Scrapping a car or metal: the legal guide

Scrapping a car

Take it to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) — not every scrap yard is one. You need the V5C logbook; the ATF issues a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) which ends your DVLA liability. Never sell an end-of-life car to an unlicensed dealer.

Other scrap metal

Use a licensed dealer (every listing on this site holds a current licence). You’ll need photo ID; payment is by traceable means, not cash, under the 2013 Act.

Getting paid fairly

Prices vary with metal markets — call two or three licensed yards for quotes. Weigh-ins should be on verified scales in front of you.

General information, not legal advice.