Are you a resident of Maui Island looking to get rid of an old, unwanted vehicle? The Maui County Tow and Scrap Program offers a fantastic solution, allowing you to tow and scrap your qualifying vehicle completely free of charge. This initiative makes vehicle disposal easy and accessible for Maui residents.
To take advantage of this Scrap Car Program, simply contact one of the two designated county vendors to arrange a towing appointment. They will pick up your vehicle from an easily accessible location and transport it to the disposal facility, Hammerhead Metals, situated in Puʻunēnē.
For residents in Central, South, Upcountry, and West Maui, please call D&D Towing at (808) 871-1185. If you reside in East Maui, you should contact Maui Tow and Transport at (808) 871-9184.
To participate in the scrap car program, you must have the Maui County DMV title for the vehicle registered under your name and a valid government-issued ID. On the scheduled appointment day, you will need to accompany the tow truck to Hammerhead Metals to submit your vehicle title and present your ID directly to the staff on-site.
For complete details on Eligibility, Requirements, Step-by-step Instructions, Frequently Asked Questions, and to access the Hammerhead Intake form, keep reading!
Vehicle Owner Eligibility & Requirements for the Scrap Car Program
Before you schedule your free scrap car removal, ensure you meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Vehicle Disposal Limit: Each household is allowed to tow and dispose of up to two vehicles per calendar year through this program. The facility maintains a record of all registered owners participating in the scrap car program.
- Title and ID Match: The name on the vehicle title must exactly match the name on your government-issued ID.
- Owner Presence Required: The vehicle owner(s) must be present at Hammerhead Metals to submit all necessary documentation when the vehicle is delivered.
- No Lien Holders: The vehicle title must be free of any lien holders. Any liens must be cleared before participating in the vehicle scrap program.
- Required Documents: You must provide the following minimum documentation:
- Tow & Scrap Program Intake Form (available via link above or on-site)
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Original Maui County DMV Vehicle Title
Vehicle Registration Requirements for Scrap Car Disposal
- Maui County Registration: The vehicle’s most recent registration must have been issued by the County of Maui.
- No Current Registration or Safety Check Needed: Your vehicle does not need to have a current registration or safety check to be eligible for towing and scrapping under this program.
- Residential Vehicles Only: This scrap car program is intended for residential vehicles only. Commercial vehicles are not accepted.
Vehicle Title Requirements for the Free Scrap Car Program
- Matching Title and ID: The name on the vehicle title must correspond to the identification presented at the metals recycling facility.
- Multiple Owners: If there is more than one name listed on the title, all individuals named must be present at Hammerhead Metals, or alternative arrangements must be made (see below).
- Lien Holder Removal: Crucially, all LIEN HOLDERS must be officially removed from the vehicle title before Hammerhead Metals can accept the vehicle under the scrap car program.
- Permanently Junked Vehicles: For vehicles already in “PERMANENTLY JUNKED” status, you must bring the copy of the original title that the DMV stamped “Permanently Junked” and returned to you when the vehicle’s status was changed.
- Vehicles in Storage Status: If your vehicle is in “STORAGE” status, you must present the original title that indicates this Storage “S” status.
- Special Circumstances (Multiple Owners): If all owners named on the title cannot be present due to extraordinary circumstances, please contact the AVM Office at (808) 270-6102 to discuss possible alternative arrangements.
Vehicle Requirements for the Maui Scrap Vehicle Program
- Vehicle Type: Eligible vehicles include regular passenger vehicles, pick-up trucks, and vans up to (3) three tons. The final discretion on vehicle acceptance rests with the facility. Heavy equipment, mini-buses, and vehicles exceeding (3) three tons are generally not eligible for this scrap car program.
- Camper Shells: Detachable camper shells are NOT accepted. They must be removed before bringing the vehicle in, or an additional fee may be charged.
- Tires: Vehicles are allowed to have up to (5) five tires, either mounted on the vehicle or inside it. More than five tires may result in additional charges or rejection of the vehicle.
- Clean Vehicle: The vehicle must be reasonably clean and free of trash, hazardous waste, extra tires (beyond the limit), and any excessive waste items. The recycling facility will determine what constitutes “excessive waste” at their discretion.
- Vehicle Condition: Vehicles can be accepted whether they are “wet” (containing fluids) or “dry” (fluids drained), operational or non-operational, and with or without parts removed.
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Electric and hybrid-electric vehicles are eligible for this scrap car program. Hammerhead Metals accepts these vehicles, including those with electric batteries.
- Vehicles Without Intact Tires: If your vehicle does not have intact tires, please inform your tow contractor when scheduling the appointment. The facility can still accept the car but needs to plan for special equipment.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Scrap Your Car in Maui for Free
Follow these simple steps to utilize the Maui County Scrap Car Program:
1. Document and Eligibility Check: Prepare Your Paperwork
Before you schedule anything, ensure you have all the correct documentation and that you meet all eligibility requirements outlined above. Having your documents in order BEFORE the tow company arrives is critical. If your paperwork is incomplete or incorrect, you may be charged a fee, and your vehicle may not be towed.
Scrap Car Program Checklist:
- [ ] Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
- [ ] Original Vehicle Title in Your Name
- [ ] Completed, Signed, and Dated Tow and Scrap Intake Form
- [ ] Current or Expired Vehicle Registration (Optional)
- [ ] Vehicle License Plates (Optional)
- [ ] Vehicle Free of Lien Holders
- [ ] If vehicle is Permanently Junked: Copy of Original Title Stamped “Permanently Junked” by the DMV
Alt Text: Vehicle owner reviewing documents for the Maui County Tow and Scrap Program, ensuring eligibility for free vehicle disposal.
2. Schedule Your Tow Appointment: Contact the Correct Tow Company
This scrap car program exclusively partners with the following two towing companies. Using any other towing service will result in you being responsible for all towing fees. Each area of Maui County is assigned a specific tow company for this program.
- EAST MAUI RESIDENTS: Call Maui Tow & Transport 808-871-9184
- CENTRAL, UPCOUNTRY, SOUTH, & WEST MAUI RESIDENTS: Call D&D Towing 808-871-1185
Alt Text: Map of Maui County showing service areas for D&D Towing and Maui Tow & Transport for the Scrap Car Program.
- When booking, remember that you MUST follow the tow company to Hammerhead Metals. Factor in travel time to Hammerhead Metals in Kahului.
- Hammerhead Metals will directly collect your vehicle title from you upon arrival.
- Hammerhead Metals accepts vehicles during their operating hours:
- Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed for lunch 11:00am-11:45am)
- First Saturday of Every Month: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
3. Vehicle Positioning: Ensure Accessibility
- The vehicle must be easily accessible for the tow truck driver.
- Position the vehicle near a driveway or roadway.
- If your vehicle is in an inaccessible or difficult location, you might not be able to participate in the Tow & Scrap program. If you have concerns about vehicle location accessibility, call the Maui County AVM office at (808) 270-6102 before scheduling your tow.
- Inform the tow company if the vehicle is missing tires or has flat tires.
4. Document Review with Tow Driver: Verify Paperwork
- The tow driver will briefly double-check your documents before hooking up your vehicle to ensure you are prepared for the scrap car program.
- If your documents are not properly prepared and approved by the tow driver according to the program guidelines, towing may be denied, and you may be charged a fee.
5. Follow to Hammerhead Metals: Finalize Your Scrap Car Disposal
You must keep possession of your vehicle’s documentation until you arrive at Hammerhead Metals. Therefore, you MUST follow the tow truck in a separate working vehicle. Hammerhead Metals will take your documents directly from you before accepting the vehicle from the tow driver. Once your documents are accepted, they will then accept your vehicle for scrapping.
- In your own working vehicle, you MUST follow the tow truck from your location to Hammerhead Metals in Kahului, WITH all required documents in your possession.
- Arrive at Hammerhead Metals at the same time as the tow truck.
- Hammerhead Metals will verify the number of vehicles you have already disposed of under the County Tow & Scrap program within the current year. If you have exceeded the limit of two vehicles, you will be charged for towing and disposal.
- Failure to bring your documents will result in charges for towing and rejection of the vehicle.
- Once your documents and vehicle are accepted at Hammerhead Metals, the scrap car disposal process is complete!
Paperwork Accuracy is Key for Free Scrap Car Removal
Ensure your paperwork is correct BEFORE scheduling your tow appointment.
If you have any questions regarding your paperwork status or have special circumstances (e.g., vehicle in Junk or Storage status), please call our office at (808) 270-6102 first to confirm everything is in order. We are here to assist you in making the scrap car program process smooth and easy!
Lien Holders and the Scrap Car Program
Your vehicle title must be clear of any lien holders, as they are considered additional owners. To participate in the program, you MUST obtain a new title from the DMV without any lien holders listed.
Scrap Car Disposal for Vehicles of Deceased Owners
It is possible to utilize the scrap car program for vehicles owned by a deceased person. Follow these steps according to Maui County DMV guidelines:
- Obtain the Death Certificate.
- Complete the “Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent” form and get it notarized. You will need to present the death certificate to the notary. Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent Form
- Take the notarized Affidavit, your ID, and the death certificate to the DMV.
- Transfer the vehicle title into your name with “Permanently Junked” status. There should be no additional fees for this step.
- Once the title is in your name, you can proceed with the Tow and Scrap program as described for standard vehicle disposal.
- Call (808) 270-6102 to confirm your title documents are acceptable before scheduling your tow.
Alternative Scrap Car Disposal: Drop-Off Option
Even if you don’t want to schedule a tow, you can still dispose of your vehicle and scrap your car at no cost by bringing it directly to Hammerhead Metals. This option is available as long as your residential vehicle meets the same documentation requirements as the Tow and Scrap program.
Options if You Don’t Qualify for the Free Scrap Car Program
If your situation does not meet the requirements for the Maui County Tow and Scrap Program, you are still responsible for proper vehicle disposal at your own expense. Vehicles that are beyond repair or need to be disposed of should be taken to a permitted scrap metal operator authorized to accept vehicles. Contact local operators for information on fees and instructions.
Important Reminder: Abandoning a vehicle along roads, in fields, or anywhere else is illegal. Vehicle owners will be fined and required to pay all costs associated with vehicle removal and disposal. Vehicle abandonment is NOT free. Please act responsibly and dispose of your vehicle properly!
Alt Text: Logos of Maui Tow, Hammerhead Metals, and EPS, key partners in the Maui County Scrap Car Program, promoting responsible vehicle disposal.
