Guide on How to Scrap Your Car in Ireland

Scrapping is often necessary when your vehicle is no longer safe to drive or beyond repair. But, for a lot of people, it can seem like a totally alien process and you may not know where to start.

Thankfully, scrapping can be a straightforward process if you know the steps to follow – whether your car has reached its end of life due to old age, damage, or it’s simply time for an upgrade. There are many car recycling facilities around the country that can safely and correctly dispose of your end-of-life vehicle (ELV).

Below we’ll walk you through the steps for safely and responsibly scrapping your car in Ireland.

How to Scrap Your Car in Ireland

Determine If Your Car Needs to Be Scrapped
Firstly, you should assess whether scrapping is the best option for your vehicle. If your car is frequently breaking down, has failed its NCT (National Car Test) repeatedly, or repair costs exceed its value, it might be time to say goodbye

But do consider the alternatives such as selling or even donating your car. Even non-running cars or damaged cars have value to others for parts or restoration.

If you book a driving test date without completing all of the required training, your test can be cancelled by the RSA before your appointment date. However, you won’t lose your fee but will be kept on a waiting list until your training has been fully completed.

Tell Your Insurer
If you decide to scrap your vehicle, it’s important to contact your insurer who can advise on any steps you need to take in regards to your coverage. Similarly, you should look into cancelling your road tax as you may be entitled to a refund if you have more than 3-months of road tax remaining.

Find a Licensed Authorised Facility (ATF)
In Ireland, cars must be scrapped at an Authorised Treatment Facility.
Vehicle manufacturers are required to have a national collection system in place, with at least one treatment facility per city or county council. There are also independent treatment facilities available.

Be wary of unauthorised facilities or companies that may dispose of your vehicle in an incorrect or illegal way. If you leave an end-of-life vehicle at an unauthorised facility, you may not get a certificate of destruction and could be liable for any penalties related to illegal disposal.

Safely and Legally Disposing of End-of-Life Vehicles
As mentioned, you must use a registered treatment facility to scrap or dispose of your end-of-life vehicle. There are strict regulations and compliance schemes around the disposal of end-of-life vehicles due to the health and environmental risks involved.

Disposing of a vehicle illegally is a criminal offence and can lead to fines and other penalties if the correct steps aren’t followed.

What to Expect From a Licensed Authorised Facility (ATF)
Authorised end-of-life vehicle facilities must provide the following services:

Have the required waste licence or permit needed to operate
Issue the vehicle’s registered owner with a certificate of destruction (CoD) (in electronic or paper form)
Meet the minimum requirements for storage and treatment of vehicles & parts
Keep records of materials from end-of-life vehicle for reuse/recycling, and report these to the relevant local authorities on an annual basis
Once left with the facility, your vehicle must be treated within 10 days

How Much Does it Cost to Scrap or Dispose of a Vehicle?
If you take your vehicle to an authorised facility, you should not be not charged for disposal if the vehicle is intact, and you are the registered owner. Just be sure to bring your vehicle’s registration or log book with you.

Arranging Vehicle Drop-off or Collection
Once you’ve chosen an ATF, you need to decide how to get your car there. ATFs are not responsible for transporting your vehicle so you will need to make your own arrangements.

However, some ATFs may offer a collection service which can be especially handy if your vehicle is no longer roadworthy. This service might be free or involve a small charge, so be sure to ask about fees when you make your appointment.

Insure with KennCo

If your car has reached its end-of-life, scrapping your car might be the best course of action. Remember to use only licensed ATFs and keep all documentation and your official Certificate of Destruction.

By following these steps, you can dispose of your car in a safe and legal way. To stay safe on the road and for a trusted and reliable car insurance quote, contact KennCo on 01 4092 600 today, or visit our website for an online quote.

FAQs
How to Scrap Your Car in Ireland

How do I know if my car should be scrapped?

If your car is constantly breaking down, is unsafe to drive, or repair costs exceed its value, scrapping might be the best option.

Where can I find an authorised facility to scrap my car in Ireland?

ELVES, the industry compliance authority, has a searchable database of ATFs available on their website. You can also contact your local authority for a list of licensed treatment facilities.

What should I do with my insurance after scrapping my car?

Notify your insurer immediately. They will be able to advise you on how it affects your policy, and your options.

What documentation do I need to scrap my car?

You will need your vehicle registration or log book to prove you are the vehicle owner. Once you supply this, you will receive a Certificate of Destruction.

What happens if I don’t receive a Certificate of Destruction?

Follow up with the ATF as this document is crucial to prove that your car has been scrapped legally and you are no longer responsible for it.

Can I claim back any road tax after scrapping my car?

You may be entitled to a refund on road tax if you have more than 3-months remaining.
However, Motor Tax refunds are only applicable if the vehicle is confirmed as scrapped/end of life and you will need to provide the ‘end of life’ cert to be able to redeem motor tax.