What Is an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) and Why Is It Important?
3rd Mar, 2025
Understanding ATFs for Cars
If you’ve ever needed to scrap a vehicle, you may have heard of an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). But what exactly is an ATF, and why is it so important when disposing of an old car? Let’s break it down and explore why using a certified car recycling centre matters.
What Is an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF)?
An ATF for cars is a government-approved site that specialises in handling and recycling end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). These facilities must meet strict environmental and legal standards to ensure that cars are disposed of responsibly.
ATFs are licensed by the Environment Agency (or SEPA in Scotland), ensuring that hazardous materials—like engine oil, coolant, and batteries—are safely removed before the vehicle is dismantled and recycled. This makes them the only legal option for scrapping a car in the UK.
Why Are ATFs Important?
1. Legal and Environmentally Friendly Disposal
Disposing of a vehicle at a licensed car recycling centre is the safest and most responsible way to scrap your car. ATFs ensure that harmful fluids and materials are properly removed and that your car is processed according to UK regulations.
2. Preventing Environmental Damage
Cars contain various substances that can harm the environment if not handled correctly. ATFs follow strict guidelines to remove and recycle these materials, preventing pollution and reducing waste.
3. Issuing a Certificate of Destruction (CoD)
When you scrap a car at an ATF, you’ll receive a Certificate of Destruction (CoD), proving that your vehicle has been legally disposed of. This is essential for notifying the DVLA and ensuring you’re no longer responsible for the car.
4. Maximising Recycling and Reuse
ATFs ensure that as much of your car as possible is recycled. In fact, up to 95% of a modern vehicle can be reused or repurposed, reducing demand for new raw materials and supporting sustainability efforts.
How to Scrap Your Car at an ATF
If you have a car that’s reached the end of its life, here’s how to scrap it legally and efficiently:
1. Find a Licensed ATF
Not all scrap yards are authorised ATFs. Ensure you choose a licensed car recycling centre to guarantee legal disposal and environmental responsibility.
2. Get a Free Quote
Many ATFs offer free quotes based on the make, model, and condition of your vehicle. Scrap Car Network makes this process quick and easy, helping you get the best price.
3. Arrange Collection or Drop-Off
Many ATFs offer free car collection services, making it convenient to scrap your car. Alternatively, you can drive your vehicle to a car recycling centre if it’s still roadworthy.
4. Receive Your Certificate of Destruction
Once your vehicle is scrapped, the ATF will issue a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) and notify the DVLA. This final step ensures that you are no longer legally responsible for the vehicle.
Why Choose Scrap Car Network?
At Scrap Car Network, we work with a vast network of ATFs for cars, ensuring your vehicle is scrapped legally and in the most environmentally friendly way. Plus, every scrap car we process helps support a great cause, as a portion of our proceeds go towards charity work.
Get a free quote today and see how easy it is to scrap your car the right way. Need more details? Contact us for expert advice.
Final Thoughts
Scrapping your car at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) for cars ensures that it is disposed of legally, safely, and in an environmentally responsible manner. Whether you’re looking to reduce waste, follow legal guidelines, or simply get rid of an old vehicle, choosing a licensed car recycling centre is the best option.
If your car has reached the end of its life, don’t risk using an unlicensed scrap yard—make sure it goes to an ATF and help protect the environment while complying with the law!
