EcoScrap.ca pays cash for junk cars in Toronto and anywhere within 200 km, including the whole GTA, Hamilton, Barrie, Kitchener-Waterloo, Niagara and Durham Region. We tow the vehicle away for free, handle the loading ourselves and pay you on the spot in cash (or by e-Transfer if you prefer). Call (647) 915-5440 for a free quote on your scrap car today.

Before selling, review the province’s guide to buying or selling a used vehicle in Ontario and its vehicle registration rules — we walk you through the ownership paperwork at pickup.

Whether you have an old sedan rusting in the driveway, a van that failed its safety, a pickup with a seized engine, or a shop lot full of vehicles that customers never came back for, the process is the same: one phone call, a quote, a booked pickup and payment when our truck arrives. This page explains exactly how our cash for junk cars Toronto service works, what decides how much your car is worth, what paperwork you need in Ontario, and what happens to the vehicle after it leaves your property.

Quick answer: how does cash for junk cars work in Toronto?

Selling a junk car to EcoScrap takes four simple steps. You call us with the year, make, model and condition. We give you a quote based on today’s scrap metal market and the parts on the car. We book a pickup time that suits you, often the same day or next day. Our driver checks your ID and ownership, you sign the vehicle over, we pay you and tow the car away. There is no charge for the tow anywhere within 200 km of Toronto.

• Free towing within 200 km of Toronto, including the GTA and Golden Horseshoe
• Paid on the spot in cash, or by e-Transfer if you prefer
• Any condition: running or not, no keys, flat tires, accident-damaged, missing parts
• Any vehicle type: cars, SUVs, minivans, pickup trucks, cargo vans and light commercial vehicles
• Legitimate and documented: we check government photo ID and the ownership permit on every car we buy

Who sells junk cars to EcoScrap?

Most of our scrap car removal Ontario calls come from two groups: everyday car owners and automotive businesses. We set up the service to work well for both.

Private car owners

If you own a car that has reached the end of its road life, selling it for scrap is usually faster and simpler than trying to sell it privately. Common situations we see:

• The repair estimate is more than the car is worth (engine, transmission, frame rust, major electrical problems)
• The car failed an Ontario safety inspection and you do not want to fix it
• It has been sitting unused for months or years and no longer starts
• It was in an accident and the insurer did not take it, or you kept it after a settlement
• You inherited a vehicle or are clearing out a family property
• You are moving, downsizing, or need the driveway or garage space back
• You bought a new car and the dealer trade-in offer was too low or nil

Mechanic shops, body shops and dealerships

Auto repair shops, collision centres, tire and muffler shops and dealership service departments regularly end up with vehicles that need to go. Examples include customer cars that were declared not worth fixing, vehicles left after a customer declined a big repair, trade-ins that are not worth reconditioning, and abandoned or unclaimed customer vehicles taking up valuable bays and lot space.

We pick up from commercial lots across the GTA and beyond, and we can often take several vehicles in one trip. Shops that also produce scrap catalytic converters, rims, rotors and parts can combine everything into one pickup through our scrap metal pickup service. For more on how we work with businesses, see our guide to the scrap program for mechanic, tire and muffler shops.

A note for shops with abandoned or unclaimed vehicles

Before a shop can sell a customer’s vehicle, it needs the legal right to do so. In Ontario, the Repair and Storage Liens Act sets out the process a repairer or storer generally has to follow before selling an unclaimed vehicle to recover unpaid charges, including notice requirements and timelines. This is general information, not legal advice; the rules are specific, so speak with a lawyer or licensed paralegal about your situation. Once you have completed the process and have the documents that give you authority to sell, call us at (647) 915-5440 and we will explain what we need to see at pickup.

What affects how much cash you get for a junk car?

There is no single flat price for scrap cars, and anyone who quotes a fixed number without asking about your vehicle is guessing. The value of a junk car comes from a mix of the metal it contains and the parts that can be reused or recycled. Here are the main factors, roughly in order of importance.

1. Vehicle weight (the steel value)

Most of a car’s scrap value comes from its weight. A typical vehicle is mostly steel and iron, with aluminum, copper and plastics making up the rest. Heavier vehicles, such as full-size pickups, SUVs and vans, contain more metal and usually earn more than a small compact car in the same condition. Steel prices move with the commodity market, so the same car can be worth a little more or less from one month to the next. That is why we always say: call for today’s price.

2. Make, model and year

The make and model tell us which parts are on the vehicle and whether there is demand for them. Popular models with lots of vehicles still on Ontario roads tend to have more useful parts. Some newer vehicles, even if badly damaged, have high-value components. Very old vehicles may be worth mostly their weight in metal.

3. The catalytic converter

The catalytic converter is often the single most valuable part on a junk car. Inside the converter is a ceramic honeycomb coated with precious metals from the platinum group: platinum, palladium and rhodium. The amount of these metals varies a lot from one converter to another. Original (OEM) converters usually contain much more than aftermarket replacements. Some vehicles have two or more converters. If the converter has already been removed from your car, tell us when you call so your quote is accurate. You can learn more on our sell catalytic converters page and in our guide to catalytic converter scrap value in Ontario.

4. Aluminum alloy wheels

Factory alloy wheels are usually cast from an aluminum alloy such as A356, which is worth more per kilogram than steel. A car on a set of four alloy wheels is generally worth a bit more than the same car on steel rims. If you plan to keep the wheels, let us know, but remember the car needs wheels to be towed easily. See our scrap alloy rims and wheels page and our comparison of aluminum vs steel rim prices.

5. Reusable parts

Engines, transmissions, alternators, starters, AC compressors, radiators, body panels, doors, lights and interior parts can all have reuse value if they are in working order. A car with a good engine and transmission is worth more than one with a seized motor. Parts with reuse value are one reason two cars of the same weight can get different quotes. If you have parts already removed, we buy those too through our sell scrap car parts service.

6. Drivable or not

A car that still runs and drives can be worth more because its mechanical parts are proven to work. That said, a non-running car is not a problem at all. We tow vehicles that have not moved in years.

7. Completeness

A complete vehicle is worth more than a stripped shell. Missing engines, transmissions, converters, batteries or wheels all reduce the value. Be upfront when you call and your quote will hold when the driver arrives.

8. Location and access

Because towing is free within 200 km, location rarely changes your price much. Access does matter for planning: tell us if the car is in an underground garage, a tight laneway, a backyard, or blocked in so we can send the right equipment.

Junk car value factors at a glance

The table below summarises how common factors tend to move the value of a scrap car. It is a general guide only, not a quote. Actual prices follow live metal and precious-metal markets, so call for today’s number.

Factor	Tends to increase value	Tends to lower value
Weight	Full-size trucks, SUVs, vans	Small compacts, very light vehicles
Catalytic converter	Original OEM converter(s) still installed	Converter missing or aftermarket replacement
Wheels	Factory aluminum alloy wheels (A356 type)	Steel rims or no wheels
Engine and transmission	Present and in working order	Seized, missing or removed
Condition	Drivable, complete, recent model year	Stripped, burned, heavily parted out
Market	Rising steel and platinum-group metal prices	Falling commodity prices

We buy junk cars in any condition

People often ask if their car is “too far gone” to sell. In almost every case, the answer is no. We buy vehicles that other buyers turn away.

No keys? No problem

Lost the keys? We can still tow the car. You will still need to prove you own the vehicle with the ownership permit and your photo ID, but missing keys do not stop the sale. Let us know when you book so the driver can plan to load it without steering.

Flat tires or no tires

Flat tires, seized brakes or wheels that do not turn are common with cars that have been parked for a long time. Our tow equipment can handle it. If the car is missing wheels entirely, tell us so we send the right truck.

Accident-damaged cars

Front-end hits, rollovers, flood damage and fire damage are all fine. We price damaged vehicles on what is left: the weight, the converter and any parts that survived. If your insurer has written the car off and you still have it, call us to discuss the paperwork. If the vehicle has a salvage or irreparable branding on the ownership, that is fine too; we just need the ownership permit in your name.

Cars that do not run

Dead batteries, blown engines, failed transmissions and electrical problems do not stop us. Most of the cars we tow are not drivable.

Old, rusty and abandoned-looking cars

Rust reduces the weight of usable steel a little, but rusty cars still have value. Cars that have been sitting on a farm, in a backyard or behind a garage for years are welcome, as long as you are the owner and have the paperwork.

How it works: selling your junk car, step by step

Here is exactly what happens when you sell a junk car to EcoScrap. Most customers are done in one phone call and one short visit.

1. Call (647) 915-5440. Tell us the year, make, model, approximate kilometres, whether it runs, what is missing or damaged, and where it is located.
2. Get your quote. We price the car on today’s scrap market and the parts on board. There is no obligation and no charge for the quote.
3. Book your pickup. Choose a time. Same-day or next-day pickup is often available across the GTA. Further out, we schedule a convenient day.
4. Get your paperwork ready. Have your vehicle ownership permit and valid government-issued photo ID. Remove your licence plates and personal belongings.
5. Driver arrives and checks the car. We confirm the vehicle matches what you described and check the VIN against the ownership.
6. Sign the car over and get paid. You complete the vehicle transfer section of the ownership permit, we record the transaction, and you are paid on the spot in cash or by e-Transfer.
7. We tow it away for free. The car is loaded and taken for proper recycling. You do not have to be a mechanic, prepare the car or pay anything.

For more detail on the Ontario side of things, including plates and insurance, read our full guide: how to sell a junk car in Ontario.

What paperwork do you need to sell a junk car in Ontario?

Because we are a responsible, legitimate buyer, we do not buy vehicles without proof of ownership. This protects you, protects us and helps keep stolen vehicles out of the recycling stream. Here is what to have ready. This is general information, not legal advice; if your situation is unusual, call us and we will tell you what we need.

Vehicle ownership permit

In Ontario, the vehicle permit has a vehicle portion and a plate portion. To sell the car, you complete and sign the transfer section on the vehicle portion and hand it over. The name on the ownership should match your ID. If the vehicle is jointly owned, all owners may need to sign.

Valid government photo ID

We check valid government-issued photo ID, such as an Ontario driver’s licence or a passport, and we record the transaction. This is standard practice for responsible scrap buyers.

Licence plates

In Ontario, the plates belong to you, not the car. Remove them before the driver leaves. You can transfer them to another vehicle or return them to a ServiceOntario centre. Keep the plate portion of your permit.

Lost your ownership?

If you cannot find the ownership permit, you can generally apply for a replacement through ServiceOntario. Requirements and fees can change, so check ServiceOntario directly. Call us first, though; we can tell you what we need and help you plan the pickup around it.

Car not in your name?

If the vehicle belongs to a family member, an estate or a business, we will need to see documents showing you have the authority to sell it. Every case is a little different, so call (647) 915-5440 and tell us the situation before we book.

Document or item	What it is for	Who provides it
Vehicle portion of ownership permit	Proves ownership and transfers the car	Registered owner signs it over
Government-issued photo ID	Confirms you are the owner	Registered owner (or authorised seller)
Licence plates	Stay with you; not sold with the car	You remove and keep or return them
Authority documents (if applicable)	For estates, businesses, unclaimed vehicles	Executor, company signing authority, or shop
Keys (if available)	Helpful but not required	Owner

What happens to your junk car after we tow it?

Scrap car removal is one of the most environmentally useful things you can do with a car that has reached the end of its life. A vehicle left to sit can leak oil, coolant and other fluids into the ground. Properly recycled, almost all of its metal goes back into new products.

Fluids are drained and captured

End-of-life vehicles are depolluted before they are crushed or shredded. Engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant (antifreeze), windshield washer fluid and fuel are drained and collected so they do not end up in soil or storm drains. Refrigerant from the air conditioning system is recovered by qualified technicians, as required in Ontario. Lead-acid batteries are removed and sent to battery recycling, and items such as mercury switches and tires are handled separately.

Reusable parts get a second life

Parts that still work, such as engines, transmissions, alternators, starters, doors and lights, can be pulled and reused. Reusing a part avoids the energy and materials needed to make a new one, and it keeps repair costs down for other drivers.

Metals are recycled

What is left is processed for its metal. Steel and iron are shredded and sent to steel mills to be melted into new steel. Aluminum from wheels, engine blocks and other parts is recycled separately because it is more valuable. Copper from wiring and radiators, and the platinum, palladium and rhodium in the catalytic converter, are recovered and refined.

Why it matters

Recycling steel uses far less energy than making new steel from iron ore, and recycling aluminum saves even more. Every junk car that is properly recycled is one less source of leaks on a driveway or a farm field and more metal returned to Ontario’s supply chain. Choosing a responsible buyer is part of doing the right thing with your old car.

Where we buy junk cars: cities served within 200 km of Toronto

Our free towing covers a 200 km radius around Toronto. That includes the City of Toronto, all of the GTA, the Golden Horseshoe and a large part of Southern Ontario. If you want to sell a junk car anywhere in the GTA, from Pickering to Oakville and from Newmarket to the lakeshore, we can come to you. Click your city for local information:

Toronto and the inner GTA

• Toronto, including downtown, the east end and the west end
• Etobicoke
• North York
• Scarborough

Peel and Halton Regions

• Mississauga
• Brampton
• Oakville
• Burlington
• Milton
• Also Caledon, Bolton, Georgetown and Halton Hills

York Region

• Vaughan
• Markham
• Richmond Hill
• Newmarket
• Aurora
• Also King City and Stouffville

Durham Region and the east

• Ajax
• Pickering
• Whitby
• Oshawa
• Peterborough
• Also Uxbridge, Bowmanville, Clarington, Port Hope, Cobourg and Lindsay

Hamilton, Niagara and the Golden Horseshoe west

• Hamilton, including Stoney Creek
• St. Catharines
• Brantford
• Also Grimsby, Niagara Falls and Welland

Waterloo Region, Wellington and Southwestern Ontario

• Kitchener and Waterloo
• Cambridge
• Guelph
• London
• Also Woodstock, Stratford, Fergus and Simcoe

Simcoe County and the north

• Barrie
• Also Bradford, Innisfil, Alliston, Orillia, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach and Orangeville

Not sure if you are inside the 200 km zone? Call us with your address and we will confirm in seconds. You can also read more about our free scrap pickup within 200 km of Toronto.

Why sell your junk car to EcoScrap?

There are plenty of ways to get rid of an old car. Here is why many Ontario drivers and shops call us.

• We come to you. No need to arrange a tow or drive a dying car across the city. Free towing within 200 km of Toronto.
• Paid on the spot. Cash when the car is loaded, or e-Transfer if you prefer. No waiting for a cheque.
• Honest, condition-based quotes. We explain what drives your price: weight, converter, wheels and parts. If you describe the car accurately, the quote is what you get.
• Fast scheduling. Same-day or next-day pickup is often available in the GTA.
• Any condition accepted. No keys, no tires, not running, accident-damaged or stripped.
• Responsible and documented. We check ID and ownership on every vehicle and do not buy stolen cars or parts.
• One call for everything. Shops can sell cars, catalytic converters, rims, rotors, batteries and scrap metal in one visit. See all our services.
• Environmentally responsible. Your car goes for proper depollution and recycling.

How does selling for scrap compare with other options?

Scrapping is not always the best choice for every car. If the vehicle is in good condition and safety-ready, a private sale may get you more. But for cars that need major work, here is how the main options compare.

Option	Typical speed	Effort required	Best for
Sell to EcoScrap for cash	Often same or next day	One call; we tow for free	Non-running, damaged, old or unwanted vehicles
Private sale (as-is)	Days to weeks	Listings, calls, showings, test drives	Running cars with remaining value
Dealer trade-in	Same day as new purchase	Must be buying another vehicle	Newer cars with resale value
Donate to charity	Varies	Forms and scheduling	Owners wanting a tax receipt instead of cash
Leave it parked	Never	Ongoing insurance, space and leak risk	Nobody, in most cases

Tips to get more money for your junk car

A little preparation can help you get the best possible price and a smooth pickup.

• Keep the car complete. Do not pull the catalytic converter, battery or wheels unless you plan to sell them separately. A complete car is easier to price and usually worth more as a package.
• Describe it accurately. Tell us about missing parts, damage and whether it runs. Accurate details mean the quote holds when the driver arrives.
• Mention alloy wheels and recent parts. New tires, a newer battery, a rebuilt transmission or factory alloys can add value.
• Have your ownership and ID ready. Paperwork problems are the most common reason for delays.
• Clear access to the car. Move other vehicles, clear snow and make sure the tow truck can reach it.
• Check the market. Scrap steel and platinum-group metal prices change. If you are not in a rush, ask us how the market is moving.
• Bundle extra scrap. Have spare rims, old batteries, a used engine or other scrap metal? Add them to the same pickup.
• Shops: batch your vehicles. Booking several cars at once makes pickup more efficient for everyone.

Before the tow truck arrives: a quick checklist

• Remove all personal items: check the glove box, centre console, under the seats, the trunk and the spare-tire well
• Remove any toll transponder, garage door opener, dash cam and phone mounts
• Take off your licence plates and keep the plate portion of your permit
• Have the vehicle portion of the ownership permit and your photo ID ready
• Find the keys if you have them
• Make sure the car is accessible to a tow truck
• Plan to contact your insurer about cancelling or changing coverage after the sale

Frequently asked questions about cash for junk cars

Ready to sell your junk car?

Turning an unwanted car into cash takes one phone call. Tell us what you have and where it is, and we will give you a free quote, book a free tow anywhere within 200 km of Toronto and pay you on the spot. Call (647) 915-5440 now, or visit our contact page. Want to know more about us first? See our about page.