NEW for National Recycling Week - How to Scrap Your Car for Charity

Online, June 18, 2010 (Newswire.com) - A new service has two aims: to recycle scrap cars efficiently, and to raise money for a wide range of charities.

Launched late last year, Giveacar brings to the UK a concept already popular in the States. Over 500 cars have been donated since Giveacar opened for business six months ago, raising approximately £40,000 for various charities.

The essence of the scheme is its simplicity - with one phone call the owner of a scrap car can arrange for its disposal in an environmentally friendly manner. A nationwide network of scrap dealers will pick up the car at a convenient time, recycle it and give all the money raised to a charity of the owner's choice.

Giveacar is a not-for-profit company, the brainchild of Tom Chance, a 23 year old graduate from Nottingham University.

"More than two million cars are taken off the road every year," says Chance.

"But only half of them go through Authorised Treatment Facilities. What happens to the rest? Some are cherry picked for their valuable parts, and the shells are left to rot. Others are given a makeover and put back on the road in a dangerous condition."

Giveacar makes sure that all disposals are handled properly, typically recycling more than 85 per cent of the car's weight.

"Don't let dealers tell you they can scrap you car for nothing,"

Chance warns. "Each car contains more than a tonne of metal and in a world where resources are scarce, that metal is worth salvaging. Typically, an 'end of life' car will fetch at least £80, just for its scrap metal value. Giveacar has handled scrap cars worth a great deal more."

Givecar is popular with charities because they can tap into a new source of funds. Angie Turner of the Children's Trust commented of the scheme, "Giveacar is such a simple but effective way to donate to charity and we are thrilled to be one of the beneficiaries. The scheme is not only a great recycling initiative - it helps us to help more children with profound disabilities around the UK."

Do you have a scrap car that could be recycled?

"Instead of an eyesore, a rusting hulk taking up space in your garage, why not recycle it, and help your favourite charity?" says Chance.

"All it takes is a phone call - 0208 875 0478 - or go online to giveacar.co.uk".