Scrap Local has recently been featured by leading industry publication ATF Professional, highlighting the company’s journey from a digital vehicle recycling platform to a fully operational Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) through Local Recycling Group (LRG).
The feature explores how a technology-led approach, combined with operational discipline and industry collaboration, has supported the development of a compliant ELV operation in Darwen while maintaining Scrap Local’s original mission of modernising the vehicle recycling journey across the UK.
Founded in 2019 and launched in early 2020, Scrap Local began as a digital platform designed to simplify and modernise how vehicle owners connect with authorised treatment facilities.
Built around transparency, compliance, and enhanced customer experience, the platform quickly gained national traction and became part of broader conversations about digital transformation within the vehicle recycling industry.
The ATF Professional feature documents the next stage of that journey, the transition from a purely digital model into a fully operational scrapyard operating under Local Recycling Group Limited.
The move marked a significant shift, bringing together technology, operations, and industry expertise within a single, integrated business model.
Today, Scrap Local continues to operate as the digital platform, while Local Recycling Group manages the physical ELV operation, supported by systems developed and refined through real-world yard activity.
A key focus of the article is the role technology has played in enabling controlled growth.
The rebuilt platform now supports bookings, collections, vehicle tracking, compliance workflows, and inventory management through structured digital processes.
By replacing disconnected systems and manual administration with real-time operational visibility, the software provides full traceability from vehicle arrival through to processing.
This approach reflects a wider shift across the industry towards data-driven operations and increased regulatory readiness, particularly as new environmental and digital waste tracking requirements approach.
The feature also recognises the broader context in which the business has developed.
The past year has presented significant challenges across the recycling sector, including fluctuating scrap prices, rising operational costs, and increasing compliance expectations.
Despite these pressures, the Darwen site has been built progressively through operating cash flow, supported by a growing team and strong relationships across the industry.
The focus has remained on establishing solid operational foundations before expanding into additional areas such as parts, vehicle sales, and export channels.
Being featured by ATF Professional represents an important milestone for the business and reflects the progress made during a period of rapid change and development.
Founder and Managing Director Martin Handley commented:
“The last few years have tested me more than most people will ever see, so it’s good to pause and recognise how far we’ve come in just over a year.
From building Scrap Local as a digital platform to launching a fully operational ELV site under Local Recycling Group, the shift has been significant.
Proud of the team around me, grateful for the support from others in the industry, and fully focused on building what comes next.
We’re only getting started.”
As the business continues to grow, the focus remains on efficiency, measured expansion, and strengthening partnerships across the vehicle recycling sector.
With technology forming the backbone of operations, Scrap Local and Local Recycling Group are positioned to support both customers and industry partners as standards evolve and digital processes become increasingly central to compliance and efficiency.
Founder & MD of Scrap Local
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