Local Breaker's Yard with a Parts Counter

Local garages, mechanics, DIY motorists and scrap metal merchants buying the remaining shells.

Selling used parts at a fraction of new prices, plus scrap metal sales once a car is stripped. Margins depend on what you pay for each vehicle and how quickly parts sell.

• Mechanical knowledge of cars
• Spotting which parts sell fast
• Safe handling of fluids, batteries and heavy parts
• Record keeping and pricing

• Dismantling end-of-life vehicles generally needs an environmental permit or authorised treatment facility status, check the exact requirements for your nation
• Scrap metal dealer licence from your local council (check if it applies in your area)
• Waste carrier registration if you collect vehicles or waste
• Planning permission and site rules for storage, drainage and surfacing
• Public liability and employer's liability insurance, plus insurance for stock and equipment
• Fire, pollution and manual handling risks, and rules for storing and disposing of fluids, tyres and batteries
• Keeping records and issuing certificates of destruction as required

Startup costs are typically around £25,000 to £120,000, depending on the site, equipment and the stock of vehicles you buy. Insurance and meeting site requirements for storage and drainage can also affect the total.

Monthly revenue is typically around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on the vehicles you take in, which parts sell fast and scrap prices. These are estimates of sales, not profit, and a yard usually needs around 40 hours a week.

Check the exact requirements in your nation for an environmental permit or authorised treatment facility status. Also check whether you need a scrap metal dealer licence from your council, waste carrier registration, planning permission and the right insurance.