Introduction
Scrapping your car in Ontario is a big decision, so you should not rush the process. Your vehicle may have been sitting in the parking lot unused for months. Maybe one repair failed, or maybe it’s just no longer safe to drive — or worth it. Therefore, sending your car to the scrapyard often makes more financial and environmental sense. However, scrapping a car isn’t just about handing over the keys and collecting cash. The process involves legal steps, proper documentation, and environmental responsibility. And that all starts with asking the right questions.
Whether your car still looks decent or it’s reached the end of its life, you must know what to ask before scrapping it. The right questions can save you time, protect you from scams, and ensure your vehicle is recycled correctly. In this blog, you will get answers to every important question that can help you with the scrap car removal process.
1. Is My Car Even Eligible for Scrapping?
Not all vehicles are automatically accepted for scrapping. Before you start the process, you should confirm whether your car meets the requirements set by your local auto recycling service. Most companies accept vehicles in any condition, running or not, but some may have restrictions. For example, they might reject vehicles missing major components like the engine or transmission, or they may require that all fluids (oil, gas, and coolant) be drained in advance.
In Ontario, car scrapyards must follow environmental regulations for handling scrap vehicles. They cannot accept vehicles containing dangerous materials unless they are qualified to remove them safely.
2. How Much Can I Expect for My Scrap Car?
One of the most important things to ask is how much money you will receive for your scrap car. Your payout depends on several factors: the car’s make and model, age, overall weight, condition of key components, and the current scrap metal prices.
Scrap metal prices in Canada change often. As of early 2025, steel prices are somewhere between $0.10 – $0.15 per pound, and aluminum prices range between $0.50 – $0.80 per pound. Some auto recyclers may pay extra if your car has reusable parts in good condition. So, you need to ask how the metal price quote is calculated.
3. Is Free Towing Included in the Quote?
You must confirm whether towing is included in the offer. Many people assume they will need to pay extra to get their junk car to a junkyard, but that’s not always the case. In the GTA, trusted junkyards like Greenway Auto Recycling offer free towing as part of their service. This not only saves you money but also ensures the vehicle is removed safely and on time. If the company charges for towing, that cost will decrease your payout. So, make sure there are no extra transport or handling fees.
4. What Paperwork Do I Need to Scrap My Car?
To legally scrap a car in Ontario, you must have the vehicle’s ownership. You will need to sign it over to the auto recycler or scrapyard. Without this document, you can’t transfer the car, and the transaction won’t be valid.
You also need to remove your license plates before the vehicle is towed. These should be returned to ServiceOntario or transferred to another vehicle. After the transaction, it’s your responsibility to cancel the car’s insurance policy. So, ask the auto recycler to walk you through the paperwork process.
Also Read: A Complete Checklist of Documents You Need to Scrap Your Car in Canada
5. What Happens to My Vehicle After It’s Taken?
Scrapping a car isn’t just about crushing it for metal. A certified auto recycler follows a multi-step process that includes draining all fluids, removing toxic materials, salvaging reusable parts, and recycling the metal body. In Canada, auto recycling is governed by environmental laws that aim to reduce pollution and promote proper disposal.
Ask the company how they handle end-of-life vehicles. Do they recycle responsibly? Do they remove fluids and batteries safely? Knowing your car is processed properly ensures that it won’t end up harming the environment.
6. Can I Remove Parts Before Scrapping the Car?
If your car has valuable auto parts like a new battery, upgraded tires, or aftermarket accessories, you might want to remove them before scrapping the vehicle. However, not all recyclers allow this. Some require the car to be complete, and removing parts could reduce your quote.
Ask the salvage yard if they allow part removal and how it will impact the value. If you are planning to take parts off, make sure it’s done safely. Don’t remove anything that might make it difficult to tow the vehicle or create environmental risks, such as the gas tank.
Also Read: Smart Scrapping: What to Remove Before Taking Your Car to the Junkyard
7. Do I Have to Be There in Person?
Life gets busy, and you might not be able to be home when the vehicle is picked up. Some auto recycling services allow unattended pickups if certain conditions are met. You usually leave the signed ownership documents in the car and make the keys accessible to the tow truck driver.
Confirm the procedure if you can’t be present. This is especially useful if you are scrapping a vehicle from another location or helping a family member with the process.
8. Is the Scrapyard Licensed and Registered?
Never hand your vehicle over to an unlicensed business. In Ontario, all scrap yards and auto recyclers must operate under provincial regulations. Working with a licensed recycler ensures they handle toxic materials properly, recycle parts legally, and won’t use your vehicle for illegal purposes.
Ask for proof of licensing. A reputable company like Greenway Auto Recycling is fully registered and complies with all Ontario environmental and business regulations.
9. How Soon Can You Pick Up the Vehicle?
If the car is blocking your driveway or you are moving out soon from your house, you need a removal service that can pick it up quickly. Many auto recyclers in the GTA offer fast turnaround, but not all guarantee same-day service. Ask how quickly the company can send a tow truck and what areas they serve.
Greenway Auto Recycling offers scrap car removal throughout Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough, North York, and other GTA neighborhoods. The company also gives same-day pickup, which is ideal if you need the vehicle gone quickly.
10. Will I Be Paid on the Spot?
Always ask when and how you will be paid. Genuine companies pay you on the spot when they pick up the vehicle, either in cash or via e-transfer. Be cautious if the company promises delayed payment or says the price will be decided later. These people can be scammers.
Greenway Auto Recycling offers guaranteed payment at pickup with no waiting or deductions. Make sure you get a clear, written agreement upfront, so there are no surprises.
Also Read: Certificate of Destruction Explained: Why You Need It When Scrapping Your Car
11. What Should I Do Before the Vehicle Is Collected?
Before the tow truck arrives, make sure you have completed these important steps:
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- Remove all personal stuff: Check the glove box, trunk, and under the seats.
- Take off your license plates: These need to be returned to ServiceOntario or transferred to a new vehicle.
- Sign the ownership document: Complete the vehicle transfer on the green portion of the registration.
- Cancel insurance: Once the car is gone, contact your insurer to cancel the policy.
12. Are There Any Extra or Hidden Charges?
Some services may give you a high quote, only to reduce the payout with hidden fees for towing, paperwork, or processing. To avoid this, always ask for a full breakdown of what’s included. Transparent companies won’t charge you extra after the fact. Greenway Auto Recycling includes towing, paperwork help, and pickup at no extra cost.
13. Can I Scrap My Car Without the Ownership Document?
In Ontario, you need vehicle ownership to legally scrap a car. If you have lost it, you can request a replacement from ServiceOntario for a small fee. Don’t trust services that say they can scrap your car without it; that’s often illegal and can lead to problems later.
Work only with recyclers that follow proper legal processes. Greenway Auto Recycling will assist you if you need help obtaining replacement documentation before proceeding with the transaction.
Conclusion
Scrapping your car may seem an easy task, but there is a lot more to it than just handing over an old vehicle. Asking the right questions ensures you don’t fall into legal trouble, lose money, or unintentionally harm the environment. Greenway Auto Recycling is a trusted choice when it comes to safely removing your junk car. The company offers free scrap car removal, same-day pickup, on-the-spot payment, and full guidance through the paperwork. Ready to get rid of your junk car? Call Greenway Auto Recycling at (416) 783-9026 to schedule your free pickup and get paid on the spot — no stress, no hidden fees.
