WE ARE AN AUTHORISED DEPOLLUTION
TREATMENT FACILITY BOLTON

If you would like to talk to one of our parts specialist you can call us on 01204 388112

Depollution Process

Since the implementation of the European Union End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive in July 2004, all vehicles sent for disposal must be processed in an environmentally responsible way. Over the years, these standards have only strengthened, with a current focus on maximising the recycling and recovery of vehicle materials, reducing landfill waste, and managing hazardous substances more effectively.

As an Authorised Treatment Facility, A & C Auto Salvage has developed comprehensive, step-by-step procedures to ensure every vehicle is depolluted and disposed of correctly. We safely remove and recycle all oils, fuels, batteries, and other hazardous parts, ensuring that over 95% of your vehicle is recovered or recycled in line with the latest EU targets.

Step-by-Step Depollution Process for Scrap Vehicles

Vehicle Reception & Registration

  • Receive the end-of-life vehicle at your Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF).
  • Verify ownership, register the arrival, and begin the official de-registration process.

Draining and Collecting Fluids

Drain all hazardous fluids, including:

Engine oil
Brake and transmission fluids
Coolant and antifreeze
Petrol/diesel (fuel)
Washer fluids

Safely capture and store these fluids for proper disposal or recycling.

Dismantling for Reusable Parts

We identify and remove usable components for resale (engines, gearboxes, body parts, etc.) for resale or refurbishment.

Pre-Treatment and Safety Preparation

  • Remove the vehicle battery for safe recycling.
  • Check and safely deactivate airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners due to their explosive content.

Removing Environmentally Harmful Components

  • Recover refrigerants from the air conditioning system using specialist equipment.
  • Remove tyres for recycling or safe disposal.
  • Extract catalytic converters for precious metal recovery.
  • Remove any mercury switches and lead balance weights.

Shell Shredding and Material Recovery

  • After depollution and dismantling we send the remaining vehicle shell for shredding.
  • Separate shredded materials (metals, plastics, glass) for recycling.
  • Ensure any residual waste is disposed of legally and responsibly.

Following these steps ensures your scrap yard complies with EU regulations, minimises environmental impact, and maximises the value recovered from every vehicle.