Since 2015, the directive requiring that 95% of each vehicle by weight be reused, recovered, or recycled has continued to be relevant in the UK post-Brexit.

The increasing demand for raw materials and spare parts, rising used car prices, and reduced crash occurrences during the pandemic have led to a higher value for scrap cars. This has resulted in multiple firms vying to offer the best valuations for scrap vehicles, as many are being repaired instead of dismantled.

End-of-life vehicles can be extensively recycled through various processes, allowing for the recovery of valuable materials. Components such as catalytic converters are stripped for precious metals like platinum and palladium, while traditional lead-acid batteries are recycled for their lead content. 

Electric vehicle batteries require specialized handling for safe recycling. Materials such as copper wiring, plastics from various parts, and glass can be extracted, repurposed, or processed into new products. Fabrics from seats can be transformed into insulation or household textiles, and tyres can be repurposed for playground surfaces. 

Additionally, engines, primarily made of recyclable aluminium and stripped car bodies, can be melted down or processed for their metal content, contributing significantly to the circular economy.