How to prepare your car for scrap collection
SHORT ANSWER
Before a scrap car collection, remove all personal belongings, take off a private plate if you want to keep it, have photo ID and the V5C ready, and make sure the vehicle is accessible for a transporter. Scrap A Car Scotland handles everything else on the day, including DVLA notification and same-day payment.
Collections go wrong for boring reasons: a blocked driveway, a missing key, a wallet left in the door pocket. None of it is complicated to avoid.
Empty the car properly
Glovebox, boot, spare wheel well, under the seats, door pockets, sun visors and the parcel shelf. Look for sunglasses, chargers, paperwork, toll tags, dashcams and anything sentimental. Once the vehicle is processed nothing can be recovered.
Leave the vehicle intact
Do not remove the battery, catalytic converter, wheels or body panels before collection. Those parts are part of the quoted value, and stripping them means the price has to be recalculated on the driveway, which nobody enjoys.
Keys, fuel and plates
Hand over every key you have. Fuel left in the tank is fine and is drained safely at the facility. Leave the plates on unless you are retaining a private registration, in which case that must be done with the DVLA before collection.
Sort access in advance
Move other vehicles out of the way, unlock gates, and tell us in advance about narrow lanes, low bridges, height barriers, permit bays or a car parked in a rear court. Our drivers plan the right vehicle around what you tell us.
Key takeaways
- Search the whole cabin, not just the glovebox.
- Leave the battery, cat and wheels on the car.
- Retain a private plate before collection day.
- Flag tight access when you book, not on the day.
Written by the Scrap A Car Scotland team. Last reviewed 24 March 2026.