The process

Many people do not realise that by law, old cars must be disposed of at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). The following is a guide to what happens to your vehicle during the depollution process:

Stage 1 – Drain hazardous chemicals

All liquids that are considered potentially dangerous to the environment, e.g. engine, transmission and hydraulic oils, brake fluids, engine coolants and even windscreen washer solutions are drained from the vehicle.

Stage 2 – Remove electrical sources

The battery contains toxic materials such as acid and lead. Therefore it is removed and if found to be in good enough condition will be cleaned, re-charged and re-sold. If not it will be recycled.

Stage 3 – Remove tyres

The tyres are removed from the wheels and checked to see if they are suitable for re-use. Only tyres that are in exceptional condition are considered for re-selling, the rest are recycled. The rims (steel or alloy) are checked over for any faults or hairline fractures.

Stage 4 – Remove usable parts

Parts that are often asked for are removed from the vehicle (Keith, can you list some of these?) The vehicle is now considered depolluted and is stored.

Stage 5 – Send to crusher

Once all spare parts have been removed the vehicle is processed by a crusher into a compact rectangular bale. This metal is then collected and eventually recycled.