Monday 23 July 2012

How to get money for your scrap car

By Juan Corless


Many people are under the impression that getting rid of a scrap car is a simple process, but nothing could be further from the truth. This is because there are a great many dangerous substances that need to be handled professionally by licensed experts. This will avoid the risk of breaking environmental laws and the subsequent legal repercussions for people that attempt to do it themselves.

Just consider how many different components and materials go into making a car. Clearly, those parts which cannot be recycled will have to be disposed of in such a way as not to pose a threat to the general public or the environment. Consequently, if you've decided to have your car scrapped you need to ensure you take it to a legitimate scrap yard that possesses an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) permit.

All scrap cars in the UK must be issued with a destruction certificate by a licensed firm that holds an ATF permit. ATF stands for Authorised Treatment Facility. This will offer you reassurance that dangerous and hazardous materials from your car will not be dumped somewhere illegally, potentially leading to environmental and health issues and prosecution for those who break the rules.

Licensed car breakers yards that hold the sought after ATF permit, must devote substantial resources to make sure that all the hazardous substances that ensue from scrapping cars are dealt with in an environmentally fashion. They must therefore invest substantially in scrap yard premises dedicated to the process of scrapping vehicles. Additionally the ATF permit holder must ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place that prevents waste materials such as car fluids polluting rivers and streams.

If a car breaker tries to operate outside the rules and regulations there are serious penalties for those who try to cut corners and flout the law. It is therefore imperative that great care is taken when deciding which firm will scrap your car at the end of its life.

An Authorised Treatment Facility permit holder is obliged to ensure that the maximum amount of metal components such as the car frame, chassis and engine are recycled after taking away and disposing of toxic waste such as batteries and engine oil. People who do not scrap their vehicle through an ATF permit holder could find themselves breaking the law and helping to pollute the environment.

Essentially you wish to ensure your old car is placed in the hands of a responsible organisation, rather than taking huge risks with an unlicensed firm. By selecting an ATF you can be confident that your junk car will be recycled of in a safe and eco-friendly way and that any hazardous materials will not affect water supplies, countryside or the health of any individuals.

When your scrap vehicle is collected by an ATF you will be issued with appropriate documents proving that you have disposed of your car responsibly. This will give you the satisfaction knowing you do not need to be concerned about your legal liability when parts of your car turn up somewhere they should not be. It is therefore essential to locate an ATF where you can have your car scrapped safely and legitimately. Most legitimate firms will not only collect your old banger free of charge, they will usually pay you the full scrap value for the privilege. Another important point to remember is that the DVLA will also be informed that your car has been destroyed and is no longer yours. This means you do not need to worry about any traffic violations arriving through your letter box due to some rogue dealer putting your car back on the road.




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