Scrap Car Prices Per Ton in Canada (2026)
In this era, scrapping a car in Canada is one of the fastest and best ways to turn your vehicle into cash after it has spent its good time on the roads. Every owner can have different goals some may want to remove vehicles to free up space, while others want to earn a fair payout in return for that vehicle.
If you are someone who also wants to get the best price in return for your junk car, then the most common question that may arise in your mind is how much you can get paid for your scrap car. It is good to have knowledge about the current market value of your asset, even if it is scrap. Moreover, knowing the value of your scrap vehicle means you can verify any offer you receive and determine whether it is fair or not.
Current Scrap Car Prices Per Ton
Scrap vehicles are quoted in multiple ways depending on factors such as vehicle condition, value of main parts, or vehicle weight. This means if the car is absolute junk, then it may only be valued by its metal weight and may yield a lower payout. Whereas, if the car is in fair condition and has key parts intact, then it will not only be valued by its metal weight, instead, other factors will be considered during valuation, which may definitely increase the payout.
In Canada, when a vehicle is valued by its metal weight, it is typically quoted per pound, per kilogram, or per ton. For a complete vehicle unit, the average scrap car price per ton ranges from $120 to $700 or more. However, the offer can also be higher if you have a vehicle in good condition with parts intact, as the overall value will be factored in. The weight-based figure represents the minimum offer you should expect.
Here is a detailed breakdown of a typical vehicle:
| Vehicle Type | Esti. Weight | Esti. Value |
|---|---|---|
| Subcompact or Micro | 1.2-1.4 t | $264-$308 |
| Compact Sedan | 1.4-1.55 t | $308-$341 |
| Mid-Size Sedan | 1.6-1.8 t | $352-$396 |
| Compact SUV or Crossover | 1.75-2.1 t | $385-$462 |
| Minivan or Full-Size SUV | 2.1-2.5 t | $462-$550 |
| Pickup Truck (Full-Size) | 2.3-2.85 t | $506-$627 |
Most Canadian auto scrapyards or recycling centres use a certain formula to calculate scrap car value.
- Vehicle weight (in tons) × Steel price (per ton) = Base metal value
If the vehicle is in good condition with intact parts, this will also be factored into the overall value.
- Base metal value + Parts value + Make/Model premium + Other factors (if any) = Total Scrap Car Value
If you want to estimate the value of your scrap car, then use our advanced calculator to get accurate estimates.
Note
EVs are not valued the same as petrol vehicles because they contain large batteries, valuable wiring, and other components. That’s why electric vehicles receive higher payout offers on a per-ton basis, a trend that should continue in the coming years.
Scrap Car Prices Per Ton Across Provinces
Per-ton scrap car prices do not remain the same across all Canadian provinces. Instead, scrap car prices vary across provinces due to various influencing factors. Here is a province-by-province overview of the estimated price breakdown:
| Province | Price Range (CAD per ton) |
|---|---|
| Ontario | $220-$280 |
| Alberta | $210-$270 |
| British Columbia | $200-$260 |
| Quebec | $195-$255 |
| Manitoba | $180-$235 |
| Saskatchewan | $175-$225 |
| Atlantic Provinces | $155-$210 |
Why Do Scrap Car Prices Fluctuate?
The value of scrap vehicles is not fixed and changes due to a range of factors, including:
- Current metal prices (e.g., steel, aluminum, and copper) in the market
- The type of metal content a vehicle contains
- The make, model, and year of the vehicle
- The vehicle condition and usability of the auto parts
So, while valuing scrap cars, removal service providers factor in the above considerations.
Getting the Most Money for Your Scrap Car
If you want to get the maximum payout for your scrap car, you can follow these proven tips.
- Firstly, know the exact weight of the vehicle. You can check the weight of your car online or on the door-jamb sticker. By knowing the exact weight of your vehicle, you can estimate its value and confidently challenge or negotiate the offer you receive.
- Always try to track the current scrap metal price in your province. By doing this, you will not only time your sale but also verify whether you are getting paid fairly based on current metal market trends.
- To avoid scams or any legal issues, always choose licensed and reputable service providers.
- Do not settle too quickly. Always contact multiple service providers (at least 3–5), then compare the offers you receive to decide on the fairest one.
The Bottom Line
The per-ton rate for scrap cars is what you can at least expect in return for your car because of the metal content it contains. Everything above that, such as the parts the vehicle holds, the vehicle model, and the make, adds additional value. By scrapping your unwanted, old, or damaged car, you will at least get paid based on its metal weight. So, by scrapping a car, you will not only get paid for it but also contribute to a greener environment by promoting recycling.
If you want to scrap a car for the best price, contact Schmidt’s Auto Recycling and get paid $200 to $20,000, plus free towing and paperwork support.
