Scrapping a Car in Birmingham: 2025 Local Guide
Birmingham drivers looking to get rid of an old car in 2025 have more incentive than ever. With the city's Clean Air Zone (CAZ) fully in effect and older petrol and diesel cars subject to daily charges, scrapping can save money—and even earn you some.
In this guide, we break down how to scrap your vehicle in Birmingham, including local pricing averages, what affects your quote, legal requirements, and the best ways to maximize your return.
Birmingham scrap quotes in 2025 average around £200–£250, with larger vehicles like vans or SUVs potentially exceeding £300 depending on weight and metal content.
Birmingham Clean Air Zone (CAZ) Impact
Since June 2021, Birmingham operates a Class D Clean Air Zone. If your vehicle doesn’t meet minimum emission standards, you’ll pay £8 per day to drive inside the A4540 Middleway Ring Road.
As of 2025, this has prompted many residents to scrap non-compliant cars and switch to cleaner options. While Birmingham doesn't currently run its own scrappage scheme, local and national incentives have been used in the past. Keep an eye out for updates.
Live in the Birmingham CAZ? Scrapping an older vehicle can stop the daily charges and may even help reduce insurance premiums or VED.
Factors That Affect Your Scrap Car Value
Birmingham scrap yards calculate quotes based on:
- Vehicle Weight: Heavier cars = more scrap metal = higher quote.
- Current Metal Prices: Steel, copper, and aluminium values fluctuate weekly.
- Parts Present: Cars with missing wheels, batteries, or catalytic converters usually fetch less.
- Accessibility: Easy pick-up means better quotes. Poor access or flat tyres can reduce value.
- Location: Some yards cover the whole West Midlands; others may charge for pickup outside the city centre.
- Condition: MOT status doesn’t affect scrap value, but a complete car does.
Pro tip: Don't strip parts. Removing high-value components like alloy wheels or the CAT can reduce the quote or void it entirely.
Scrap Metal Prices (Birmingham, Mid-2025)
Here are typical local prices per kg:
- Steel: £0.15–£0.20/kg
- Aluminium: £0.50–£0.60/kg
- Copper (bare bright): £6.00–£6.50/kg
These prices change weekly. Most cars are mostly steel, but aluminium wheels and copper wiring boost total value. A standard car weighs ~1,200kg, most of which is steel.
Market Watch: Copper and catalytic converters are your car’s most valuable non-ferrous materials. Ask yards if they include CAT valuation in quotes.
Commonly Scrapped Cars in Birmingham
Like the national trend, Birmingham sees many of these models scrapped:
- Ford Focus & Fiesta
- Vauxhall Corsa & Astra
- Volkswagen Polo & Golf
- Peugeot 207 & 307
- Renault Clio
These are older models, often diesel or non-ULEZ compliant, which Birmingham drivers are increasingly scrapping to avoid CAZ costs.
How to Scrap Your Car in Birmingham (Legally)
- Use an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) – Only licensed facilities can legally scrap your car.
- Get a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) – This is proof your car is scrapped and you're no longer responsible.
- Inform the DVLA – This is required by law. Notify them using the CoD or through your V5C logbook.
- Remove Personal Items – Clear the vehicle before collection.
- Compare Offers – Online platforms can fetch multiple quotes.
Tips for a Better Scrap Price in Birmingham
- Get Multiple Quotes: Even local yards vary in what they pay.
- Ensure Easy Access: Cars blocked by other vehicles or with flat tyres are harder (and costlier) to collect.
- Have Paperwork Ready: Your V5C and valid ID help make the transaction fast and legal.
- Don’t Delay: Avoid paying more CAZ fees if your car is non-compliant.
Still wondering what your Birmingham-based car is worth? Get in touch for a quote comparison from reliable local yards across the West Midlands.