Introduction
When your vehicle has reached the end of its life, it’s not just a matter of parking it and forgetting about it. In Sweden, the responsible—and legal—way to deal with an old or broken-down car is through proper car scrapping and recycling. Whether your vehicle was damaged in an accident, failed its inspection, or just won’t start anymore, knowing how to dispose of it correctly is important for both your wallet and the environment.
In this guide, we’ll explain the step-by-step process of how to scrap a car in Sweden, what legal obligations you have, and how working with a certified scrapping service like skrotbilarna.se in Göteborg ensures everything is done properly—and with zero hassle.
Why It’s Important to Scrap Your Car Responsibly
Scrapping a vehicle is not just about removing junk from your driveway. It’s about:
Environmental protection: Cars contain toxic fluids, batteries, and materials that must be handled properly.
Legal responsibility: In Sweden, the car owner is legally responsible for ensuring the vehicle is deregistered and recycled at an approved facility.
Resource recovery: Many parts and metals can be recycled and reused in other industries.
Avoiding penalties: Abandoning a car or using an unauthorized service can lead to fines or legal action.
Choosing a certified and environmentally responsible scrapping service ensures all of this is handled according to Swedish law.
When Should You Scrap a Car?
It’s not always easy to say goodbye to your car—but sometimes, it’s the smartest and safest option. Here are a few signs that it’s time to scrap:
The car has failed inspection (besiktning) and the cost of repairs is too high.
Major damage from an accident or natural wear-and-tear.
High emissions or poor fuel economy make it environmentally harmful.
Parts are no longer available, making repairs impossible.
Rust or corrosion has compromised the structure or safety of the vehicle.
You no longer need the car, and selling it is not viable.
If any of these apply, scrapping is likely the most efficient solution.
Step-by-Step Guide to Scrapping a Car in Sweden
Step 1: Remove Personal Items
Before anything else, go through the car and remove personal belongings. Check under the seats, in the glove compartment, and in the trunk. You’d be surprised how many people forget phones, documents, or spare keys.
Step 2: Choose a Certified Scrapping Company
Make sure the company you choose is certified by Länsstyrelsen (the County Administrative Board) and follows proper environmental standards. A reliable service like in Göteborg will handle the process in full compliance with regulations.
Step 3: Prepare the Car’s Documents
You’ll need:
Registration certificate – Part 2 (called “Registreringsbevis del 2”)
Your ID to confirm you’re the legal owner
If someone else is delivering the car for you, a written authorization
Without the correct paperwork, the car cannot be deregistered from Transportstyrelsen (the Swedish Transport Agency).
Step 4: Arrange for Pickup or Drop-Off
Most scrapping services offer free pickup of your vehicle, especially if it’s no longer drivable. Skrotbilarna, for example, offers pickup services throughout Göteborg and surrounding areas, making the process incredibly easy.
Step 5: Vehicle is Taken to a Certified Scrapyard
At the facility, the car is:
Drained of fluids like oil, coolant, and brake fluid
Removed of hazardous components like batteries and airbags
Disassembled to recover usable parts
Recycled for metals and materials
This process ensures that up to 95% of the vehicle’s weight can be reused or recycled.
Step 6: Get Your Certificate of Destruction
Once scrapped, the scrapyard will report the destruction to Transportstyrelsen, and you will receive a “skrotningsintyg” (Certificate of Destruction). This officially deregisters the vehicle and ends your ownership responsibilities.
How Much Can You Get for a Scrapped Car?
While most scrap vehicles are not worth much in resale, many scrapyards offer a small payment depending on:
The make, model, and weight of the vehicle
Current scrap metal prices
Whether any parts are reusable (tires, battery, engine)
Some services, like Skrotbilarna, even offer instant cash payments upon pickup, making the process quick and hassle-free.
Environmentally Friendly Car Scrapping in Göteborg
Göteborg is one of Sweden’s greenest cities, so it’s no surprise that car recycling plays a big role in reducing pollution and protecting nature. Here’s how choosing the right scrapyard makes a difference:
Proper waste handling ensures that oils and chemicals don’t end up in soil or water.
Part reuse reduces demand for new manufacturing and resource extraction.
Efficient recycling helps reduce CO₂ emissions from producing new metals.
By working with a trusted service like skrotbilarna.se, you’re making a smart choice for both your community and the planet.
Why Use a Professional Scrapping Service?
You might be tempted to sell your car for parts or leave it to a private buyer—but these options come with risks:
Legal risk if the new “owner” doesn’t deregister it properly
Environmental violations if fluids aren’t handled safely
Scams or non-payment from unverified buyers
Extra costs for towing or removal if done improperly
A professional service takes care of everything, from pickup to paperwork, ensuring you’re fully protected.
How Skrotbilarna Makes It Easy
Here’s what makes Skrotbilarna a top choice in the Göteborg region:
Certified recycling according to Swedish environmental laws
Free vehicle pickup in Göteborg and nearby cities
Cash payment for your scrap vehicle
Quick deregistration with Transportstyrelsen
Friendly and efficient staff who guide you through the process
Whether you have a broken-down Volvo in the garage or an old Saab taking up space, Skrotbilarna handles it quickly and professionally.
Final Tips Before Scrapping Your Vehicle
Don’t remove tires or batteries unless agreed with the scrapyard
Cancel your insurance only after the car is officially deregistered
Check for any toll road fees or parking fines still linked to the vehicle
Get a receipt for every transaction or pickup appointment
A few small steps on your part ensure the process goes smoothly and legally.
Final Thoughts
Scrapping a car in Sweden doesn’t have to be stressful—it’s a responsible, environmentally friendly solution for vehicles at the end of their life. By working with certified, experienced services like skrotbilarna.se, you’ll have peace of mind knowing everything is handled professionally, legally, and sustainably.
So if your car is more rust than ride, take the smart route: recycle it the right way, and do your part for a cleaner, greener future.
