How to Scrap a Car in Ontario in 2025
Scrapping is a great method to dispose of an old car that’s no longer roadworthy or might be too costly to repair. Not only does it free up your space, but it can also earn you some money and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Scrapping your old vehicle at the auto recyclers can save approximately one or two tons of CO2 emissions annually. Regardless of whether your car has failed its inspection, been in an accident, or has simply reached the end of its life, knowing proper steps ensures you get the best deal possible, while avoiding any legal complications. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll go over how to scrap a car in Canada.
How to Scrap a Car in Ontario in 2025
Adequate disposal of your vehicle is both a matter of convenience and responsibility, as there are certain steps you must take to ensure a seamless process and experience. Here are the steps you should follow when sending your vehicle to the licensed scrap yard:
Step 1: Remove Your Personal Items
Most of us keep at least some of our personal belongings in our vehicles, either for emergencies or just stuff that makes everyday driving more comfortable. This should be removed, so check all of your vehicle’s compartments, including cup holders, door pockets, the glove box, and even the armrest.
Don’t forget to check under the seats and in between the rear seat and back rest, as these often contain plenty of long-lost coffee change, or scraps of trail mix if you have children. Don’t forget to check above your sun visors as well.
Step 2: Locate the Vehicle Ownership and Keys
Scrapping a vehicle is considered a sale under Canadian law, so you must sign the back of the Ontario Vehicle Ownership document when scrapping your vehicle. You must also provide the name of the purchaser. The scrap yard will then transfer the vehicle over to their name at Service Ontario.
However, you don’t really have to write any personal or driver’s name on the Buyer’s Information Section, and no UVIP (Used Vehicle Information Package) is required for recycling a vehicle.
Step 3: Remove Your Plates
You will need to remove your license plates when scrapping a vehicle. This isn’t all that difficult to do, but it does require some tools, usually a 10mm socket or a Philips screwdriver. Some plates are just pressure-fitted, so you can pry them off your vehicle.
If you happen to miss these tools, most scrappers offer free towing, so you can ask the driver taking your car to assist you with getting the license plates of your car. However, be sure to ask them ahead of time. Once removed, you can return your old license plates to Service Ontario along with the Permit portion of the Vehicle Ownership (the right side of the document).
Step 4: Call a Scrap Car Removal Service
Once you’ve removed your personal belongings and license plates and have handled the necessary documents, it’s time to call professionals like Scrap Car Pros, a car scrapping service that specializes in the removal of all types of vehicles, from older cars to trucks to damaged or written-off models.
Our service covers the entire GTA, including Toronto, Durham Region, and the surrounding areas, with trained professionals handling every step of the pickup and towing process. You can schedule a pickup on our website by entering the necessary details.
You can also get a rough estimate of your scrap car value. Just enter the make, model, year, and mileage of your vehicle, whether or not it’s in drivable condition, has aluminum rims, and has a catalytic converter, and other car parts that automotive recyclers might be interested in.
Our service is designed to be convenient, and we handle everything from the initial quote to the final removal, so you can sit back and relax. Simply give us a call and fill out the online form.
How Long Does It Take to Scrap a Car?
Scrapping a car can be far quicker than selling one, and it can take you a matter of minutes online to arrange for your vehicle to be scrapped at an authorized treatment facility. The process of scrapping an entire car might take anywhere from 30 minutes to a day.
Preparation time usually takes around 30 minutes if you have most of your documentation at hand. Transporting the car to the scrapyard by a certified service usually takes one to three hours. If the car is in drivable condition, you can drop off the car yourself. Otherwise, the towing and collection may add a few hours to the entire process.
Once your vehicle is at the yard, its fluids are safely drained, and the battery is removed. Any reusable or recyclable auto parts are stripped, and the car is crashed or shredded by auto wreckers. This may take up to a day. In the meantime, you’ll sign over the title and receive a payout along with the Bill of Sale and proof of disposal.
What Documents Are Required to Scrap a Car?
The key document you’ll need for your scrap car in Ontario is the Vehicle Ownership, also known as the green slip. This document, along with a copy of your state-issued photo ID, verifies that you’re the legal owner of the vehicle and have the right to scrap it for cash.
The Used Vehicle Bill of Sale is your proof that you have legally sold the vehicle, and it has to contain all the necessary details, including the make, model, vehicle, color, VIN number, and year. The Bill also has to contain all the necessary buyer and seller information.
It’s also necessary to visit Service Ontario immediately after the sale and notify them of the vehicle sale. This will change the status of the vehicle to “SOLD” in the Ministry of Transportation system.
How to Determine the Scrap Value of a Car?
The value of a scrap vehicle largely depends on vehicle weight and condition. The larger and heavier vehicles will command a larger price, especially newer models and those that are still in driving condition.
Just like when you buy a used car, the price is affected by its age, make, and model. This also applies to crapping end-of-life vehicles and junk cars. The value can also be affected by whether or not the car is complete, or if there are some parts missing.
How to Choose a Trusted Scrap Car Partner
Scrapping your car in Ontario isn’t just a way to clear out your driveway, but a smart and responsible decision that benefits both your wallet and the environment. By following the proper steps, you can ensure a smooth, hassle-free car removal process while reducing carbon emissions and recycling valuable materials.
