Scrap your car the right way

When your car needs to be scrapped, it’s important to know the process and legal requirements involved.

ELVES, the compliance scheme for end-of-life-vehicles, has the answers! To scrap your vehicle, simply take your old car or small van to an authorised treatment facility (ATF), aka a permitted scrapyard. ATFs hold a waste permit issued by their local authority which allows them to accept cars for recycling. ATFs are listed on elves.ie. Provide the ATF with ID and the vehicle logbook if possible.

If the car is complete and free of rubbish, depositing it at an ATF for recycling is free. If the car is not drivable, many ATFs offer a collection service, although fees may apply.

When you scrap your car with an ATF you will receive a certificate of destruction (CoD). This very important document ends the owner’s responsibility for the vehicle.

The certificate of destruction (CoDs) ends an owners’ responsibility for the vehicle. These certs can only be issued by ATFs and serve to notify the Department of Transport that the vehicle has been scrapped.

As well as ending your responsibility for your vehicle, the CoD will also allow you apply for any motor tax refund you may be entitled to.

Contact your chosen ATF directly to discuss how much you will get for your old vehicle. Prices fluctuate considerably with global metal prices.

A legitimate car recycler (ATF) will have a waste facility permit or an EPA Waste Licence for end-of-life vehicles.

A lists of ATFs can be found on www.elves.ie, on local authorities’ websites and the National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO).

People have unknowingly had their vehicles taken away by illegal breakers and therefore do not receive a certificate of destruction (CoD). Legally it remains the owner’s responsibility to ensure they use a proper ATF to scrap their vehicle. Failure to do so can lead to fines.