SCRAP-IT was the first program of its kind in Canada, modeled after similar Voluntary Accelerated Vehicle Retirement programs in the US. An air-emissions reduction program, SCRAP-IT was designed to take older, high-polluting vehicles off the road.
In 1995, a feasibility study prepared for a multi-stakeholder group and chaired by the B.C. Lung Association indicated that an older, high polluting vehicle scrappage program could be effective in the Lower Mainland and recommended that a pilot project be initiated.
In April 1996, then Premier Glen Clark announced the new SCRAP-IT program. The pilot program operated between April 1996 and November 1998, giving approved customers incentives to recycle their 1983 or older cars and light-duty trucks. The pilot had a target to remove 1,000 vehicles in the Lower Mainland and 100 vehicles in Victoria. Owners of 1983 model year and older vehicles who meet the qualifying criteria could choose to scrap their vehicle and receive one of three types of compensation offered. The program was (and still is) strictly voluntary. During the pilot, 1234 customers recycled 955 vehicles, and issued 834 incentives. The pilot phase was said to have prevented approximately 8,800 tonnes of air pollution.
In November 1998, the program was expanded, make it easier to qualify, and adding more options to the incentive list.
In 2004, the BC SCRAP-IT® Program Society, a registered not-for-profit independent society, was established to operate the Program.