How to scrap a car in Scotland

What the quote is based on

A scrap price is mostly weight, and after that condition. A small three-door hatchback weighs around a tonne, a mid-size estate closer to 1.6 tonnes, and a long-wheelbase panel van or 4x4 well beyond that, which is why the same phone call gives very different numbers. On top of the metal we look at whether the engine turns over, whether the catalytic converter and battery are still fitted, and whether anything on the car has resale life left in it.

Scrap metal prices move week to week, so a quote holds for seven days. If you come back later we re-check the figure openly instead of quietly trimming it on collection day.

Because of that, the description you give us matters. Tell us if the cat has already been taken, if the car has been sitting in a field for three years, or if a previous garage stripped parts off it. An accurate description means the driver pays what was agreed and nobody has an awkward conversation on the pavement.

Collection day, step by step

The driver phones ahead, usually 30 to 60 minutes out, so you are not waiting in all day. On arrival he walks round the vehicle and checks it matches the description, takes your photo ID and the V5C if you have it, and has you sign the collection note. ID is a legal requirement under scrap metal legislation, not a formality we can skip.

Runners are driven onto the bed, non-runners are winched. A flat battery, seized engine, missing wheels or accident damage are all routine. Your bank transfer is made the same day, although it may arrive after the driver has left. The paperwork copy is left with you.

The paperwork, in plain terms

The V5C logbook has a section for selling a vehicle to a motor trader or dismantler. Hand us the whole document and we deal with it. If you have lost the logbook we can still collect, the vehicle just needs your ID and a signed collection note instead.

We notify the DVLA electronically as the Authorised Treatment Facility and issue your Certificate of Destruction. That certificate is the document that ends your liability: once it is issued the vehicle cannot legally return to the road, and you cannot be chased for tax, insurance or parking and speeding penalties attached to it later.

Any full remaining months of vehicle tax are refunded automatically to the registered keeper by cheque, so there is nothing to claim. What we cannot do for you is cancel your insurance policy or a tax direct debit, so make those two calls yourself after collection.

If you want to keep a private registration, transfer or retain it with the DVLA before the car leaves. Once the vehicle is destroyed the plate is gone with it.

How long the whole thing takes

Across Fife, Edinburgh, Glasgow and the wider Central Belt most jobs run 24 to 48 hours from quote to money in the account. Ayrshire, the Borders, the North East and the mainland Highlands sit on scheduled routes, so allow a few working days. Rebooking is free and there is no cancellation charge.