About us

Established in 1926, Charles Trent Ltd (known simply as Trents or Charlie Trents to many) has grown to become one of the UK's leading experts in vehicle recycling, providing solutions to help drive down the costs of motoring for the general public and trade alike. With over 200 expert members of staff and an annual turnover of circa £40 million, we pride ourselves on our customer service and our innovation.

Proudly run by fourth generation, we are a family business with family values and a corporate outlook. We have made significant investments to position ourselves at the forefront of the vehicle recycling industry, continually developing our sites, staff, processes and services. We have built a reputation for providing quality products, a speedy service and a personal experience that satisfies our customers and we are continually improving our range of products and customer solutions, utilising some of the smartest tech in our industry.

Our History

2022

100,000 sq ft Dismantling Facility Opens

100,000 sq ft dismantling production line facility (BH1) opens.

100,000 sq ft Dismantling Facility Opens

2022

2021

30,000 sq ft Distribution Centre Opens

30,000 sq ft purpose-built distribution centre opens in Holton Heath, Poole.

30,000 sq ft Distribution Centre Opens

2021

2021

Electric Vehicle Dismantling Equipment Installed

Charles Trent install electric vehicle dismantling equipment and new SEA all-in-one dismantling facilities.

Electric Vehicle Dismantling Equipment Installed

2021

2020

Rebranding

Charles Trent Limited rebrands.

Rebranding

2020

2017

Transportation Programme Begins

Transportation programme begins with new state of the art vehicle collection trucks purchased to build the latest transportation fleet.

Transportation Programme Begins

2017

2002

EU Directive Becomes Law

The EU Directive is officially enacted into law.

EU Directive Becomes Law

2002

2000

First SEDA Depollution Equipment Installed

First SEDA depollution equipment installed in the UK at Charles Trent in Poole.

First SEDA Depollution Equipment Installed

2000

1999

Fourth Generation

Marc Trent, Jonathan Trent and Neil Trent become directors of the company.

Fourth Generation

1999

1995

Invited to EU Directive 2002

Invited by motor manufacturers to the steering committee for the forthcoming EU directive 2002.

Invited to EU Directive 2002

1995

1987

First to Modernise Traditional Breaker Yard

Charles Trent Limited is the first in the UK to modernise the traditional breaker yard.

First to Modernise Traditional Breaker Yard

1987

1977

Third Generation

John Trent becomes managing director.

Third Generation

1977

1971

Ariel Shot

Ariel shot taken of Charles Trent Limited in Poole in the 1970's.

Ariel Shot

1971

1969

First Hiab Lorry

The first Hiab lorry was purchased by the company to collect scrap vehicles.

First Hiab Lorry

1969

1968

Second Generation

Charles Trent takes over the family business.

Second Generation

1968

1936

Ariel view of Charles Trent Limited

Aerial view of Charles Trent Limited, captured in the 1930's.

Ariel view of Charles Trent Limited

1936

1932

Charles Trent Limited in Poole

Charles Trent Limited in Poole, captured in the 1930's.

Charles Trent Limited in Poole

1932

1926

Charles Trent Limited Founded

Charles Trent Limited founded by Charles Trent in 1926.

Charles Trent Limited Founded

1926

Currently, we collect, store, process and re-sell 30,000 vehicles annually across our two sites in Poole, Dorset and Rugby, Warwickshire.  We sell circa 150,000 parts every year from the vehicles we dismantle and we have over 100,000 parts in stock at any one time.

We have highly skilled staff and our sites feature specialist vehicle dismantling and depolluting equipment enabling us to recycle over 96% of each and every vehicle that arrives on site. Our clients include some of the UK's largest insurance companies and fleets.

Our Services

Vehicle Delivery Service

Vehicle Delivery Service

Interested in one of our vehicles but can't collect it? We offer a convenient vehicle delivery service. To get a bespoke vehicle delivery quote please email transport@ctrent.co.uk including the vehicle make, model and registration number (if available) as well as the address and post code that you require the vehicle to be delivered to. Finally, we will need the Charles Trent site that the vehicle is being held at for auction. Once our logistics team has received your request we will be in touch at the earliest available opportunity.

Discount Car Parts

Discount Car Parts

It’s only fair that we offer you some discount on the parts you need when you buy a salvage vehicle at auction with us. With 35,000+ parts available in stock today we can offer 10% discount off the parts you need to get the vehicle you’ve purchased repaired. Please note that this discount applies ONLY to vehicles purchased from Charles Trent Limited. In addition, this discount cannot be used online. Instead, contact our call centre team who will be more than happy to assist with your part enquiry.

Used Car Parts

Used Car Parts

We specialise in providing tested and trusted used car and van parts. Used car spares for almost make or model are available in stock with fast and FREE delivery to UK Mainland addresses*. Worldwide parts delivery is also available. Every car part we sell off the shelf comes with a FREE 6 month warranty for all important peace of mind..

Wheels & Tyres

Wheels & Tyres

Our Poole site is the home of quality, low cost new and part worn tyres, wheels and batteries. We offer a fast, friendly and professional service. Simply drive on in and start saving today!

Trusted Vehicle Recycling

We are fully regulated, licenced and certified and are members of the Vehicle Recyclers Association and e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management, aiming to raise the standard of vehicle recycling in the UK and salvage buying respectively.

We delight our customers with 5-star service - check out our reviews!

Choose Charles Trent and you'll be going with a name you can trust!

Contact Us

Get in touch with our dedicated team today for all enquiries and questions.

Get in touch

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