ATF licensed scrapyard directory
An ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility) is a scrapyard licensed by the Environment Agency to process end-of-life vehicles. Only a licensed ATF can issue a DVLA Certificate of Destruction, which legally transfers responsibility for your vehicle. Brasenoze holds ATF permit JP3129MP in Liverpool — this page explains what an ATF is, why it matters, and how to verify one.
What is an ATF?
An Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) is a scrapyard that has been licensed by the Environment Agency (in England) or Natural Resources Wales (in Wales) to depollute and dismantle end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). The licence is issued under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 and requires the facility to meet strict standards for hazardous waste handling, pollution prevention, and vehicle processing.
To hold an ATF permit, a facility must demonstrate that it can: safely drain and store all vehicle fluids (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, fuel, screenwash), remove and store batteries, deploy airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, separate hazardous components (catalytic converters, DPFs, mercury switches), and crush and process the remaining metal shell. The facility must also keep records of every vehicle processed and report to the DVLA.
Crucially, only a licensed ATF can issue a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) — the official DVLA document that proves a vehicle has been permanently destroyed and removes it from your name. Unlicensed scrap dealers cannot access the DVLA's electronic CoD system.
Why using a licensed ATF matters
Legal Certificate of Destruction
Only a licensed ATF can issue a CoD through the DVLA's electronic system. This document legally transfers responsibility for the vehicle from you to the facility. Without it, you remain the registered keeper and could be liable if the car is later used illegally — untaxed, uninsured, or in a crime.
Environmental compliance
ATFs must depollute vehicles to ELV Regulations 2003 standards — draining fluids, removing batteries, deploying airbags, and separating hazardous materials. Unlicensed dealers may dump hazardous waste, and if your car is traced to fly-tipping, you could face a fine as the last registered keeper.
Protection from fraud
Unlicensed dealers may resell your car without your knowledge, putting it back on the road with your details still on the V5C. A licensed ATF destroys the vehicle and notifies the DVLA electronically — the car cannot be resold or reregistered.
Traceable, accountable business
Licensed ATFs are registered with a real permit number, a real address, and a named operator behind them. You can verify them on the Environment Agency public register. Unlicensed operators have no accountability if something goes wrong.
Our ATF licence details
Brasenoze is a licensed ATF. Our permit details are verifiable on the Environment Agency public register, where the site is listed as Brasenose Motor Trading.
| ATF permit number | JP3129MP |
| Legacy permit number | 601166 |
| Site name on the register | Brasenose Motor Trading |
| Site type | SR2015 No 18: Metal Recycling Site (vehicle dismantler) |
| Permit status | Effective |
| Site address | 14 Brasenose Road, Bootle, Merseyside L20 8HG |
| Grid reference | SJ3406494290 |
How to verify an ATF on the public register
You can verify any ATF's licence on the Environment Agency's public register. Here's how:
- 1.Go to the Environment Agency public register for waste carriers and waste management licence holders.
- 2.Search by the permit number (e.g. "JP3129MP") or the site name (ours is listed as "Brasenose Motor Trading").
- 3.Check that the permit status is "Effective" and the site address matches the address the dealer has given you.
- 4.If the dealer cannot provide a permit number or doesn't appear on the register, do not hand over your vehicle — they are not a licensed ATF and cannot issue a CoD.
Licensed ATF vs unlicensed scrap dealer
| Feature | Licensed ATF | Unlicensed dealer |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Destruction | Yes — issued via DVLA electronic system | No — cannot access DVLA CoD system |
| Environmental permit | Yes — Environment Agency issued | No permit |
| Depollution to ELV 2003 standards | Required by law | No obligation |
| Hazardous waste disposal | Compliant, audited | Risk of fly-tipping |
| Verifiable on public register | Yes — permit number searchable | No record |
| Your liability after scrapping | Transferred to ATF via CoD | You remain liable |
| Payment method | Bank transfer (Scrap Metal Act 2013) | May offer cash (illegal) |
Scrap your car with a licensed ATF
Get a Certificate of Destruction, same-day payment, and free collection across Merseyside. Permit JP3129MP — verifiable on the Environment Agency register.
ATF and licensed scrapyard FAQs
What is an ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility)?
An ATF is a scrapyard licensed by the Environment Agency to process end-of-life vehicles. ATFs must depollute vehicles to ELV Regulations 2003 standards — draining fluids, removing batteries, deploying airbags — and are the only businesses that can issue a DVLA Certificate of Destruction. Without an ATF licence, a scrap dealer cannot legally issue a CoD.
Why should I use a licensed ATF to scrap my car?
Only a licensed ATF can issue a Certificate of Destruction, which legally transfers responsibility for the vehicle from you to the facility. Without a CoD, you remain the registered keeper and could be liable if the car is later used illegally. ATFs also comply with environmental regulations for hazardous waste disposal, protecting you from fly-tipping liability.
How do I verify an ATF is licensed?
Check the Environment Agency's public register of waste carriers and waste management licence holders online. Search by permit number. A genuine ATF will have a permit number (like our JP3129MP) listed on the register. If a scrap dealer cannot provide a permit number, they are not a licensed ATF.
What is Brasenoze's ATF licence number?
Brasenoze holds ATF permit number JP3129MP, issued by the Environment Agency. The permit is listed on the public register under the site name Brasenose Motor Trading, at 14 Brasenose Road, Bootle, L20 8HG.
Can an unlicensed scrap dealer issue a Certificate of Destruction?
No. A Certificate of Destruction can only be issued by a licensed ATF through the DVLA's electronic system. Unlicensed dealers may offer a 'Certificate of Disposal' or a receipt, but these have no legal standing with the DVLA. If a dealer cannot issue a CoD, you remain legally responsible for the vehicle.
What happens to my car at an ATF?
At a licensed ATF, your car goes through depollution: all fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, fuel) are drained, the battery is removed, airbags are deployed, and hazardous materials are separated. Usable parts are inventoried for resale. The remaining shell is crushed and sent to a metal processor. Over 95% of every vehicle is recovered under ELV Regulations 2003.
Is it illegal to scrap a car with an unlicensed dealer?
Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, all scrap metal dealers must be licensed by their local authority. Dealing with an unlicensed dealer risks fly-tipping liability — if your car is later dumped, you could be traced as the last registered keeper and fined. Always verify the dealer holds a valid ATF permit before handing over your vehicle.