How to Scrap a Car for Beginners: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you've got a car that no longer runs — or one that costs more to fix than it's worth — scrapping it is often the smartest move. But for first-timers, the process can seem confusing: What paperwork do you need? What's it actually worth? Do they pay you or do you pay them? This guide covers everything a beginner needs to know about scrapping a car in Ontario.

What Happens When You Scrap a Car?

When you scrap a vehicle, you're selling it to a licensed salvage yard or scrap metal dealer. They'll either:

1. Part it out — remove and resell working components (engine, transmission, doors, seats)
2. Crush it for scrap metal — shred the body for steel, separate out aluminum and copper, sell to a metal recycler

Most end-of-life vehicles go through both processes — valuable parts come off first, then the shell gets crushed. The scrap yard pays you based on the vehicle's weight and current steel prices, with bonuses for running vehicles or cars with intact valuable components.

What You Need Before You Scrap

Vehicle Title / Ownership

In Ontario, you need the vehicle permit (ownership) to scrap a car legally. If you've lost it, you can apply for a replacement at a ServiceOntario location. Without proof of ownership, licensed scrap yards won't touch it — and if they do, walk away.

Valid ID

You'll need government-issued photo ID. Ontario scrap yards are required to record buyer information to prevent trafficking of stolen vehicles.

Remove Your Plates

In Ontario, licence plates belong to the driver, not the vehicle. Remove your plates before handing over the car — you can return them to ServiceOntario for a refund of unused registration fees.

Cancel Your Insurance

Contact your insurer once the car is gone. You may be entitled to a partial refund on your premium.

What Is a Scrap Car Worth in Toronto?

Vehicle scrap value is primarily based on weight × current steel price. In 2026, you can expect roughly:

• Small car (Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla): $200–$400
• Mid-size sedan or SUV: $300–$600
• Trucks and large SUVs: $500–$900
• Running vehicle with intact catalytic converter: Add $100–$400

These are estimates — prices shift with steel markets. Running vehicles command more because the buyer has less work stripping them. Non-running, no-title vehicles are harder to place and may get low offers.

The Catalytic Converter Factor

Your catalytic converter contains platinum, palladium, and rhodium — all precious metals. A working catalytic converter can be worth $150–$500+ on its own, depending on the vehicle and current precious metal prices. Some scrap yards factor this into their offer; others don't. If yours has already been stolen (increasingly common), expect a lower offer.

What to Remove Before You Scrap

Before handing over the vehicle, check for and remove:

• Personal belongings — check under seats, in the trunk, glovebox
• GPS units, dash cams, phone mounts — these are yours
• Aftermarket parts you paid for — upgraded stereo, rims, etc.
• Emergency kit, tools, and spare tire
• Insurance documents and registration

Scrap Yard vs. Junk Car Buyers

Scrap yards pay by weight and want the whole vehicle. You typically drop it off or they tow it for a fee. Best for vehicles in very poor condition with no valuable parts remaining.

Junk car buyers / auto wreckers often pay more because they part out the vehicle. They'll usually tow for free and may pay more upfront, especially for running cars or vehicles with good components. Companies like Pick-n-Pull, Fenix Parts, and local auto wreckers serve the GTA.

Get 2–3 quotes before committing. The difference between the highest and lowest offer on the same car can easily be $150–300.

After the Sale: Notifying the MTO

Once you've sold the vehicle, you're no longer responsible for it — but it's wise to notify the Ministry of Transportation by completing a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) or submitting the transfer section of the vehicle permit. This protects you if the vehicle is later involved in an incident before it's fully processed.

Summary

Scrapping a car in Ontario is straightforward: gather your ownership and ID, remove plates and personal items, get 2–3 quotes from local scrap yards or junk car buyers, and pick the best offer. Running vehicles with catalytic converters intact get meaningfully more money. Cancel insurance after handoff and notify the MTO to close the loop.