Can I Dismantle and Sell My Car by Myself?
2 Answers
No, end-of-life vehicles must be recycled by specialized recycling companies. According to the "Regulations on the Recycling of End-of-Life Vehicles": Article 12: Owners or individuals of end-of-life vehicles should promptly sell their vehicles to end-of-life vehicle recycling companies. No individual or entity is allowed to sell, donate, or transfer end-of-life vehicles to non-recycling companies or individuals in any other way. End-of-life vehicles must not be dismantled by the owners themselves. Article 13: End-of-life vehicle recycling companies must register each recycled vehicle individually. If a recycled vehicle is suspected of being involved in crimes such as theft or robbery, the company must report it to the public security authorities immediately. Recycling companies are prohibited from dismantling, modifying, assembling, or reselling vehicles or their "five major assemblies" and other parts that are suspected of being involved in crimes.
Disassembling cars to sell parts is something I've tried a few times, and while it's feasible, it comes with quite a few hassles. Safety is a major concern—older vehicles may have fuel systems or batteries that haven't been fully drained, and improper handling can lead to explosions or fires. Legally, regulations vary by region, and unauthorized disassembly might require permits, especially when dealing with frames and hazardous waste. Non-compliance can result in fines. The tool requirements are substantial; I used a lift and professional wrenches, which aren’t cheap to buy or rent. For beginners, dismantling an engine is high-risk and can easily lead to personal injury. Parts do sell, but I’ve found that components like windows or rearview mirrors are in higher demand, while the car body is harder to dispose of. I recommend starting with simpler parts and wearing protective gear. From an environmental standpoint, recycling is beneficial, but professional handling of waste is necessary to prevent pollution. The time investment is long, and the net profit might not be high. If you’re considering doing it yourself, start by learning basic safety knowledge or consulting a scrapyard.
