing.

7. Scrapping a Car Can Be More Profitable in Certain Seasons

Like many industries, the scrap metal market fluctuates between supply and demand. Prices for scrap metal tend to be higher during times of increased construction activity or high global demand for recycled materials. If you're not in a hurry, keeping an eye on market trends could mean getting a better price for your car.

8. Even Non-Running Cars Have Scrap Value

A car doesn’t need to be in working condition to be scrapped. Whether it has a failed MOT, mechanical issues, or severe accident damage, it still holds value because of its recyclable materials. Many scrap services offer free collection, making it easy to dispose of a non-running vehicle.

9. Recycling One Car Saves Enough Energy to Power a Home for Months

The energy savings from scrapping just one car are astonishing. The steel recycling process uses far less energy than mining and processing new steel, and recycling just one car’s metal can save enough electricity to power a home for several months.

This is another reason why scrapping your car responsibly is a green choice that benefits both the environment and future generations.

10. Scrapping a Car Can Save You Money

Keeping an old, unreliable car can be a financial burden. Frequent repairs, rising insurance costs, and road tax can quickly add up. Scrapping your car and switching to a more fuel-efficient or eco-friendly vehicle can cut costs in the long run while reducing your environmental impact.

If your car is no longer roadworthy, applying for a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) can prevent unnecessary road tax payments before scrapping it.

Final Thoughts

Scrapping your car is more than just disposing of an old vehicle—it's about making an environmentally responsible decision while potentially making money from your car’s remaining value.

If you’re considering scrapping your car, ensure you choose a reputable and licensed scrap service that follows legal procedures, recycles responsibly, and provides fair payment.

Ready to scrap your car? Get an instant quote today, and let’s make the process quick, easy, and eco-friendly!