As Scrap Local marks its first full year operating from its 4.5-acre scrapyard in Darwen, we’re reflecting on the development that has taken place across both Scrap Local’s physical site and its digital infrastructure.
Scrap Local began in 2019 as a purely digital lead-generation platform. Over time, the system has grown with us, evolving into a modern, integrated recycling operation, combining advanced technology with hands-on, ATF-approved vehicle processing.
Since officially opening the yard in November 2024, we’ve developed efficient systems that allow us to handle end-of-life vehicles safely, responsibly, and in line with environmental standards.
This journey has led to the arrival of our newest milestone: The Liebherr LH22 Powerhand.
The introduction of the Liebherr LH22 Powerhand marks the next step in Scrap Local’s progress, strengthening our dismantling capabilities and symbolising how far the yard and platform have come in just one year.
When Martin first visited the Darwen yard, it was untouched land, overgrown, filled with pallets, and with no office or infrastructure in place. Despite this, he immediately saw its long-term potential.
After receiving the keys in July 2024, the work began. Over the next four months, the team:
Initially, Scrap Local was set to receive investment to support the transition from its digital platform to an operational scrapyard. However, this investment did not go ahead.
This setback made things incredibly difficult. Financing options weren’t available, and it was becoming clear to Martin that securing funding was near impossible, leaving Martin with no choice but to push ahead alone.
He had to learn how to run a scrapyard from scratch while simultaneously financing:
What could have been a supported expansion became a significant personal and professional challenge. But with the support of the digital platform and a determined team handling leads, collections, and vehicle processing, Martin pushed forward.
A year later, the operation is more established than ever, with new machinery, smooth processes, and a strong team driving progress.
Built in-house, Scrap Local’s digital platform is the backbone of the business, which has expanded alongside each stage of our growth.
Today, it powers Scrap Local, Parts Local, and Salvage Local, supporting the full range of services across our national network.
This platform allows us to:
As a fully approved ATF, we can:
On 17th April 2025, Martin reached another major milestone when the Darwen yard officially received all its permits and licenses. Fittingly, the approval came through on his birthday, a meaningful reminder of how far the business had come and a moment that validated every challenge he faced in the months prior.
Outside of daily operations, we remain committed to supporting the community by donating tyres to schools, providing lessons in sustainability, and have even donated a campervan for hands-on learning to help teach the next generation about recycling and environmental responsibility.
This year has brought major improvements to both our machinery and operational capacity.
Our Fuchs Grab arrival in November 2024 laid the foundations for early processing. followed by the Hyundai Powerhand in July 2025, which boosted our dismantling speed and precision.
Our newest addition, the Liebherr Powerhand, marks another significant milestone for Scrap Local.
It is the first of its kind to re-enter the UK market, aligning with our sustainability goals by extending the life of high-quality machinery.
Arriving in early November, exactly one year after we opened the yard, the LH22 symbolises how far Scrap Local has come. Its strength, reach, and precision give our operators more control and efficiency, improving dismantling accuracy and workflow.
We now operate with four core machines, significantly increasing our ability to process vehicles quickly and responsibly.
In addition, we’ve added:
Our digital platform connects seamlessly with yard activity. Every stage of depollution, dismantling, parts removal, storage, and location (scrap, salvage, export, or parts) is logged and traceable. This integration supports compliance, improves communication, and strengthens decision-making.
Scrap Local has had a fantastic first year in Darwen, and we’re not slowing down.
As we move into our second year, we’re focused on continuing to scale our operations, strengthen our digital platform, and expand our nationwide network.
We’ll keep improving the systems that support Scrap Local, Parts Local, and Salvage Local, while building on the momentum we’ve created across the yard.
From advancing our data and platform tools to refining on‑site efficiency and developing our growing brands, we’re committed to steady, sustainable progress.
The Liebherr LH22 Powerhand marks the first major milestone of Scrap Local’s second year in Darwen, setting a strong foundation for continued innovation, growth, and leadership within the UK recycling industry.
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Founder & MD of Scrap Local
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