
Scrapping usually refers to motorcycles that are no longer usable. In such cases, they can be sold as scrap metal, which has the benefit of obtaining equivalent monetary value. If a licensed motorcycle no longer has any value for continued use, it must be scrapped through official channels. If a motorcycle has no further use, keeping it is merely a display. It can be given to someone else to minimize losses. Bring valid documents to the vehicle management office, clearly explain the details to the staff, and then proceed with vehicle disposal.

I remember dealing with a nearly falling-apart Honda motorcycle a couple of years ago, and taking it to the scrapyard was quite a hassle. First, I had to remove the license plate, then bring my ID and vehicle registration to the DMV to fill out a scrapping application. After they issued the "Scrap Recycling Certificate," I had to find a certified recycling company. Don't try to dismantle the parts yourself and sell them as scrap—last year, Old Zhang downstairs secretly disassembled his motorcycle, but it was still registered under his name in the DMV system. He only rushed to complete the paperwork after receiving traffic violation tickets. Nowadays, certified recycling centers offer some residual value payment—my 150cc junker got me 200 yuan. The key is to obtain the "End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Certificate" and use it to deregister the vehicle at the DMV, otherwise it could affect your eligibility for purchasing a new car.

My over-ten-year-old Yamaha officially retired last month. Driving a scrapped vehicle is illegal, and you could face a 12-point deduction plus a fine. I first called the DMV to ask what materials I needed to bring, and they said the vehicle must be driven intact to the designated recycling site. However, the battery was so old it couldn’t even be push-started, so I had to spend 80 bucks on a tow truck to haul it to the dismantling yard. The dismantler said the motorcycle’s steel frame could be recycled, but the engine oil and battery had to be handled separately to avoid pollution. Finally, I took the stamped scrappage certificate to the DMV to complete the deregistration, waiting in line for two hours in the hall. I recommend booking a recycling company in advance—some cities even offer free towing services for convenience. After everything’s done, keep a copy of the deregistration proof. Last year, a friend forgot to keep a copy and was mistakenly registered as the owner of a wrecked vehicle.

There are three rusty motorcycles piled up in the parking shed of our old neighborhood. I just got rid of mine last month. Never take the easy way out by selling them to scrap dealers, as they might dismantle and use the parts to assemble illegal vehicles. The proper procedure is to ride the bike to the vehicle management office to get a scrapping form, but if the bike is in poor condition, you should call a tow truck. I supervised the dismantling process at the recycling company and saw them drain the residual gasoline from the carburetor to prevent groundwater pollution. After obtaining the recycling certificate, you must go to the vehicle management office to deregister the vehicle; otherwise, it will still be registered under your name. Nowadays, some cities offer WeChat appointment services for recycling, which is much more convenient than in our time. After handling it, I felt refreshed, and the empty space in the shed can now accommodate my newly purchased electric bicycle.


