Can I Scrap an Abandoned Car in Canada?
If you have an abandoned vehicle on your property, private land, or parking area, then it’s obvious you might think whether you can scrap it or sell it privately to get rid of the vehicle. In that scenario, you may find yourself stuck, wondering whether it’s legal to scrap an abandoned car or not. The answer is usually not fixed, instead, car scrapping in that case depends on various factors.
In this guide, we will explore who actually has the right to scrap the abandoned car. So, let’s dive into the answer before you consider contacting a scrap car removal service or private auto dealer.
Can I Scrap an Abandoned Car?
If you find an abandoned vehicle, that doesn’t mean you can sell it for cash just because the vehicle has been left at a place for a few weeks, months, or years. When you have such a vehicle that appears to have been abandoned, you generally need to verify who owns it and follow the appropriate legal process to get rid of it.
Let’s discuss two different scenarios that will help you to choose the legally right path.
1. If You Don’t Own the Vehicle
You can’t legally scrap or sell a vehicle that you don’t own, even if it’s abandoned on your property or a lot you own.
- In that case, the safest approach is to find the real owner who has a valid claim to the vehicle and ask the owner whether they will give the vehicle to you or sell it to you. Don’t forget to get the documents verifying the transfer of ownership. Otherwise, licensed facilities, such as an auto scrapyard, may not accept such a vehicle.
- The second option you can try is to report the vehicle to your local municipality or the appropriate authority. An enforcement officer may come to assess the condition and give the real owner notice of a few days (approx. 15–30) to claim the vehicle or move it. When the notice period ends, the municipality has the authority to scrap or dispose of the vehicle.
That’s how you can scrap or remove an abandoned vehicle legally that you don’t own. The above-mentioned are the legal steps you can take to avoid getting yourself into legal troubles.
2. If You Own the Vehicle
If you own the abandoned car, then you are free to scrap it, sell it, or do whatever you want to do with it as long as you have ownership or registration documents in hand. While scrapping, licensed scrap yards or recycling centres across Canada will typically ask for documents such as vehicle ownership documents (title), photo ID, or other documents.
Moreover, scrapping a car is a simple and hassle-free process if done correctly. All you have to do is contact a licensed and reputable service provider in your area and share all the vehicle details. When you accept the offer, the scrapyard may send a team to transport the vehicle, leaving you with the agreed payment. Finally, you will need to notify the provincial licensing body that the vehicle has been taken off the road. Your scrapyard may also issue a certificate of destruction confirming that the vehicle has been recycled.
How Much Can You Get Paid For An Abandoned Car?
Abandoned vehicles have value in the scrap market, they are not considered complete junk. Instead, recyclers or buyers across Canada pay for them. However, you may get paid relatively less for a years-long abandoned car compared to a usual scrap car due to various factors such as its condition, the parts it has, and others. Despite the condition, you still can expect to get paid $120 to $2,000 for a derelict vehicle in Ontario, Canada.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our guide on how much a scrap car is worth in Canada.
Final Thoughts
One can scrap or sell an abandoned car legally in Canada, but only the rightful owner can do so. In short, don’t treat the abandoned car as free scrap, instead, consider it as someone else’s property that can be removed or sold through a legal process.
If you have an abandoned car and want to scrap it, contact Schmidt’s Auto Recycling and get paid $200 to $20,000 on the spot, plus free towing and paperwork support.
