Frequently Asked Questions
Background
Before you dispose of your vehicle
After you have disposed of your vehicle
Further information
Background
ELV stands for End of Life Vehicle (or more commonly referred to as a scrap car, junk car, breaker or salvage vehicle).
How many ELVs arise each year in the UK?
Approximately 2 million cars and light vans are scrapped in the UK each year although it is thought that as many as half of these may not be disposed of through the correct route.
Approximately 2 million cars and light vans are scrapped in the UK each year although it is thought that as many as half of these may not be disposed of through the correct route.
The End of Life Vehicle Regulations are designed to reduce the impact that old cars have on the environment and were introduced in two parts. The first set of regulations came into effect in 2003 and require end of life vehicles to be de-polluted, that is the removal of all hazardous materials such as fluids, tyres and batteries, at an Authorised Treatment Facility before any of its parts or materials can be re-used or recycled. The second set of regulations came into effect in 2005 and require both vehicle manufacturers and Authorised Treatment Facilities to meet tough recycling targets of 85% by weight per vehicle.
The end of life vehicle regulations apply to end of life vehicles which are in class M1 or N1 and three wheeled vehicles as defined in Directive 92/61/EEC; this means passenger vehicles with 9 seats or less with a revenue weight under 3,500kg, vans with a revenue weight under 3,500kg and 3 wheeled vehicles.
Motorbikes (including motorbike based tricycles) and passenger vehicles with a revenue weight over 3,500 kg or those that have more than 9 seats should be de-polluted at an Authorised Treatment Facility but do not require a Certificate of Destruction and recycling targets do not have to be met.
When your old vehicle has reached the end of the road, Cartakeback can either arrange for it to be collected from your home or place of work or you can deliver it to one of our 250 conveniently located sites around the UK. Once we have received your vehicle we will issue a DVLA Certificate of Destruction, which is a legal requirement, to prove that you have disposed of it correctly. Afterwards we will remove all hazardous materials such as fluids, tyres and batteries before recycling it to a level of 85% in accordance with EU targets.
How much will it cost to dispose of my vehicle?
As a minimum, we guarantee to take back qualifying vehicles free of charge at any of our sites, however we may even be able to pay you something for your vehicle depending on the value of its materials.
What is an Authorised Treatment Facility?
Authorised Treatment Facilities (or ATFs) are sites which have been licensed by the Environment Agency in England & Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in Scotland or the Northern Ireland Environment Agency in Northern Ireland, to de-pollute end of life vehicles to standards set by DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). Only these sites are permitted to issue last owners with a DVLA Certificate of Destruction. ATFs are more commonly referred to as Dismantlers, Scrap Yards, Salvage Yards or Breakers Yards.
What is a Cartakeback PointTM?
In the more remote areas of the UK where Authorised Treatment Facilities do not exist within 30 miles of a last owner, Cartakeback has established collection points to which vehicles can be delivered for onward transportation to an Authorised Treatment facility for de-pollution. These are known as Cartakeback PointsTM.
What is a Certificate of Destruction?
A Certificate of Destruction (CoD) is issued by a Cartakback Authorised Treatment Facility using the bespoke Cartakeback Financial and Data System (FADS) via an electronic link to the DVLA Online de-registration system to prove that a vehicle has been scrapped in a lawful and environmentally sound manner. Without this Certificate of Destruction, a vehicle owner could continue to be liable for road tax under the new laws on continuous registration or even held liable for any illegal activities, which if not disposed of through the proper route, could later be carried out in the vehicle or using the vehicle’s identification.
If you do not receive a Certificate of Destruction within 10 days of disposing of your vehicle you should contact us using our online form.
Authorised Treatment Facilities (or ATFs) are sites which have been licensed by the Environment Agency in England & Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in Scotland or the Northern Ireland Environment Agency in Northern Ireland, to de-pollute end of life vehicles to standards set by DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). Only these sites are permitted to issue last owners with a DVLA Certificate of Destruction. ATFs are more commonly referred to as Dismantlers, Scrap Yards, Salvage Yards or Breakers Yards.
What is a Cartakeback PointTM?
In the more remote areas of the UK where Authorised Treatment Facilities do not exist within 30 miles of a last owner, Cartakeback has established collection points to which vehicles can be delivered for onward transportation to an Authorised Treatment facility for de-pollution. These are known as Cartakeback PointsTM.
What is a Certificate of Destruction?
A Certificate of Destruction (CoD) is issued by a Cartakback Authorised Treatment Facility using the bespoke Cartakeback Financial and Data System (FADS) via an electronic link to the DVLA Online de-registration system to prove that a vehicle has been scrapped in a lawful and environmentally sound manner. Without this Certificate of Destruction, a vehicle owner could continue to be liable for road tax under the new laws on continuous registration or even held liable for any illegal activities, which if not disposed of through the proper route, could later be carried out in the vehicle or using the vehicle’s identification.
If you do not receive a Certificate of Destruction within 10 days of disposing of your vehicle you should contact us using our online form.
Please note that it is not always possible for an Authorised Treatment Facility to issue a Certificate of Destruction and you may be issued with a Notification of Destruction instead. If you receive a Notification of Destruction you will need to write to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1BD to notify them that you have disposed of your vehicle. To download a copy of the DVLA’s leaflet on the Certificate of Destruction see the further information section below.
How does the law affect vehicle manufacturers?
Under the ELV regulations 2005, vehicle manufacturers have been responsible for providing last owners of end of life vehicles with an accessible network of Authorised Treatment Facilities, which guarantee to take-back qualifying vehicles free of charge, since the 1st January 2007. Cartakeback is contracted to vehicle manufacturers representing 58 brands which represents over 70% of vehicles on the road.
How does the law affect vehicle manufacturers?
Under the ELV regulations 2005, vehicle manufacturers have been responsible for providing last owners of end of life vehicles with an accessible network of Authorised Treatment Facilities, which guarantee to take-back qualifying vehicles free of charge, since the 1st January 2007. Cartakeback is contracted to vehicle manufacturers representing 58 brands which represents over 70% of vehicles on the road.
Cartakeback.com Limited is trusted by vehicle manufacturers to act as their exclusive service provider in meeting their obligations under the end of life vehicle regulations within the UK. Contracted brands include Alfa Romeo, Alpine, Aston Martin, Audi, Austin, Austin Healey, Austin Morris, Bentley, Bugatti, Citroen, Colt, Dacia, DAF, Datsun, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Freight Rover, Hillman, Humber, Hyundai, Iveco, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Lancia, Land Rover, LDV, Leyland, Leyland DAF, Lotus, Matra, Mazda, MG, MG X-Power, Mitsubishi, Morris, Nissan, Perodua, Peugeot, Proton, Renault, Renault Trucks, Riley, Rover, Seat, Simca, Singer, Skoda, SsangYong, Sunbeam, Talbot, Tata, Tatra, Triumph, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial, Volvo and Wolseley.
Don’t worry if your make of vehicle is not in this list, Cartakeback Authorised Treatment Facilities treat all makes of vehicle to the same high standards.
What is a qualifying vehicle?
In accordance with the End of Life Vehicle regulations, vehicles which are complete and do not contain any additional waste will qualify for free take-back when delivered to a vehicle manufacturer approved Authorised Treatment Facility. Cartakeback ATFs and Cartakeback-PointsTM guarantee free take-back for all qualifying vehicles of the brands listed above which are delivered to their sites. Don’t worry if your make of vehicle is not in the list as this service may also be extended to other brands of vehicle.
What is a complete vehicle?
A complete vehicle is a car or light van (officially known as category M1 or N1) which contains its essential components, in particular, but not limited to, the engine, coachwork, transmission, catalytic converter (if originally fitted) and wheels. A vehicle does not have to be driveable nor does the engine have to run in order for it to be complete.
What is a qualifying vehicle?
In accordance with the End of Life Vehicle regulations, vehicles which are complete and do not contain any additional waste will qualify for free take-back when delivered to a vehicle manufacturer approved Authorised Treatment Facility. Cartakeback ATFs and Cartakeback-PointsTM guarantee free take-back for all qualifying vehicles of the brands listed above which are delivered to their sites. Don’t worry if your make of vehicle is not in the list as this service may also be extended to other brands of vehicle.
What is a complete vehicle?
A complete vehicle is a car or light van (officially known as category M1 or N1) which contains its essential components, in particular, but not limited to, the engine, coachwork, transmission, catalytic converter (if originally fitted) and wheels. A vehicle does not have to be driveable nor does the engine have to run in order for it to be complete.
If you would like your vehicle to be collected by us, the amount which we quote will be based on the vehicle being complete. If your vehicle does not meet this condition it may be more difficult to collect which could affect the quotation, however we will always discuss this with you prior to your vehicle being collected. For more information please read the ‘What happens next?’ page.
No, unfortunately we do not accept caravans at this time.
Yes, some of our Authorised Treatment Facilities accept motorbikes however please note that the amounts quoted by Cartakeback relate to cars and light vans.
Cartakeback does not sell spare parts however some of our Authorised Treatment Facilities do. If you have an enquiry relating to a specific spare part please contact us using our online form. Remember to provide your postcode and contact details.
There are 10 founder members of Cartakeback.com across the UK, all of which operate sophisticated shredding plants which transform the de-polluted end of life vehicle shells into recycled materials; the founder members include:
John R. Adam & Sons Ltd
www.jradam.co.uk/
Ampthill Metal Company Ltd
www.ampthillmetal.co.uk/
Christie & Son Metal Merchants Ltd
www.christieandson.com/
Clearway Ltd
http://www.clearway-hammond.com/
Dunn Bros (1995) Ltd
www.dunnbros.co.uk/
SITA UK Ltdwww.sita.co.uk
S. Norton & Co Ltd
www.s-norton.com/
RM Supplies Ltd
www.rmsupplies.co.uk/
T.J. Thomson & Son Ltd
www.tjthomson.co.uk/
H. Williams & Sons Ltd
www.hwilliamsandsons.com/
Before you dispose of your vehicle
A Recycling Compliance Seal is a symbol which may only be displayed by Authorised Treatment Facilities which have met their recycling obligations under the end of life vehicle regulations. Clicking on the seal will present you with a Recycling Compliance Certificate. Compliance periods coincide with the calendar year; it is therefore usual for the latest seal displayed by an ATF to relate to last year. For further information click here.
A Recycling Compliance Certificate proves that an Authorised Treatment Facility has met its recycling obligations under the end of life vehicle regulations and shows the company details, the date of issue and the compliance period that the seal relates to. Certificates are issued for each compliance period and compliance periods coincide with the calendar year; it is therefore usual for the latest certificate to relate to last year. For further information click here.
Your vehicle does not need to have a valid MOT Test Certificate in order for it to be accepted at a Cartakeback Authorised Treatment Facility, nor does this affect your qualification for free take-back. However, we strongly advise that you do not drive a vehicle on the public highway without a valid MOT Test Certificate; instead you should arrange for your vehicle to be collected. To obtain an instant quotation for your vehicle to be collected click here.
Although your vehicle does not need to have a valid insurance policy in order for it to be accepted at a Cartakeback Authorised Treatment Facility nor does this affect your qualification for free take-back, we strongly advise that you do not drive a vehicle on the public highway without valid insurance; instead you should arrange for your vehicle to be collected. To obtain an instant quotation for your vehicle to be collected click here.
If you would like us to collect your vehicle then we need to know if the tyres are inflated so that it can be easily loaded onto a standard recovery vehicle. If the tyres are not inflated please let us know in advance as this may affect the type of recovery equipment that we use.
If you would like your vehicle to be collected by us the amount which we quote will be based on the tyres being fully inflated. If your vehicle does not meet this condition it may be more difficult to collect which could affect the quotation, however we will always discuss this with you prior to your vehicle being collected. To obtain an instant quotation for your vehicle to be collected click here.
Does my vehicle need to be in an accessible location for it to be collected?
Does my vehicle need to be in an accessible location for it to be collected?
If you would like us to collect your vehicle then we need to know if it can be safely accessed by a standard recovery vehicle. The ground must be solid enough to reasonably allow access by the recovery vehicle and close enough to allow the vehicle to either be driven or moved using a winch or overhead crane directly onto the recovery vehicle without obstruction. If the vehicle is not easily accessible please let us know in advance as this may affect the type of recovery equipment that we use.
If you would like your vehicle to be collected by us the amount which we quote will be based on your vehicle being in an accessible location. If your vehicle does not meet this condition it may be more difficult to collect which could affect the quotation, however we will always discuss this with you prior to your vehicle being collected. To obtain an instant quotation for your vehicle to be collected click here.
Being free from additional waste means that a vehicle does not contain any significant items of refuse such as garden/ household waste or old tyres etc.; basically anything that does not form part of the vehicle itself.
If you would like your vehicle to be collected by us the amount which we quote will be based on your vehicle being free from waste. If your vehicle does not meet this condition it may be more difficult to collect and additional waste disposal costs may apply, which could affect the quotation, however we will always discuss this with you prior to your vehicle being collected. To obtain an instant quotation for your vehicle to be collected click here.
If you would like your vehicle to be collected by us, it helps us to know whether or not the keys are available, however this is not essential nor does it affect the quotation. To obtain an instant quotation for your vehicle to be collected click here.
If you have a personalised registration number which you wish to keep, you must transfer it before you dispose of your old vehicle. There is a leaflet available from DVLA on this subject, please see the further information section below.
Whether we collect your vehicle from you or you deliver your vehicle to us, you should hand over your V5C registration document (otherwise known as a log book) so that a Certificate of Destruction can be issued. Don’t worry if you do not have the registration document as a Certificate of Destruction can usually be issued without it. For more information please read ‘What is a Certificate of Destruction?’.
Whether you deliver your vehicle to a Cartakeback Authorised Treatment Facility or we collect it from you, we guarantee to treat it to the highest standards as demanded by our vehicle manufacturer partners and in compliance with all applicable laws on end of life vehicle treatment.
Cartakeback uses the best information technology systems to enable us to respond to your needs quickly and effectively which includes the issuing of a DVLA Certificate of Destruction freeing you from any legal responsibility for the vehicle.
When disposing of your old vehicle, we urge you to consider the following:
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Is the operator licensed to take back and treat my vehicle?
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Has the operator gained approval from any vehicle manufacturers?
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Will my vehicle be de-registered correctly and will I receive a DVLA Certificate of Destruction or could I be at risk of being fined under new laws on continuous registration as well as being liable for any actions taken in the vehicle whilst I am still the legal registered keeper?
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Will my vehicle be treated correctly and the waste oils, tyres and batteries disposed of legally and without any harm to the environment?
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Will my vehicle be recycled in accordance with the EU targets of 85% by weight?
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Could my vehicle end up back on the road without my consent?
Vehicle manufacturers trust Cartakeback.com to be their exclusive service provider for the take back and treatment of end of life vehicles of their brands. We urge you to consider this when you are ready to dispose of your end of life vehicle.
You can find out more about what happens after you have arranged for your vehicle to be collected on the ‘What happens next?’ page.
After you have disposed of your vehicle
If you have any vehicle tax remaining when you dispose of your vehicle, as long as you were the registered keeper of the vehicle at the time of disposal you can reclaim any unused complete months by filling in DVLA form V14 and returning along with your tax disc to DVLA. You can download a copy of form V14 by visiting the DVLA website- http://www.dvla.gov.uk/media/pdf/forms/v14.pdf. You do not need to send in your V5C registration document (logbook).
We always appreciate hearing comments from our customers, satisfied or otherwise. If you have any comments or suggestions about our service then please feel free to contact us using our online form.
To take a look at some of the comments we have received recently, click here. We will only ever publish your comments if you have given us your express permission.
Further information
Where can I look for further information?
To download a copy of the 2003 ELV Regulations please follow this link:To download a copy of the 2005 ELV (Producer responsibility) Regulations please follow this link:For more information from the Environment Agency, please visit the NetRegs website:To download a copy of the DVLA's leaflet on the Certificate of Destruction please follow this link:To download a copy of the DVLA's leaflet on registration numbers please follow this link:If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us using our online form.We try our best to keep all of the links on the Cartakeback website up to date, however if you find any broken links we would be grateful if you could please let us know by sending an e-mail to webmaster@cartakeback.com.