How Much Do You Get for Scrapping a Car in Ontario? A Complete Guide
Letting go of an old vehicle in Ontario is like solving a twofold puzzle of freeing up space in your driveway and helping your wallet. Ecologically, it may also be a move in the right direction. In the absence of a car that needs repairs, that is no longer a safe mode of transportation, or that is not worth the money for repairs, auto recycling is a suitable way to go for vehicle owners everywhere in the province. More than just a cost-efficient way, car scrapping reduces the spread of dangerous substances in the environment and conserves the energy of the planet by not digging again for metals.
Introduction to Scraping an Old Car
When a vehicle reaches the end of its useful life, it is often more costly to repair than it is worth. The most common reasons that Ontarians would scrap a vehicle are mechanical breakdown, collision damage to the vehicle’s structure, rust problems, or upgrading to a new and more fuel-efficient vehicle. According to ServiceOntario guidelines, there is no law that stops private car owners from scrapping their vehicle themselves, provided they go through the proper procedures for ownership transfer and deregistration. The real money you can receive for scrapping your vehicle in Ontario varies depending on several factors, but the cars are usually worth between $150 and $1,000.
This value is set by the weight, the current market rate for scrap metals, the condition of the reusable parts of the car, and your location in the province. For instance, a small sedan with few reusable parts may get around $200, whereas a heavier SUV with a working catalytic converter and engine can fetch over $800 or more.
Preparing Your Car for Scrapping
Before one can transfer a car to a scrap yard, certain preparations must be made to help with an easy handover. The first step is removing all personal belongings from the car. It is common to leave items behind in glove compartments, trunk storage spaces, or under seats. It happens mostly when the car has not been in use for some time.
You will also need to remove the old license plates. In Ontario, plates are tied to the driver. They are not tied to the car and can be transferred to another vehicle if they are still valid. These plates should be returned to ServiceOntario if you are not transferring them. Keeping them without using the plates could result in fines if they are misused.
The battery, although never necessarily removed, should be disconnected at the bare minimum to avoid any possible short circuits or draining if the car is towed. Also, have your ownership documents handy. In this case, the green permit or vehicle part of the ownership slip. Contrary to sales of private vehicles, no Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) is needed for scrapping your own car in Ontario. Although your name needs to be recorded on the document of ownership, you will sign over the car in the section provided when it is being turned over to the recycler.
Finding a Reputable Auto Recycler in Ontario
In a business that still has some unregulated parts, selecting a solid and licensed automobile recycler is important. Motor vehicle recycling centers must be registered under the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) under the Environmental Protection Act of Ontario. This makes sure that they have tight environmental standards in place when dealing with dangerous substances like oil and transmission fluid. With EASR registration or in case the company is a member of organizations like the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA) or Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC), you can make sure of their authenticity.
It is also suggested to get multiple quotes from different recyclers. Prices differ based on the specific location of the yard, the condition of the vehicle, and towing costs. Online reviews and word of mouth are valuable resources in establishing a company’s reputation. A highly reviewed business that is transparent will most likely offer not only a good price but also help with the required paperwork and even include free vehicle pickup.
Understanding the Pricing and Environmental Benefits
Scrap car prices in Ontario are set by the weight and material of the vehicle. This along with current market prices for recyclable metals such as steel and aluminum. Scrap metal prices for light steel in Ontario were between $180 and $220 per metric tonne in April 2025. That means a mid-size sedan weighing around 1.5 tonnes selling for between $270 and $330 purely on weight. This excludes additional payments if major components like the catalytic converter, transmission, or wheels are in working condition and reusable.
Catalytic converters play a big role in determining the cost. These units have precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which are high in demand right now. Depending on the make and model of your car, the catalytic converter alone might add $100 to $400 to the overall value.
Image Source: Freepik
From an environmental point of view, the responsible scrapping of a car avoids serious environmental damage. Oils, coolants, and brake fluids are harmful to soil and aquatic systems and need to be treated carefully. Authorized recyclers use special techniques to extract and dispose of the fluids in ways that prevent them from polluting nearby environments.
In addition, recycling metal accounts for a huge energy savings in manufacturing. Recycling an aluminum item can conserve up to 95% of the energy it would have taken to source it as a raw bauxite ore. A scrapped vehicle prevents the possible 1.25 tonnes of carbon dioxide that would be emitted when a new equal value of metal would have been made.
Services Offered by Auto Recyclers
Most professional Ontario auto recyclers provide a range of services intended to make it easy for vehicle owners. Among the most appealing services is free towing. Many of them will send a tow truck to pick up the vehicle at no expense if the car is no longer running. This is usually added into the price quote so there are no hidden surprises.
Aside from towing, recyclers also handle all paperwork necessary for the transfer of vehicle ownership and deregistering with the Ministry of Transportation. This prevents future liability concerns and makes the vehicle immune to being resold or illegally put back on the road.
Others provide additional compensation for parts that are in high demand. If your old car contains pieces that are still in working order, like new tires, batteries, or infotainment, recyclers can individually evaluate them and raise your payment accordingly. In this scenario, transparency is important. Make sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of how your car was valued.
Getting the Best Price for Your Car
It is important to include accurate and detailed information when asking for quotes to get the best price for your car. Be honest about the condition of the vehicle and all the other vehicle details. Always tell the service whether it can be started, if all its large parts are intact, and if it has any known problems. Cars that start and have wheels that can be rolled onto a flatbed tend to be worth more since they take less work to deal with.
It also helps in showing if your car still has its catalytic converter, original engine, or other valuable components. In many cases, taking away and selling some parts yourself such as tires or the sound system can earn you more cash. However, only do this if you feel comfortable and do not mind auto-disassembly.
As scrap metal prices vary on a regular basis, monitoring the market and selling at the right time could make a major impact. Most Ontario recyclers review their price offers on a weekly basis, depending on shifts in global commodities markets.
What to Expect from the Scrapping Process
Once you have selected a recycler and accepted their offer, the process moves quickly. The company will arrange for pickup within 24 to 72 hours. Upon arrival, the tow truck operator may inspect the car briefly to verify the information provided. You will then be asked to sign the ownership document. This will transfer the vehicle to the recycling company.
The payment is normally done immediately, either in cash or through e-transfer. In other instances, a cheque will be sent by mail after processing. Always ask for a bill of sale or transaction receipt. It will later serve as evidence of the transfer and will come in handy in case of any legal problems in the future.
When the car reaches the recycler’s plant, it is taken apart piece by piece. Reusable items are salvaged for resale, and toxic substances are drained and disposed of properly. The leftover metal body is crushed and delivered to processing facilities where it is melted and reused to manufacture new cars or building materials.
After Scraping Your Car
Once your car is successfully scrapped, your work is not done. Be sure to drop by a Service Ontario centre to officially surrender the plates and cancel your registration. Not doing so could mean paying extra fees in the future or confusion should the VIN (vehicle identification number) number ever be referenced again.
You will also have to terminate your insurance policy on the car. Call your company as soon as the sale is complete to discontinue monthly payments and perhaps get a prorated refund. If your insurance company requests paperwork, the bill of sale and a copy of the signed ownership slip will do.
It is also a good idea to verify with the Ministry of Transportation after several weeks to make sure that the car has been properly deregistered. This keeps fraud at bay like someone trying to reuse your VIN or assume responsibility for a vehicle that no longer belongs to you.
Final Words
Scrapping a car in Ontario can be a profitable task if done correctly. From getting your vehicle ready and learning about recyclers to knowing how pricing operates and how to protect yourself once the sale takes place, knowledge is the secret to achieving the highest return and lowest hassle. With payouts averaging $150 to $1,000 and complimentary services such as towing and paperwork processing, scrapping is an easy and environmentally friendly option for retiring your old vehicle. If you are looking to get your car scrapped responsibly and by professionals, contact us now at Scrap Car Pros!