Recycling cars is a journey in itself, as your vehicle goes on its final ride to J Davidson Scrap’s Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) in Altrincham.
But what actually happens to a scrap car once it’s handed over to us? Let’s follow the final journey of scrap cars from roadside to recycling…
Before scrapping a car
There are a few important steps to take before scrapping a car:
- Transfer personalised plates off of the vehicle – if you don’t do this they will be scrapped with the car and cannot be transferred to another vehicle later.
- Remove any personal items you want to keep – remember to check the boot, glove compartment, under the seats and any cubby holes you’ve ever used!
- If you keep part of the vehicle for any reason, let us know. We understand sentimental value and souvenirs, but it might affect the scrap value of your car.
With those out of the way, let’s get your car on its way to a newly recycled lease of life.
Collection or delivery
If your car is roadworthy, you can deliver it to us yourself. Alternatively, we can collect it from the roadside, as long as it’s in an accessible location.
We’ll also need your log book and car keys. This shows us that you are the legal owner of the vehicle, so that we can confirm that you’re the person with the authority to scrap it.
De-polluting the car
Recycling cars starts with removing the various fluids and chemicals from the vehicle, including engine oil, remaining petrol/diesel, hydraulic fluids, antifreeze and battery acid.
As one of the first Authorised Treatment Facilities in the North West, we’ve been complying with the 2003 ‘end of life’ vehicle regulations for longer than most, and we’re careful to do everything right, using specialist equipment we have invested in over the years.
Recycling scrap cars
Once the hazardous materials have been removed, we can get to work recycling your car. Tyres are removed and metal components are separated to be processed just like other scrap metal recycling.
A typical car is about two-thirds iron and steel, a metal that can be recycled endlessly with no loss of quality, and with energy savings of nearly 75%.
Scrap cars don’t just ‘cease to exist’. The materials contained within them can become new cars, aeroplanes, food and drink containers, structural steel for buildings, and all manner of other things – that’s why we’re able to offer you the best value for scrap cars in Manchester.
What happens next?
We’ll make sure the recyclable parts of your car find a new home, and we’ll dispose of the rest in an eco-friendly way, in line with the 2003 regulations.
You don’t need to do a thing. As long as you gave us the log book, we can handle the paperwork with the DVLA.
We’ll give you an official Certificate of Destruction direct from the DVLA, ending your legal responsibility for the vehicle and allowing you to claim back any outstanding road tax – one last bit of extra value that you can put towards your next set of wheels.
