When you hand over your vehicle to a trusted local service like Car Breakers in Glasgow, what actually happens next?
Whether you’re located in the heart of Glasgow or just outside in Paisley, many customers wonder what the full process looks like once they’ve decided to scrap their car. From the moment of collection to the issuance of the Certificate of Destruction (CoD), your old motor embarks on a carefully regulated journey—one that ensures it’s dismantled responsibly, legally, and with minimal environmental impact.
Let’s take a look behind the scenes.
1. Collection and Initial Assessment
As soon as you accept your quote and schedule a pickup for scrap cars Glasgow or scrap cars Paisley, our team springs into action.
- Free, local vehicle collection is arranged at a time that suits you.
- On arrival, we perform a visual inspection to confirm vehicle details match DVLA records.
- We’ll ask for your V5C logbook if available, or assist with paperwork if it’s missing.
We also confirm your ID and complete a standard seller checklist, giving you full peace of mind.
2. Transport to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF)
Once collected, your vehicle is brought to our DVLA-approved ATF—a regulated site specifically licensed to handle end-of-life vehicles.
Here’s what happens next:
- Digital documentation is updated to mark the vehicle as “in treatment.”
- Our technicians prepare for depollution—a critical stage to protect the environment and comply with UK government regulations.
If you’re based in Paisley, your vehicle follows the same route, with our nearby processing facility managing every step efficiently.
3. Depollution: Safe Disposal of Hazardous Materials
Depollution involves removing all dangerous fluids and parts from your vehicle. This ensures no harmful materials end up in landfill or local water systems.
This includes:
- Engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and fuel
- Airbags, batteries, and catalytic converters
- Tyres and glass, which are recycled through specialist routes
The vehicle is now safe to dismantle and no longer poses any environmental threat.
4. Dismantling and Recycling
Next comes the disassembly process, where usable parts are separated for resale or recycling.
At Car Breakers in Glasgow, we pride ourselves on sustainable practices:
- Metal components (like steel frames, bonnets, doors) are melted down and reused.
- Working parts (like alternators or mirrors) are salvaged and offered as second-hand parts.
- Plastic and wiring are sent through approved recycling streams.
If you opted for scrap cars Paisley, the process remains identical—ensuring every car contributes to the circular economy.
5. Issuing the Certificate of Destruction (CoD)
Perhaps the most important part of scrapping a car is receiving your Certificate of Destruction (CoD)—official proof your car is no longer on the road.
This document is:
- Sent electronically to the DVLA
- A legal guarantee that you’re no longer the registered keeper
- Essential if you want to cancel your insurance or reclaim unused road tax
Without it, you could be held responsible for any fines or legal issues related to the vehicle. That’s why working with a DVLA-approved company like ours is essential.
6. You Get Paid – Instantly
With the car fully processed and deregistered, the final step is the best part for many customers—payment.
- We pay instantly via bank transfer once the vehicle is collected and verified.
- No admin charges, no hidden fees—just fair, fast money for your scrap car.
Whether you’re located in Govan, Govanhill, or Glenburn, we make sure you’re paid quickly and without hassle.
A Process You Can Trust
Scrapping a vehicle might seem like a small action—but it has huge implications for the environment, legal compliance, and your own peace of mind.
By choosing Car Breakers in Glasgow, you’re working with:
- A local team with in-depth knowledge of Glasgow and Paisley
- A DVLA-approved facility that meets the UK’s strictest environmental standards
- A service that handles everything from pickup to paperwork, so you don’t have to worry
Ready to scrap your car the right way?
Scrap Cars Glasgow
Scrap Cars Paisley
