Scrap Car Removal Edmonton: Get Cash for Your Junk Vehicle
Scrap car removal in Edmonton is free when you sell to a reputable buyer. Most junk vehicles are worth $100–$800 in cash, depending on weight, condition, and current scrap metal prices. Same-day scrap car pickup is available with free towing included.
Edmonton Towing offers free scrap car removal across the entire city — we tow the vehicle, you get cash on the spot. No paperwork hassles, no hidden deductions.
Got an old car sitting in your driveway that hasn’t moved in months? A rusted-out truck collecting snow in the back lane? A vehicle with a blown engine that would cost more to fix than it’s worth? You’re not alone — thousands of Edmonton homeowners have a junk vehicle taking up space, and most don’t realize it’s actually worth money.
Scrap car removal in Edmonton is straightforward: a buyer comes to your location, pays you cash for the vehicle, and tows it away — usually the same day you call. No driving it anywhere, no listing it online and dealing with lowball offers for weeks, and no paying for a tow.
This guide explains exactly how junk car removal works in Edmonton, how much your vehicle is worth, what paperwork you need, and how to avoid common scams that cost Edmonton sellers hundreds of dollars.
How Scrap Car Removal Works in Edmonton
The process is simpler than most people expect. Here’s how it works from start to finish with Edmonton Towing’s scrap car removal service:
Call Us
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, condition, and location. We give you a quote over the phone.
Accept the Offer
If you’re happy with the price, we schedule pickup — often the same day or next morning.
We Tow It Free
Our tow truck arrives at your location — driveway, back lane, parking lot, or wherever the vehicle sits.
Get Paid Cash
You sign over the registration, we hand you cash on the spot. Done — your junk car is gone.
The entire process typically takes under an hour from the moment the truck arrives. For more details on how we’ve handled this in the past, see our post on how to get cash for your scrap car in Edmonton.
How Much Is Your Scrap Car Worth in Edmonton?
The value of a junk vehicle depends on several factors. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what Edmonton scrap car buyers typically pay in 2026:
💡 What Affects Scrap Car Prices?
Three things determine your payout: vehicle weight (heavier = more money), current scrap metal market prices (steel fluctuates monthly), and salvageable parts (catalytic converters, transmissions, engines, and body panels in good condition). A complete vehicle is always worth more than one that’s been stripped.
Scrap metal prices in Alberta fluctuate based on global commodity markets. As of early 2026, steel scrap prices remain moderate, making heavier vehicles the best earners. Call (780) 652-0521 for an accurate quote based on today’s rates.
What Vehicles Qualify for Scrap Car Removal?
Almost any vehicle qualifies for junk car removal in Edmonton, regardless of condition. We pick up:
✅ Cars that don’t start or run
✅ Vehicles with blown engines or transmissions
✅ Accident-damaged and write-off vehicles
✅ Rusted, rotted, or fire-damaged cars
✅ Flood or hail-damaged vehicles
✅ Trucks, SUVs, vans, and minivans
✅ Vehicles with expired registration
✅ Cars with missing wheels or parts
The only vehicles we can’t accept are those with no proof of ownership (no registration), those involved in active police investigations, or vehicles where the VIN has been tampered with.
What Paperwork Do You Need to Scrap a Car in Alberta?
Selling a scrap car in Alberta requires minimal paperwork, but you do need certain documents to make the transfer legal:
Vehicle Registration (pink slip) — This is the primary proof of ownership in Alberta. You’ll sign the back to transfer ownership to the buyer. If you’ve lost your registration, you can get a replacement at any Alberta registry for about $20.
Valid photo ID — A driver’s licence or government-issued ID matching the name on the registration.
Remove your licence plates — In Alberta, plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. Remove them before the tow truck arrives. You can return them to a registry to cancel your insurance and avoid future fees.
Cancel your insurance — After the vehicle is picked up, call your insurance company to cancel coverage. Some insurers may provide a partial refund for unused premium.
⚠️ Don’t Forget Your Plates
If you leave your licence plates on a scrapped vehicle, you can be held liable for any future activity involving those plates. In Alberta, failing to return or account for your plates can also result in continued insurance billing. Always remove plates before the tow truck leaves.
Where to Sell a Scrap Car in Edmonton: Your Options Compared
You have several options for getting rid of a junk vehicle in Edmonton. Here’s an honest comparison of each:
For most Edmonton drivers, a towing company that offers scrap car removal near me with free towing and same-day cash is the best balance of convenience and value. A private sale may net more money, but the time investment and hassle rarely make it worthwhile for vehicles worth under $1,000.
Free Scrap Car Removal — Cash Paid on the Spot
Same-day pickup across Edmonton • Free towing included • No hidden fees
Scrap Car Removal Scams to Watch For in Edmonton
The scrap car industry has its share of shady operators. Here are the most common scams Edmonton sellers encounter — and how to protect yourself:
🚩 Common Scams
The bait-and-switch price drop: A company quotes $500 on the phone but the driver arrives and says “actually, it’s in worse shape than expected” and offers $150. They count on you not wanting to go through the hassle of calling someone else. Solution: Get the quote in writing (even via text) and refuse any price changes on-site.
Deducting towing from your payout: Some buyers advertise “up to $1,000 cash” but deduct $100–$200 for “towing costs” from the final payout. Solution: Ask explicitly — “Is towing included in the quoted price, or deducted from it?”
Paying less than scrap value: Some operators offer $50–$100 for vehicles worth $300+ in scrap metal. They profit by paying you a fraction of the actual scrap value. Solution: Get at least 2–3 quotes before accepting.
Stripping parts first: Some buyers remove your catalytic converter, battery, or other valuable parts before towing — then pay you the reduced scrap price. Solution: Inspect your vehicle and note the condition before the buyer arrives. Take photos.
According to Alberta Consumer Protection, you have the right to refuse a transaction if the terms change from what was originally agreed. Never feel pressured into accepting a lower price.
How to Get the Most Cash for Your Junk Car
A few simple steps can significantly increase your payout when selling a scrap car in Edmonton:
Get 2–3 quotes. Call at least two or three scrap buyers and compare offers. Prices can vary by $100–$300 for the same vehicle.
Keep the catalytic converter intact. A vehicle with the catalytic converter still attached is worth $50–$250 more than one without. Don’t let anyone remove it before the official transaction.
Don’t strip parts yourself (usually). Unless you know the resale value of specific parts and have a buyer lined up, leaving the vehicle complete typically nets a higher overall price.
Sell when scrap metal prices are higher. Steel and scrap prices fluctuate. If you’re not in a rush, check current Alberta scrap metal rates and sell when prices are up.
Have your registration ready. Buyers pay more for vehicles with clear ownership documentation. No registration means extra hassle and usually a lower offer.
What Happens to a Scrapped Car? The Recycling Process
Ever wonder where your junk car goes after it’s towed away? Reputable recyclers in Alberta follow a regulated process:
Step 1: Fluid removal — All hazardous fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, refrigerant) are safely drained and disposed of according to Alberta’s hazardous waste regulations. This prevents ground and water contamination.
Step 2: Parts harvesting — Reusable parts (engines, transmissions, electronics, body panels) are removed and resold. This keeps working parts out of landfills and gives other vehicle owners affordable replacement parts.
Step 3: Material separation — The remaining shell is crushed and shredded. Steel, aluminum, copper, rubber, glass, and plastics are separated by type.
Step 4: Metal recycling — The separated metals are sent to smelters and foundries to be melted down and reused in new products. About 80% of a modern car is recyclable by weight.
♻️ Environmental Impact
Scrapping your old car properly keeps hundreds of kilograms of metal out of landfills, prevents toxic fluids from leaching into Edmonton’s soil and water, and reduces the energy needed to mine and process new raw materials. Recycled steel uses 74% less energy than producing new steel from iron ore.
Where We Offer Scrap Car Pickup in Edmonton
Edmonton Towing provides scrap car pickup near me service across the entire metro area. We pick up junk vehicles from driveways, back lanes, garages, parking lots, and commercial properties throughout:
See our full Edmonton service area for complete coverage details.
When Is the Best Time to Scrap Your Car?
Timing can affect both the price you receive and how quickly you get service:
Spring (March–May): After winter, many Edmonton vehicles are assessed for damage — cracked blocks, rusted frames, accident damage. Spring is the busiest season for scrap car removal as owners decide not to repair winter damage. More competition for buyers means good prices.
When you stop insuring it: Every month a junk car sits in your driveway with active insurance, you’re losing money. Cancel insurance the moment you decide to scrap, and sell promptly.
Before the City of Edmonton bylaw deadline: Edmonton’s Community Standards Bylaw prohibits inoperable vehicles from sitting on your property for extended periods. Neighbours can report violations, and the city can issue cleanup orders. Selling before complaints arise saves headaches.
When scrap metal prices peak: Global scrap steel prices rise and fall. If you can wait a few weeks and prices are trending upward, your vehicle may fetch an extra $50–$150.
Other Services That Complement Scrap Car Removal
Many customers who contact us about scrapping a vehicle also need help with related situations:
- Flatbed towing — Transport a vehicle that doesn’t run to a different location instead of scrapping
- Accident towing — Remove a collision-damaged vehicle from the scene before deciding to scrap or repair
- Long-distance towing — Move a vehicle from a rural property to an Edmonton scrap buyer
- Heavy-duty towing — Scrap removal for commercial trucks, buses, or heavy equipment
- Winching and recovery — Extract a vehicle stuck in a yard, ditch, or snow before scrapping
Not sure whether your car is worth repairing? Read our guide on 5 signs your car needs a tow (not just a boost) or learn about insurance-approved accident towing if the vehicle was recently in a collision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scrap Car Removal in Edmonton
How much cash will I get for my scrap car in Edmonton?
Most junk vehicles are worth $100–$800, depending on the vehicle type, weight, and condition. Full-size trucks tend to pay the most ($250–$800) because they contain more metal. Small sedans typically pay $100–$350. Your catalytic converter and any salvageable parts also add value.
Is towing included in scrap car removal?
Yes — reputable scrap car removal services include free towing. The buyer tows your vehicle at no charge as part of the purchase. Be cautious of companies that deduct towing costs from your cash payout — always ask upfront whether towing is truly free or subtracted from the offered price.
Do I need a registration to scrap my car?
Yes. In Alberta, you need the vehicle registration (pink slip) to prove ownership and legally transfer the vehicle. If you’ve lost it, visit any Alberta registry office to get a replacement for about $20 before scheduling the pickup.
Can I scrap a car that doesn’t run?
Absolutely. Most vehicles that are scrapped don’t run — that’s exactly why they’re being scrapped. Non-running vehicles are loaded onto a flatbed tow truck for transport. As long as you have the registration and the vehicle is accessible, it can be picked up regardless of mechanical condition.
How fast can you pick up my scrap car?
In most cases, we can schedule same-day pickup if you call before noon. Next-morning pickup is typically available if you call in the afternoon or evening. Weekends and holidays are also available.
What should I remove from my car before scrapping it?
Remove all personal belongings, check the glove box and trunk thoroughly, and take out any aftermarket accessories you want to keep (e.g., a good stereo, custom wheels). Most importantly, remove your licence plates — in Alberta, plates belong to the owner and must be returned to a registry.
Is it better to scrap my car or sell it privately?
If the vehicle is worth less than about $1,000 in running condition, scrapping is usually better — you get cash same-day with no hassle. Private sales on Kijiji or Marketplace take days or weeks, involve meeting strangers, and frequently result in no-shows and lowball offers. For vehicles worth $1,500+, a private sale may be worth the effort.
Can I scrap a car with a lien on it?
Not without clearing the lien first. If there is an outstanding loan or lien on the vehicle, you’ll need to pay it off or get a lien release from the lender before the vehicle can be legally transferred. You can check for liens through an Alberta registry search.
Do you buy scrap trucks and SUVs too?
Yes. We buy all types of vehicles for scrap — sedans, trucks, SUVs, vans, minivans, and commercial vehicles. Trucks and SUVs often pay more due to their higher weight. For heavy commercial vehicles, our heavy-duty towing service can handle the pickup.
What if my car is in a back lane or tight space?
Our tow trucks can access back lanes, narrow driveways, and tight parking spots. We use both flatbed trucks and wheel-lift trucks depending on the space available. Let us know the pickup location when you call and we’ll send the right truck for the job.
Ready to Get Rid of That Junk Car?
Free towing. Cash on the spot. Same-day pickup across Edmonton.