At EMR Vehicle Recycling, cars are recycled in all conditions, from vehicles that still drive to ones that will not start at all. Even so, taking a bit of time to prepare your car before recycling can make the whole process quicker, smoother and more rewarding.
So if you're thinking to yourself, 'how do I scrap my car correctly?' This guide walks through exactly what to do, what affects its value and what to expect once it reaches an Authorised Treatment Facility.
Getting your paperwork ready
The most important document you will need when recycling your car is the V5C logbook. This confirms that you are the registered owner of your vehicle and allows it to be transferred legally for recycling. Having this ready in advance helps avoid delays and makes the handover process straightforward.
If you have other paperwork, such as MOT certificates or service history, it's worth keeping it to hand. Don't worry if you don't, we happily recycle MOT failures and cars in any condition. The main thing is to store your documents somewhere safe and dry so they are ready on the day your car is collected or dropped off. If you're unsure about any paperwork requirements, it's always best to check early rather than leave it until the last minute. You can find everything you need to know on our how it works page.
Removing personal belongings properly
Before your car leaves you for good, it’s well worth taking a bit of extra time to clear it out properly. It’s surprisingly easy to forget items in places you don’t check very often, like door pockets, under the seats, the centre console or tucked away in the boot. Coins, paperwork, charging cables and even personal documents often get left behind without people realising.
Once the car enters the recycling process, everything moves quickly and methodically. Vehicles are dismantled as part of a regulated process, and unfortunately, anything left inside can’t be retrieved later. That’s why it’s a good idea to do a careful check in daylight, opening every compartment and lifting mats where possible. Spending a few extra minutes now can save you the frustration of discovering something important is gone for good later on.
What to remove and what to leave
There are a few things you will want to take out before your car goes. Personal items and aftermarket additions such as dashcams, tracking devices, upgraded stereos, or a private number plate are all worth removing if you plan to keep or reuse them.
The price we give for your car is based on it being complete, with all standard parts, wheels, and a catalytic converter. If any of these are missing when the vehicle arrives at our recycling centres, the money you receive will be lower. If you’re unsure whether taking something off will affect the value, it’s always best to check first rather than guess.
Making collection or drop off straightforward
Once you’ve accepted your quote from us, you’ll have the option to arrange a collection or drop the car off yourself. Both options are designed to be simple, so it really comes down to what works best for you.
If your car’s being collected, making sure it’s accessible can make a big difference on the day. Clearing space around the vehicle, unlocking gates and letting our team know in advance if the car doesn’t start or is stuck in place helps everything run smoothly.
If the car’s still drivable and you’re passing one of the recycling sites anyway, dropping it off yourself can sometimes be quicker and more convenient! We'll let you know your nearest drop-off spot when you get a quote.
Taking care of the final steps
Once your car has been handed over for recycling, there are just a few final things to take care of. You’ll want to cancel your insurance and make sure any required notifications are completed.
As the vehicle is processed at one of our Authorised Treatment Facilities, we notify DVLA that the vehicle is no longer yours. If you'd like a Certificate of Destruction emailed to you, then let us know and we'll send you a copy. It’s an important document, so keeping it in a safe place for future reference can be worthwhile.
Recycling your car doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s still running or well past its best, the process is designed to be clear, reliable and straightforward from start to finish.
If you’re ready to get started, simply enter your registration and postcode to receive an instant online quote. With a bit of preparation, scrapping your car can be one of the easiest decisions you make.
