♻️ Quick Answer — Scrap Car Removal Ottawa
Want to get rid of a junk car in Ottawa? Scrap car removal in Ottawa pays between $100 – $2,500 depending on the vehicle’s make, model, weight, and condition. Most companies offer free towing and same-day pickup. Towing Ottawa provides free junk car towing, eco-friendly recycling, and cash options for qualifying vehicles across Ottawa and surrounding areas.
📞 Call (613) 317-3924 for a free scrap car quote today.
That old car sitting in your driveway is not just an eyesore — it is costing you money in insurance, registration, and wasted space. Whether it is rusted out, wrecked from a collision, or simply does not run anymore, scrap car removal in Ottawa turns your problem into cash. Instead of paying to have it hauled to a dump, professional removal services come to your location, tow the vehicle for free, and pay you on the spot.
At Towing Ottawa, we provide free scrap car removal and vehicle recycling across the city. From compact cars to old pickup trucks, our insured tow trucks handle pickups day and night — no hidden fees, no hassle. This guide covers how much your scrap car is worth, how the process works, what paperwork you need, and why responsible recycling matters in Ottawa.
How Much Is Your Scrap Car Worth in Ottawa?
The value of a scrap car depends on several factors including its weight, condition, make, model, year, and the current price of scrap metal. Here is what Ottawa drivers can generally expect:
💡 Pro Tip: Vehicles with intact catalytic converters, working transmissions, and complete engines are worth significantly more than stripped-down shells. If your car still has these parts, mention it when you call for a higher quote.
What Determines the Value of a Scrap Car?
Not all junk cars are created equal. The amount you receive depends on several key factors that scrap buyers evaluate before making an offer:
Vehicle weight: Scrap metal is sold by the tonne. Heavier vehicles — trucks, SUVs, and full-size sedans — contain more steel and aluminum, which means a bigger payout. A Honda Civic weighs roughly 1,300 kg while a Ford F-150 tips the scales at over 2,000 kg.
Current scrap metal prices: The global price of steel, aluminum, and copper fluctuates regularly. When scrap metal prices are high, your car is worth more. As of early 2026, scrap steel in Ontario ranges from approximately $180–$250 per metric tonne.
Condition and completeness: A car with all its parts — engine, transmission, catalytic converter, wheels, and battery — will fetch a higher price than one that has been stripped. Missing major components lower the value significantly.
Make, model, and year: Popular vehicles like Toyotas, Hondas, and domestic trucks have high parts demand at salvage yards. Rare or luxury vehicles may also command premium prices for specialized components.
Running vs. non-running: If your car still starts and drives, you may be eligible for a higher offer since the buyer can resell it or drive it to the facility rather than towing it. Non-running vehicles are still accepted — they are just valued primarily for scrap metal and parts.
How Scrap Car Removal Works in Ottawa
The process is simple and usually takes less than 24 hours from your first call to cash in hand. Here is how it works with Towing Ottawa:
Call or Request a Quote
Contact us at (613) 317-3924 or use our online form. Tell us your vehicle’s make, model, year, condition, and location.
Receive Your Cash Offer
We provide a transparent quote based on current scrap market rates and your vehicle’s details. No obligation — take it or leave it.
Schedule Free Pickup
Accept the offer and we schedule a pickup time that works for you — often same-day. Towing is always free.
Vehicle Pickup & Payment
Our insured tow truck arrives, loads your vehicle, and you receive cash on the spot. Quick paperwork and you are done.
Eco-Friendly Recycling
Your vehicle is taken to an approved recycling facility where fluids are safely drained, usable parts are salvaged, and metals are recycled responsibly.
What Paperwork Do You Need to Scrap a Car in Ontario?
Scrapping a vehicle in Ontario requires some basic documentation to ensure a legal transfer. Here is what you should have ready:
⚠️ Important: Always remove your licence plates before the vehicle is scrapped. Under Ontario law, plates belong to the owner, not the vehicle. Return them to ServiceOntario to cancel the registration and avoid future liability. Also remember to cancel your auto insurance once the vehicle is gone.
When Should You Scrap Your Car?
Not sure if your car is worth fixing or scrapping? Here are the most common situations where scrap car removal in Ottawa makes more sense than paying for repairs:
Repair costs exceed the vehicle’s value. If a mechanic quotes you $3,000 on a car worth $2,000, scrapping is the smart financial move.
Failed safety inspection (MTO). In Ontario, a vehicle that cannot pass a safety standards certificate is not road-legal. If the fixes are too expensive, scrapping is the answer.
Severe collision damage. After a major accident, if insurance declares the vehicle a total loss and the salvage payout is low, scrapping directly may net you more cash. If you have just had an accident, we can handle both the tow and the scrap process.
Flood or fire damage. Water-damaged and fire-damaged vehicles are dangerous to repair and often have hidden electrical and structural problems.
Sitting unused for years. A car that has been parked for 2+ years develops dry-rotted tires, corroded brake lines, and fuel system damage. Reviving it is usually not worth the cost.
Rust and structural rot. Ottawa’s road salt accelerates rust. If the frame, subframe, or rocker panels are compromised, the car is structurally unsafe and should be recycled.
Ready to Turn Your Junk Car Into Cash?
Free towing • Same-day pickup • Cash on the spot • Eco-friendly recycling
Sell vs. Scrap vs. Donate: Which Option Is Best?
Ottawa drivers have three main options for getting rid of an unwanted vehicle. Here is how they compare:
♻️ Scrap for Cash
✅ Get $100–$2,500
✅ Free towing included
✅ Same-day pickup available
✅ Works for any condition
Best for: Non-running, damaged, or old vehicles
🏷️ Private Sale
✅ Potentially higher payout
❌ Need safety certificate
❌ Requires UVIP ($20+)
❌ Can take weeks/months
Best for: Running cars with valid safety
🎁 Donate to Charity
✅ Tax receipt in some cases
✅ Good for the community
❌ No immediate cash
❌ Tax receipt value varies
Best for: Vehicles with some running value
For most Ottawa residents with a non-running or damaged vehicle, scrapping for cash is the fastest and most practical option. If you are dealing with a car that was recently in a collision, check our guide on what to do after an accident in Ottawa — we handle accident towing and scrap removal as a complete package.
Where We Pick Up Scrap Cars in Ottawa
We remove scrap vehicles from driveways, garages, parking lots, commercial properties, and even rural properties across the entire Ottawa region. Our coverage includes:
Need a pickup outside these areas? Call us — we may be able to arrange long-distance towing for your scrap vehicle. View our full service area map.
Why Recycling Your Scrap Car Matters
Scrap car removal is not just about clearing space and earning cash — it is also an environmental responsibility. Junk vehicles left sitting on properties leak fluids, rust, and release toxins into the soil and groundwater. Professional recycling solves this problem.
Fluid recovery: Engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, and refrigerants are all safely drained and disposed of at certified facilities before the vehicle is crushed.
Metal recycling: Roughly 80% of a car’s weight is recyclable metal — steel, aluminum, and copper. Recycling one car saves approximately 2,500 pounds of iron ore and 1,400 pounds of coal compared to producing new steel.
Parts salvage: Reusable parts like alternators, starters, mirrors, and body panels are salvaged and resold, keeping them out of landfills and helping other drivers find affordable repairs.
Tire and battery recycling: Lead-acid batteries and old tires are two of the most common environmental pollutants. Both are removed and sent to specialized recycling facilities in Ontario.
How to Avoid Scrap Car Removal Scams in Ottawa
Unfortunately, not every scrap car buyer operates honestly. Here are red flags to watch for and tips to protect yourself:
🚩 They quote high on the phone, then lower the price on arrival. This is a classic bait-and-switch. Always get the offer in writing or via text before they show up.
🚩 They charge a “towing fee” from your cash offer. Reputable companies include free towing. If someone deducts $100+ for pickup, walk away.
🚩 No receipt or paperwork. You should always receive a receipt or bill of sale. Without it, the vehicle could still be registered in your name.
🚩 They are not insured or licensed. Ask for proof. Unlicensed operators may dump your car illegally, and you could be held liable.
For tips on avoiding towing scams in general, read our detailed guide on how to avoid tow truck scams in Ottawa.
Other Towing Services We Offer
Whether your vehicle needs scrapping, towing, or roadside help, Towing Ottawa is a one-call solution. Here is what else we provide:
Frequently Asked Questions: Scrap Car Removal Ottawa
How much can I get for my scrap car in Ottawa?
Most scrap cars in Ottawa sell for $100 to $2,500 depending on the vehicle’s make, model, weight, condition, and current scrap metal prices. Trucks and SUVs typically receive higher offers than compact cars.
Do you offer free towing for scrap cars?
Yes. Towing Ottawa provides free towing for all scrap car pickups across Ottawa and surrounding areas. The quoted cash price is what you receive — no towing fees are deducted.
Can you remove a car that does not run or start?
Absolutely. We remove vehicles in any condition — running, non-running, wrecked, rusted, flood-damaged, or fire-damaged. Our flatbed tow trucks can load vehicles that cannot roll or steer.
How fast can you pick up my scrap car?
In many cases, we offer same-day pickup. Call us with your vehicle details and location, and we will schedule the earliest available time — often within a few hours.
What paperwork do I need to scrap my car in Ontario?
You will need the signed vehicle ownership (title) and a valid photo ID. Remove your licence plates before pickup and return them to ServiceOntario to cancel your registration.
Do you buy scrap trucks and SUVs too?
Yes. We accept all vehicle types — cars, trucks, SUVs, minivans, and even some commercial vehicles. Heavier vehicles like pickup trucks and SUVs usually receive the highest cash offers.
What happens to my car after it is scrapped?
Your vehicle is transported to an approved recycling facility. Fluids are safely drained, usable parts are salvaged for resale, and the remaining metal is crushed and recycled. About 80% of a car is recyclable.
Is scrap car removal in Ottawa available on weekends?
Yes. Towing Ottawa operates 24/7 including weekends and holidays. We understand that scheduling a weekday pickup is not always convenient, so we accommodate your schedule.
Can I scrap a car with no ownership or lost title?
This can be more complicated. In Ontario, proof of ownership is required for legal vehicle disposal. If you have lost your title, you may be able to obtain a replacement from ServiceOntario. Call us to discuss your specific situation.
Should I remove personal items before the scrap car is picked up?
Yes. Remove all personal belongings, valuables, registration documents, insurance papers, and licence plates from the vehicle before the tow truck arrives. Once the car is at the recycling facility, retrieving items becomes very difficult.
Get Cash for Your Junk Car Today
Free towing • Same-day pickup • All vehicle types accepted • Ottawa & area