119 Manville Rd Unit 1, Scarborough, ON M1L 4J7

Scrap Car Glossary

The Scrap Car Glossary: Key Terms You Should Know

Published on Mar 10, 2025 | Last updated Mar 10, 2025

Introduction

If you want to know what a scrap car is or are planning to scrap it, it’s important to understand the key industry terms. Many people face doubts when dealing with scrap yards, auto recyclers, or junk car buyers. Therefore, knowing the correct terms can help you get the best deal and avoid any misunderstandings.

Scrap car removal is very easy in Canada, companies like Greenway Auto Recycling make car scrapping easy by offering free towing and competitive cash offers. But before you deal with a scrapyard, you should learn about the process and the terminology used in the industry.

The glossary terms below explain the most important terminology related to scrap car removal, auto recycling, and salvage yards. By the end of this guide, you will feel confident when discussing your car’s value, the recycling process, and what to expect from a junkyard. 

Key Scrap Car Terms

It’s time to understand the scrap car terms to make the scrap car removal process easier for you. So, let’s jump in: 

1. Scrap Car

A scrap car is an old or damaged vehicle that is no longer worth repairing. It is sold to scrap yards for parts and metal recycling.

2. Junk Car

A junk car is another term for a scrap car. These vehicles may be rusted, totaled, or no longer drivable. They are mostly sold for parts or crushed for scrap metal.

3. Auto Recycler

Auto recycling means it’s a facility that dismantles old or damaged vehicles. They remove usable parts, recycle metal, and dispose of dangerous materials safely.

4. Salvage Yard

A salvage yard, also called a junkyard, is where damaged or end-of-life vehicles are stored. The auto parts are removed for resale, and the remaining metal is sent for recycling.

Also Read: Should You Fix Your Car Before Scrapping It?

5. End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV)

An ELV is a car that is no longer roadworthy. Auto recyclers process ELVs to remove auto parts and recycle materials like steel, aluminum, and plastic.

6. Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter is a valuable car part that reduces toxic emissions. It contains precious metals like platinum and palladium, which hold good value. 

7. Car Title

A car title is a legal document, also known as vehicle ownership. To sell a scrap car, you must transfer the title to the buyer or recycler for legal and safety reasons. 

8. VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

A VIN is a unique code assigned to each vehicle. Scrap yards use VINs to prove ownership and check for stolen or junk vehicles.

9. Tow Truck Service

Most scrap car removal companies offer free towing services. A tow truck picks up your car and sends it to a recycling facility.

10. Depollution

Depollution is the process of removing dangerous fluids and materials from a vehicle before recycling. This process includes draining oil, coolant, and fuel.

11. Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals include iron and steel. Aluminum and copper are non-ferrous metals and are valuable in scrap recycling.

12. Scrap Metal Price

The scrap metal price is the amount recyclers pay for different metals in your car. The prices can change based on the market demand for scrap metal.

13. Rebuilt Title

A rebuilt title is given to a junk car that has been repaired and inspected for road use. Unlike scrap cars, you can drive these cars again on the roads.

14. Core Charge

A core charge is a fee that is added for some car parts, like batteries and alternators. You get a refund when you return the old part for recycling.

15. Hulk

A hulk is a big vehicle stripped of all valuable parts. The frame is mostly crushed and sent to a metal recycler.

Also Read: Scrap Car Removal Laws Across Canadian Provinces: What to Expect

16. Crushing and Shredding

Crushing and shredding are the final steps in auto recycling. Large machines compress cars into metal cubes or shred them into smaller pieces for easy processing.

17. Dismantling

The dismantling process involves taking apart a scrap car to remove reusable parts. Items like engines, transmissions, and doors are removed before the car is shredded.

18. Cash for Cars

Many scrap car buyers offer cash for cars. This means you get paid for your old vehicle based on its condition, auto parts, and scrap metal value.

19. Parting Out

Parting out means you can sell individual car parts to the auto shops instead of scrapping the whole car. Many times, it’s more profitable if you sell out valuable auto parts individually. 

Conclusion

Scrapping your car is quite an easy and eco-friendly solution today. You should know the general terms that you hear in the auto recycling industry. There are many scrap car buyers like Greenway Auto Recycling, who offer you top dollars for your junk car. The reputed scrapyards also offer you free towing services and a complete paperwork assistance. 

If you are in the GTA and need to scrap a car, Greenway Auto Recycling is a trusted name in the industry. Contact us today to turn your scrap car into cash. 

Related Posts

Salvage Car vs. Scrap Car: What’s the Difference

Salvage Car vs. Scrap Car: What’s the Difference

Introduction If you have an old vehicle, you might wonder whether it’s a salvaged car or a scrap car. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Therefore, it’s important to understand the difference so you can make the right...

Scrap Car Prices Across Canada: Why Your Location Matters

Scrap Car Prices Across Canada: Why Your Location Matters

Introduction Scrap car prices are always changing, and if you're thinking about scrapping your vehicle in Canada, you’ll notice that offers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live. Location plays a major role in determining how much you’ll get for your junk...