You have several reliable options to turn your car into scrap metal, including junkyards (also called salvage yards), dedicated scrap metal recycling centers, and online car removal services. The best choice depends on whether your car has reusable parts or is purely scrap, and how much effort you want to expend. Junkyards often pay more if they can resell parts, while scrap yards pay based on the vehicle's raw metal weight. Online services offer the highest convenience, typically handling all the paperwork and offering free towing.
The core factor determining your payout is the vehicle's curb weight and the current price of scrap steel. Prices fluctuate, so it's wise to get quotes from a few local yards. On average, a standard sedan weighing around 3,500 pounds might fetch between $300 and $600, but this is highly variable. The process usually involves providing the car's title to prove ownership, removing the license plates, and canceling your insurance.
Here’s a quick comparison of common outlets:
| Outlet Type | Best For | Average Payout (Sedan) | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Self-Service Junkyard | Selling usable parts yourself | Varies by part value | Requires time, effort, and tools; you may still need to pay for carcass removal. |
| Full-Service Junkyard | Cars with some working parts | $400 - $800+ | Payout is higher if valuable components (engine, transmission) are intact. |
| Scrap Metal Yard | Non-running, wrecked, or part-stripped cars | $200 - $600 | Payment is based purely on weight (e.g., $150 per ton). |
| Online Car Buyer (e.g., Peddle, CarBrain) | Maximum convenience, free towing | $250 - $700 | Quick online quote; they handle pickup and paperwork, often within 24-48 hours. |
Before you sell, call ahead to confirm what documentation is required—usually the vehicle title is mandatory. If you've lost the title, contact your local DMV for a duplicate; some scrap yards may accept the car with just a registration and a bill of sale, but this is less common. Remember to remove all personal belongings from the vehicle.
