How to get rid of a car in Canberra

Disposing of a vehicle in Canberra isn’t as simple as just abandoning it or leaving it with a wrecker. The ACT has clear rules to make sure every car is removed, recycled, or re-sold responsibly. Whether you need to get rid of an old car, organise a professional car removal service, or recycle a junk car, the process is straightforward once you know your options.

In this guide, we’ll explain the legal steps, compare disposal services, and show you the easiest and most reliable ways to dispose of a vehicle in Canberra.

What are the legal steps to dispose of a car in Canberra?

When you dispose of a car in Canberra, you must follow ACT regulations to ensure the vehicle is no longer registered in your name. This protects you from future fines, infringements, or liabilities. The main steps are:

1. Remove the licence plates – Before disposal, take off the plates. You can return them to an Access Canberra service centre.
2. Lodge a Notice of Disposal – This notifies Access Canberra that you are no longer the registered operator of the car.
3. Cancel registration (if required) – If the car is being scrapped or permanently removed from the road, cancel the registration to avoid ongoing charges.
4. Provide a receipt of sale or disposal – Include vehicle details (VIN, make, model), the date, and both parties’ information.
5. Use a licensed car removal service – Choosing a licensed provider ensures that the car is removed legally, recycled responsibly, and all paperwork is handled correctly.

Completing these steps ensures that the vehicle is officially removed from the ACT registration system and that ownership has been transferred safely.

Where can you dispose of a car in Canberra?

Canberra offers several options for vehicle disposal, and the right choice depends on whether you want convenience, payment, or simple recycling.

• Scrap yards – Scrap yards will take old or junk cars for dismantling and metal recycling. Some charge towing fees, while others may offer a small payment based on scrap value.
• Wreckers – Car wreckers in Canberra buy unwanted vehicles to strip usable parts and recycle the rest. They often provide free collection but prices can vary.
• Recycling centres – These facilities focus on environmentally friendly disposal. They usually don’t offer payment, but they ensure your car is depolluted and recycled safely.
• Licensed car removal services – Businesses such as 1800 Salvage combine disposal with payment. We provide free towing, instant quotes, and same-day cash, making us one of the most hassle-free disposal options in Canberra.

Each option legally removes your vehicle from the road, but only licensed buyers can guarantee a smooth process with paperwork, towing, and payment handled at once.

Can you get paid when disposing of a car in Canberra?

In Canberra, disposing of a car doesn’t always mean giving it away for free. Depending on where you take your vehicle, you may be able to receive a payment.

Scrap yards typically pay only a small amount based on the car’s weight and scrap metal value, which is often quite low. Wreckers may offer slightly more if they can reuse parts, but prices vary depending on the age and condition of the vehicle.

Many people turn to licensed car removal services such as 1800 Salvage for a better return. These services specialise in buying unwanted, damaged, or junk cars and usually provide a competitive cash offer with the added benefit of free towing. This makes professional car removal one of the most convenient ways to get rid of a car in Canberra while still receiving fair value.

What documents are required to remove a car in Canberra?

When disposing of a vehicle in Canberra, you’ll need to provide certain documents to prove ownership and complete the transfer correctly. Having the right paperwork ensures the car is removed from your name and prevents future fines or registration issues.

• Registration certificate – If your car is still registered, you’ll need this to complete the disposal process. The buyer or removal service will take the transfer section, while you keep the disposal section.
• Notice of Disposal – This form must be lodged with Access Canberra to confirm you are no longer responsible for the vehicle.
• Proof of identity – A driver’s licence or other accepted ID will be required when handing the vehicle over.
• Receipt of disposal or sale – Always record the transaction details, including the VIN, make, model, date, and buyer information.
• Roadworthy certificate – Not required for scrapping, but if you are selling privately instead of disposing, buyers may ask for one.

Completing these steps and keeping copies for your records will ensure that your car has been disposed of legally and responsibly.

Eco-friendly car disposal in Canberra

Disposing of a vehicle isn’t just about clearing space; it’s also an opportunity to recycle and reduce waste. In Canberra, unwanted cars are carefully dismantled so that valuable parts can be reused and materials such as steel, aluminium, and plastics are recycled. Fluids and hazardous materials are drained and processed safely to prevent environmental harm.

Choosing an eco-friendly car removal service ensures your vehicle is depolluted according to regulations and that usable parts are salvaged rather than wasted. This process reduces landfill, conserves resources, and supports the circular economy. Many licensed car buyers, including 1800 Salvage, work directly with recycling partners across the ACT to guarantee vehicles are disposed of responsibly.

If you’re looking to get rid of an old or junk car in Canberra, selecting an environmentally friendly option means you can do so while also contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable community.

Get cash for your cars in Canberra with us

If you want a simple, reliable way to dispose of a car in Canberra, 1800 Salvage is the clear choice. As a licensed car removal service, we make the process fast, stress-free, and environmentally responsible.

Our team provides instant online quotes, same-day payments, and free towing from anywhere in Canberra. Whether your vehicle is damaged, unregistered, or a complete junk car, we’ll handle everything, from the paperwork to eco-friendly recycling.

Don’t waste time with complicated private sales or low scrap prices. With 1800 Salvage, you can get cash for cars in Canberra, knowing it will be recycled responsibly and that you’ll receive a fair, competitive cash offer.

Frequently asked questions about vehicle disposals in Canberra

How do I dispose of a car in Canberra?

You must remove the plates, lodge a Notice of Disposal with Access Canberra, and either cancel the registration or hand the vehicle to a licensed car removal service.

Can I get rid of a car in Canberra without paying?

Yes. Many car removal services in Canberra offer free towing and disposal, and some even pay cash for unwanted or junk vehicles.

What happens if I don’t notify Access Canberra about the disposal?

If you don’t lodge a Notice of Disposal, you remain responsible for the vehicle. This means you could still receive fines or penalties linked to the car.

Can I dispose of an unregistered car in Canberra?

Yes. Unregistered cars can be collected by wreckers or licensed car buyers. Proof of ownership is still required, but no current registration is needed.

Is car recycling available in Canberra?

Yes. Most licensed removal services recycle old cars by salvaging usable parts and processing metals, plastics, and fluids in an environmentally responsible way.