Scrap Car Collection FAQs
Whether you’re arranging your first scrap car collection or just want to understand how it all works, we’ve got you covered.
Below, our team answers your most frequently asked questions, from booking your free pickup to what happens after your vehicle is taken away.
Our experts explain the entire process step by step.
What To Know Before Booking a Scrap Car Collection
Find out everything you need to know before booking your scrap car collection with Scrap Local.
These questions explain how our collection process works, the vehicles we can collect, and what to expect on the day.
How do I book a scrap car collection with Scrap Local?
Booking a scrap car collection with Scrap Local is quick and completely hassle-free.
All you need to do is fill out our short online form with your vehicle’s registration, postcode, and a few basic details.
From there, one of our team members will call you to confirm the details, discuss the condition of your vehicle, and provide you with a guaranteed price.
Once you’re happy, we’ll arrange a free collection slot at a time that suits you.
Your local Scrap Local agent will then contact you on the day to confirm their arrival and collect your vehicle safely.
There are no hidden fees or deductions, and your price is guaranteed; the amount you’re quoted is the amount you’ll receive.
Get started now: Book your scrap car collection
Are Scrap Local vehicle collections free?
All scrap car collections arranged through Scrap Local are completely free of charge, wherever you are in the UK.
We never charge for call-out fees, admin fees, or collection costs. The quote you receive is guaranteed with Scrap Local.
Collections are included as standard, and we’ll always confirm all details before booking.
There are no deductions on the day, and so no surprise fees afterwards!
Where can Scrap Local collect cars from?
Scrap Local can collect vehicles from almost anywhere in the UK, including your home, workplace, garage, or storage site, provided the vehicle is in a safe and accessible location.
See Scrap Local’s Collection Areas
We work with a nationwide network of trusted drivers and Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs), so whether you’re in a city centre or rural area, we’ll assign the highest paying agent near you for a quick, free collection.
We can collect vehicles from:
- Driveways
- Roadsides
- Commercial premises or businesses
- Garages or service yards
If your car is in a difficult spot, please let us know in advance so we can organise the right recovery vehicle for you.
Can Scrap Local collect vehicles from underground car parks or flats?
As long as our recovery trucks can safely access the location, we can collect vehicles from flats, underground car parks, and multi-storey complexes.
When booking, please mention if your vehicle is parked underground, within height restrictions, or behind secure gates.
Our team will assign a suitable driver or collection vehicle to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Can I book a specific time for my scrap car collection?
Time slots you can choose from are:
- AM: 8:00 – 12:00
- PM: 12:00 – 17:00
On the day, your driver will call an hour before arrival to confirm you’re available and ready for collection.
We do not offer specific time slots, but if you do require a certain time, e.g. after 3 pm, then please let us know when booking. We will do our best to accommodate this, but do note that this is not guaranteed.
Collection times depend on traffic, distance, and how busy our driver’s route is.
If your plans change and you won’t be available, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can rearrange your booking, free of charge.
The only time a charge would apply is if we arrive after confirming by phone and no one is present, as this would count as a missed collection. You can rearrange with us, but this will come at a reduced price, depending on the distance travelled by our driver.
We’re flexible and always aim to keep things simple, so communication is key.
How fast can I scrap my car?
In many cases, Scrap Local can arrange same-day or next-day collections.
Availability depends on your location and how busy your local agent is, but we’ll always aim for the earliest and most convenient slot for you.
If you prefer to plan ahead, you can book your collection for a specific date in advance, ideal if you’re moving house, transferring ownership, or cancelling your insurance.
Get started today by getting your free online scrap car quote!
Can Scrap Local collect cars without wheels, keys or a logbook?
While we can collect most vehicles, there are a few important points to be aware of:
- No wheels? We cannot collect. This is because they require a specialist HIAB (crane lift) vehicle.
- No keys? We can collect it if you have the V5C logbook.
- No V5C logbook? We can collect if you have the keys.
You must have a valid photo ID, or the collection will not go ahead.
Having all of these items makes the process faster and ensures full legal compliance.
Our team will always explain the process if you are missing the V5C logbook or keys.
What types of vehicles can Scrap Local collect?
Scrap Local collects all types of vehicles, regardless of their condition, size, or type.
We accept:
- Non-runners and MOT failures
- Accident damaged or insurance write-offs
- Flood or fire-damaged cars
- Vans, 4x4s, and commercial vehicles
- Vehicles missing keys or logbooks
Our recovery drivers are fully equipped to handle everything from small cars to large vans and fleet vehicles. Using specialist winches and transporters, they can safely collect your vehicle even if it won’t start.
Can Scrap Local collect vehicles with private number plates?
We can collect vehicles with private or cherished number plates.
However, if you want to keep or transfer your plate, you’ll need to do this prior to your collection.
How to retain your private number plate:
- Apply online using DVLA’s plate retention service using your V5C logbook.
- You’ll receive a retention certificate (V778) confirming the plate is yours.
- The DVLA will then issue a new registration for your vehicle, which must be displayed before collection
Once a car has been scrapped, it is impossible to recover a private plate, so always complete this process beforehand.
Can Scrap Local collect and scrap a SORN car?
Scrap Local can collect and scrap vehicles that have been declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) anywhere in the UK.
Once a vehicle is marked SORN with the DVLA, it’s officially declared off the road and cannot be driven or parked on public roads.
The only legal exception is if you’re taking it to a pre-booked MOT appointment. Otherwise, it must remain on private land such as a driveway, garden, or garage until it’s collected.
That’s where we can help.
Scrap Local offers free nationwide collection for SORN vehicles, allowing you to remove your car safely and stay fully compliant with the law.
You don’t need to tax or insure a SORN vehicle for us to collect it; we’ll handle the removal and ensure it’s taken to a licensed Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) for recycling.
Once scrapped, the DVLA is automatically updated, and you’ll receive a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) if applicable, confirming the vehicle has been processed correctly and in accordance with environmental regulations.
Need to declare your car SORN?
See our full guide: How to SORN and Scrap Your Car
Will Scrap Local collect abandoned vehicles?
We can remove abandoned or nuisance vehicles, but there are a few important rules:
- You must first report the vehicle to your local council.
- We can only collect the car once it’s been authorised for removal.
- Because you’re not the legal owner, no payment can be issued; the service will be free of charge.
If the car has been left on your land or is causing a nuisance, we can help you arrange its safe and legal removal through one of our trusted agents.
Can I drop my scrap car off myself?
It depends on the scrapyard handling your vehicle.
Some of our partnered yards do accept drop-offs, while others operate on a collection-only basis.
Our standard service is free vehicle collection, as it’s usually the most convenient option for you and ensures everything is handled safely and legally.
However, if you’d prefer to drop your car off yourself, just let us know when booking, and we’ll confirm whether that’s possible with your local yard.
In some cases, such as Category B write-offs, it’s illegal to drive the vehicle on public roads, even for disposal.
Choosing our free collection guarantees the process remains safe, compliant, and fully documented from start to finish.
What Happens on the Day of Scrap Car Collection?
Learn exactly what to expect on the day of your scrap car collection with Scrap Local.
Here, we explain what to prepare, how our drivers manage the process, and answer the most common “on the day” questions from our customers.
What do I need on the day of collection?
To make your collection go smoothly, please have the following ready:
- Photo ID: Your valid driving licence or passport.
- V5C logbook: The vehicle registration document (your driver can help you fill out the yellow “sold/scrapped” section).
- Keys: For access or to release the steering lock.
If you can’t find the logbook or the keys, don’t worry, as long as you have a valid photo ID and either the keys or the logbook, we can still collect your car.
We’ll confirm what’s required when booking, so you’ll always know exactly what to prepare before the driver arrives.
Will Scrap Local collect my car if I'm not there?
For legal and security reasons, someone must be present during collection.
If you can’t attend the collection personally, you can nominate someone aged 18 or over to act on your behalf.
They’ll need:
- Valid photo ID
- Keys to the vehicle
- Access to the V5C logbook
We cannot collect unattended cars or those where the keys or paperwork have been left hidden.
This keeps the process compliant, transparent, and protects you from any liability.
If your availability changes, please let us know and we’ll rebook your collection free of charge.
Can someone scrap my car on my behalf?
Another person can hand the vehicle over for you. We just ask that you notify us in advance, so our driver knows who to expect.
Your nominated person must:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Have a valid photo ID.
- Have access to the keys and logbook.
Once the collection is complete, we’ll update your booking record so you can receive confirmation and payment securely.
Does Scrap Local provide proof of collection?
You don’t usually need a separate invoice or receipt when scrapping your car with Scrap Local.
The official proof that your vehicle has been handed over is the V5C logbook being correctly filled out at the time of collection.
Our drivers will help you complete the yellow “sold or scrapped” section of your logbook and advise how to notify the DVLA.
Once that’s done, you’re no longer responsible for the vehicle.
If your vehicle is issued with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD), for example, if it’s required for insurance or a ULEZ grant claim, this document acts as full confirmation that your car has been destroyed at a licensed Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF).
Can I change my scrap car collection date?
Absolutely. We understand that plans change, so if you need to rearrange, just call or message us as soon as possible.
We’ll reschedule your collection for a more suitable time at no extra cost.
It’s best to give notice early, especially if your vehicle is booked in for a same-day collection, this is so that we can free up the slot for another customer and rebook your collection.
What happens if my car is blocked on the day of collection?
If your vehicle is blocked in, inside a locked garage, or otherwise inaccessible, our driver won’t be able to collect it safely.
Please make sure the vehicle is ready and easy to reach before your booked slot, for example:
- Clear any vehicles blocking it in.
- Remove any wheel locks or clamps.
- Ensure our driver can access the area without obstruction.
If the vehicle can’t be reached on arrival, we’ll need to rearrange your booking, which could delay payment.
In cases where no access is possible after confirmation, it may count as a missed collection, so please let us know in advance if anything changes.
What Happens After Scrap Car Collection?
After your scrap car has been collected, a few key steps take place to ensure it’s processed safely, legally, and in line with UK environmental regulations.
Here, we explain what happens next, from recycling and documentation to notifying the DVLA.
What happens to my scrap car after collection?
Once your vehicle has been collected, it’s transported to one of our Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) licensed recycling centres that handle end-of-life vehicles responsibly and in full compliance with environmental regulations.
Here’s what happens step-by-step:
Check-in & inspection:
The car is marked as complete on arrival and inspected to confirm its category of scrap, salvage, or parts reuse.
Depollution:
All hazardous materials (fluids, batteries, oils, tyres, and airbags) are safely removed and stored for recycling or disposal.
Parts reuse:
Any components in good condition (engines, gearboxes, doors, etc.) are removed for reuse, reducing waste and providing affordable used parts for other vehicles.
Shell recycling:
The remaining metal body is crushed, shredded, and separated into different materials like steel, aluminium, and copper for recycling.
Certification:
The ATF issues a Certificate of Destruction (CoD), where applicable. This is proof that the vehicle has been recycled in accordance with DVLA and Environment Agency standards.
Through this process, up to 95% of your car’s materials are reused or recycled, helping reduce environmental impact and supporting the circular economy.
Will I receive a Certificate of Destruction (CoD)?
A Certificate of Destruction (CoD) can be provided upon request.
A CoD is an official document issued by the Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) once your vehicle has been fully destroyed and depolluted.
You don’t usually need one unless required by your insurance company or a grant scheme (for example, a Low Emission Zone scrappage grant).
Scrap Local can request this from the ATF handling your vehicle and send it to you for your records if needed.
What happens after my SORN car is collected?
Once your SORN car is collected:
- It’s taken to a licensed recycling facility (ATF).
- All fluids, batteries, and parts are safely removed and recycled.
- The DVLA is notified automatically that the car has been scrapped.
- If applicable, you’ll receive your Certificate of Destruction (CoD).
You’ll also receive a road tax refund for any full remaining months, which is processed automatically by the DVLA.
Do I need to notify the DVLA myself after scrapping?
It’s your responsibility to inform the DVLA that your car has been scrapped.
You can do this online through the DVLA’s official portal or by completing the yellow “sold or transferred” section of your V5C logbook and posting it to the DVLA.
If you’re unsure what to do, our team can guide you through the process over the phone or point you to our DVLA notification guide.
Once the DVLA is updated, your vehicle record will be closed, and any remaining full months of road tax will be refunded automatically.
Customer Service
We’re always updating our FAQs to make sure you get the answers you need.
If there’s something we’ve missed or you’d like us to explain a topic in more detail, our team would love to hear from you.
You can reach us through our social channels below to send us a quick message, and our team will be happy to help.
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