The UK is setting the pace for scrap car recycling, with the latest figures showing that we’re now exceeding core environmental targets. For businesses operating in the trade, recovery, insurance, and wider automotive industries, this is more than just a statistic, but a signal for change.
According to data published in May 2025, the UK is now achieving:
This puts us ahead of the EU minimum recycling target of 85%, and just below the UK goal of 95% reuse and recovery.
These excellent results are a reflection of evolving legislation, growing public awareness, and increased responsibility across the automotive sector to recycle and recover vehicles more effectively.
The drive toward a 95% reuse/recovery rate isn’t new, as it was introduced as part of the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive back in 2000 and only made mandatory from 2015.
The figures above weren’t a sudden shift but the result of long-term change, with the sector gradually evolving to meet the demands of environmental legislation and more complex vehicle structures.
This milestone reflects a decade of dedicated effort across the industry, with businesses working consistently since the target was introduced to improve recycling processes and meet environmental goals.
From stricter MOT testing to the gradual phase-out of older diesel vehicles, businesses across the industry have adapted well.
Key scrap car recycling trends in 2025 include:
Whether you’re in vehicle recovery, fleet management, motor insurance, or automotive repair, the UK’s push toward higher scrap car recycling targets affects the way you operate:
With increasing pressure on the automotive industry to meet environmental standards, it’s more important than ever to work with licensed Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) that can strip, depollute, and process vehicles efficiently and lawfully.
Future-proofing your business means aligning with partners who prioritise:
These are critical to maintaining customer trust, meeting insurer requirements, and staying ahead in a fast-paced industry.
At Scrap Local, we’ve seen firsthand how vehicle volumes have increased. More importantly, we’ve seen businesses prioritising sustainable, compliant routes by working with Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) like ours, ensuring vehicles are recycled properly and responsibly.
We’re seeing more vehicles come through every week, and a clear rise in trade and B2B customers looking for:
We’re here to help businesses stay ahead of the curve with the infrastructure, network, and experience to match.
As you may know, there’s more change on the way. New legislation, such as Mandatory Digital Waste Tracking (MDWT), is already being rolled out in 2026. This will impact how scrap and salvage businesses report waste and manage compliance, meaning their systems and processes must keep up.
For those already taking steps to modernise, this progress is validation. For others, it’s a wake-up call. Keeping up with the industry means embracing technology, sustainability, and regulation all at once.
Explore our guide to Mandatory Digital Waste Tracking.
The UK scrap car recycling sector is evolving rapidly, and the businesses that adapt first will benefit the most.
If you’re involved in scrappage, recovery, insurance or trade, it’s time to assess your disposal process.
Learn about the UK’s 2025 scrap car recycling targets, what’s changed, and what legislation like MDWT means for the industry.
Choose a service & we’ll search our network to find you the best scrapyard for your enquiry!
We have hundreds of scrap car buyers waiting to buy your scrap car.
