Introduction
Abandoned vehicles are not only awful to look at – they take up space, harm the environment, and pose safety risks. You may notice that a particular vehicle has been parked for months and is collecting dust and rust. In Ontario, you cannot simply leave a vehicle lying around and forget it. So what are your options if your vehicle gets abandoned (or stays parked long enough)? Can you scrap it? The short answer is: Yes. However, you just can’t discard a vehicle without considering the rules. This guide will review how to scrap an abandoned vehicle in Ontario legally.
What is an Abandoned Car in Ontario?
An abandoned vehicle is a vehicle left in place without permission. It could be left on a street, in a parking lot, or on private land. In Ontario, you cannot just leave a vehicle and leave. If someone’s vehicle appears abandoned, it would likely be reported to a local bylaw officer or the police. The bylaw officer or police officer has jurisdiction to remove the vehicle and impound it at an impound lot. If no one claims the abandoned vehicle, there is potentially the opportunity for the city or property owner to scrap it if they adhere to a procedure outlined in the law.
Do You Need to Prove Ownership Before Scrapping?
Yes, you can’t scrap a car in Ontario without proving who owns it, whether it’s your vehicle or an abandoned one on your property; paperwork matters. You need the car’s registration and ownership documents. If there’s a lien on the car, that must be cleared first. Scrap yards won’t accept a vehicle without proper proof. Skipping this part can cause legal trouble. Always double-check the papers before you call a scrap car removal service. If you don’t own the car, get written permission or legal authority before moving ahead.
How to Report and Remove an Abandoned Car?
If an abandoned vehicle has been parked for days on your property or your street, you may want to report it. In Ontario, you would contact your local municipality office or the police non-emergency line. They will evaluate the car or vehicle and leave a notice attached to the car. If the car is not claimed promptly, as specified, the municipality will take it away. You can’t just drive it to be scrapped without that, i.e., no one is applying the law for an abandoned vehicle like your car, then once removed and properly processed, you may have the right to scrap it. Be sure to check with your local authority before you do so to avoid any issues down the road.
Picking a Licensed Scrap Yard Matters
Not every junkyard can handle abandoned cars. In Ontario, only licensed facilities can accept scrap vehicles. Licensed facility operators follow safety requirements and properly dispose of fluids, batteries, and tires. Scrap Yards that do not operate legally can cause you problems and/or fines. You can find out if the scrap yard you visited was licensed by searching the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA) for its membership. Use a reputable and licensed scrap yard so you and your old car can be safe and professionally serviced.
What to Do Before Scrapping the Vehicle?
Before you take a car to the scrap yard, you should do a few things. You should remove all personal items from the vehicle. You should take the license plates off the car and return them to ServiceOntario. You should cancel the car insurance to avoid being charged any unwanted expenses later on. You will want to confirm that the yard can safely dispose of the fluids, oil, brake fluid, and antifreeze found in your vehicle. Some yards will tow your vehicle for free, and others may charge a fee. Confirming all these details before arranging the removal will protect you and also avoid any potential environmental damage.
How to Transfer Car Ownership to the Scrap Yard?
After you have taken care of everything, now’s the time to formally transfer ownership. In Ontario, this is recognized by signing the back of the permit and handing it to the car scrap yard when they pick up the car. The scrap yard keeps this signed documentation on file and does the official transaction. You want to keep a copy of this paperwork for your records. It shows you are no longer the owner of the car and prevents any future problems.
Why is Environmental Safety Important?
Scrapping a car is not just cleaning junk. Many of our old vehicles contain fluids and components that will negatively affect our environment. All the oils, coolant, brake fluid, and batteries can leak into the ground. That’s why licensed scrap yards are obliged to follow safety measures to make sure these are properly removed and disposed of, protecting our communities. The vehicles that are being scrapped will then be able to reuse the metal, tires, and other components, reducing waste. You’ll be happy to learn that you are making a difference in protecting communities and landfills by scrapping your car at a certified scrap yard.
What Documents Should You Get After Scrapping?
When the car is gone, the scrap yard will provide you with a few documents, which will typically include a bill of sale and a certificate of destruction. The bill of sale is a record that you sold the car for scrap. The destruction certificate says the vehicle was dismantled and recycled. You should save these documents for your records in the event you may need to refer to them for something related to insurance, taxes, or if there are issues with your property in the future. If you are facing a scrap yard operator who refuses to provide that, I’d be leery. Always ask for paperwork.
Can You Get Paid for Scrapping an Abandoned Car?
Yes, many scrap yards in Ontario will pay you cash for scrap cars. The value is based on the car’s weight, metal type, and condition. You can get something even if the car is a scrap or has been stripped. Scrap yards will pay more if you have a full car with engine, wheels, and battery. It’s always a good idea to ask for a quote before agreeing to a deal. If you have the time, always get quotes from multiple places. Some will provide free towing, which is an added value.
Things to Avoid When Scrapping a Car
In Ontario, you can not afford to skip the paperwork when you scrap your car. Never use a scrap yard that is unlicensed or unsavory; they often pay more…do not trust them! Do not leave any personal items in the car. Always cancel the insurance after the vehicle is gone. Remember to remove the plates from the car and bring or mail them back to ServiceOntario. Don’t skip or forget any of these steps, or you may get tickets, fees, or other charges down the road! Follow the process and save yourself the hassle later.
Conclusion
Scrapping an abandoned vehicle in Ontario is legal if you follow some straightforward rules. First, prove ownership, report the vehicle if not yours, and get the car to a licensed scrap yard. Next, prepare the vehicle, then transfer ownership, and finally, properly document the scrap. All these steps will help keep you out of meaningful legal issues and help the environment. For a safe, easy, and legal service, you can count on Greenway Auto Recycling. They offer trusted scrap car removal across the GTA and handle every job by the book. If you have an abandoned or unwanted car, let Greenway Auto Recycling take care of it the right way. Call our team at (416) 783-9026 for immediate scrap car pickup.
