Scrap Local’s journey from its first Fuchs grab to the arrival of the Hyundai Powerhand marks a major leap in scrap car recycling efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability.
Over the past year, Scrap Local’s scrapyard has transformed through innovation, community engagement, and continuous investment in advanced machinery, establishing Scrap Local as a leading scrap car recycling facility in the North West.
Founded by Lancashire entrepreneur Martin Handley, Scrap Local began as an office-based digital platform connecting drivers with trusted scrapyards across the UK. As the network expanded, so did the platform, supporting hundreds of agents nationwide.
In July 2024, the opportunity to open Scrap Local’s first physical scrapyard in Darwen came about for Martin, marking a major step from online to hands-on recycling.
The team moved in that November, accompanied by the Fuchs grab, its first major machine and the catalyst for transforming an empty yard into a fully functioning recycling facility.
This was a powerful machine that allowed the team to lift, crush, and process vehicles efficiently for the first time.
The early months involved trial, error, and refinement as processes for depollution, vehicle flow, and safety were developed.
Each challenge helped shape the company’s approach to safe and sustainable vehicle recycling.
Between January and June 2025, significant investment went into the site, workforce, and recycling capabilities.
A dedicated depollution zone was built, the team completed full fire safety and machinery training, and a new parts pay, storage area, and safety equipment were introduced.
February marked an important milestone in community outreach. Scrap Local delivered a sustainability lesson at one local school, donated a campervan to another, and provided tyres to a third to support hands-on learning and future recycling initiatives.
By spring, Scrap Local’s yard had taken shape. Forklift training in March boosted safety standards and improved the team’s operational skills. The scrapyard officially received its permits and licenses in April, while new concreting and groundwork through to May enhanced efficiency.
During this time, Scrap Local also grew its online presence through social media, sharing behind-the-scenes insights, machinery arrivals, and progress updates that helped strengthen its connection with customers across the UK.
Scrap Local wasn’t slowing down, and the progress made in such a short time reflects that.
In July 2025, Scrap Local welcomed its newest investment: The Hyundai Powerhand.
This machine represented a clear step forward in capability, speed, and precision. Designed specifically for controlled dismantling, the Powerhand immediately gave the team far greater accuracy when handling end-of-life vehicles, allowing components to be removed cleanly.
The improvements were immediately visible. The hydraulic responsiveness and stability of the machine enabled operators to lift, grip, and separate parts such as wiring looms, catalytic converters, windscreens, seats, and interior fittings with a finesse the yard hadn’t been able to achieve before.
Cleaner separation meant cleaner materials, higher recovery rates, and a significant reduction in mixed waste.
The impact on daily operations was just as noticeable.
Vehicles could now be processed faster, bottlenecks eased during peak periods, and depollution work could begin sooner thanks to quicker dismantling.
As the team adapted to the new equipment, workflow across the yard became smoother and more efficient.
The arrival of the Powerhand marked a shift in momentum for the Darwen yard. Scrap Local had already made major progress with its first machinery during the early months, but the Powerhand moved the operation from capable to truly efficient, reshaping how the team could process, recycle, and recover materials at scale.
As operations continued to grow, the reasons behind choosing the Hyundai Powerhand and its importance to Scrap Local’s development became increasingly clear.
The decision to invest in the Hyundai Powerhand came as Scrap Local’s recycling operations grew.
With more vehicles arriving and demand increasing across its network, a second machine became essential to keep pace. Adding the Powerhand meant more vehicles could be dismantled and crushed, doubling capacity during busy periods and reducing downtime across the yard.
Delivery day reflected the excitement behind the investment. As soon as the machine arrived, Scrap Local’s operator jumped straight on to put it through its paces.
Despite being brand new, the controls felt immediately familiar and easy to handle. Operators were dismantling vehicles, testing the grip and range, and seeing firsthand how much more efficient the process could be. They spent hours working with it, quickly recognising its potential to transform workflow around the yard.
Since then, speed and precision have improved daily. Each task has become smoother, cleaner, and more controlled, resulting in accurate component removal and less mixed material.
The Powerhand quickly became a core part of the yard’s routine, delivering immediate operational benefits and supporting the continued growth of Scrap Local’s recycling capabilities.
The addition of the Powerhand showcased Martin’s commitment to innovation and progress.
From the Fuchs grab to a fleet of advanced machinery, Scrap Local’s success has been powered by consistent improvement and a team passionate about sustainable recycling.
Beyond the yard, Scrap Local continued to build its presence in the community and online.
Social media channels grew steadily, showcasing the company’s machinery, people, and purpose to a wider audience. Each post helped highlight the importance of sustainable vehicle recycling and the people driving that mission forward, whilst their website expanded with news updates and helpful guides for customers and industry professionals.
Alongside the growth of the Darwen yard, Scrap Local’s digital platform has continued to evolve and quietly power the entire operation.
Built in-house and used daily by agents, drivers, office teams, Parts Local, and Salvage Local, the system brings every part of the business together in one place.
It manages incoming website leads, schedules driver jobs, logs bookings, tracks prices, handles sales orders, supports auctions, and keeps all communication and compliance fully documented.
By developing the platform alongside the physical yard, Scrap Local has been able to maintain nationwide coverage while strengthening its on-site recycling capabilities.
It’s this combination of technology and hands-on recycling that allows Scrap Local to operate smoothly, stay compliant with Digital Waste Tracking, and support customers and agents across the whole of the UK.
As Scrap Local looks towards 2026, the focus remains on advancing technology, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Continued investment in modern machinery and innovative recycling methods will help reduce waste, improve traceability, and enhance the UK’s circular economy.
From a digital platform in Haslingden to a thriving recycling hub in Darwen, Lancashire, Scrap Local’s story is one of progress, purpose, and perseverance, proving that innovation and community go hand in hand in building a more sustainable future.
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