How to Scrap a Car in New Brunswick
Six steps, about 45 minutes of your time, and you get paid — typically within 24–48 hours in Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton. New Brunswick uses Service NB for vehicle registration, and the process is simpler than most people expect. Here's exactly what to do.
The short version
To scrap a car in New Brunswick: get at least two quotes from licensed auto recyclers, sign your SNB vehicle registration over to the yard at pickup, remove your licence plates and return them to any Service NB location for a prorated refund, and cancel your private insurance after pickup is confirmed. The licensed recycler processes the transfer with Service NB. Most people in Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton complete the process within 24–48 hours and receive cash or Interac e-transfer at pickup.
- 1Get at least two quotes from licensed New Brunswick auto recyclers.
- 2Locate your SNB Vehicle Registration.
- 3Remove your licence plates.
- 4Confirm towing is free and payment is at pickup.
- 5Sign over the registration when the tow truck arrives.
- 6Return plates to Service NB and cancel your registration.
Step-by-step guide
Get your estimate and gather quotes
15 minutesUse a scrap car calculator to get a baseline estimate based on your vehicle's weight, catalytic converter type, and condition. Then contact at least two licensed New Brunswick scrap yards or auto recyclers. NB prices run 6–7% below Ontario for steel. Saint John is the province's most connected market — close to the Port of Saint John — while Moncton serves the Greater Moncton area. Fredericton has fewer yards but demand is consistent.
Mention whether the catalytic converter is OEM (original factory). An OEM cat from a pickup truck or SUV is worth $150–$200 and NB yards know the value. Mentioning it signals you've done your homework.
Locate your New Brunswick vehicle registration
5 minutesIn New Brunswick, vehicle registration is issued by Service New Brunswick (SNB). This is the document you need to sign over at pickup. If you've lost your registration, a replacement is available at any SNB service centre or online at snb.ca. SNB has locations in all major NB cities.
A replacement vehicle registration from SNB typically costs $20–$25. Bring your vehicle's VIN and government-issued ID.
Remove your licence plates
2 minutesIn New Brunswick, licence plates belong to the vehicle owner. Remove your plates before the tow truck arrives. Return them to any SNB location to cancel your registration and receive a prorated refund on unused fees.
Do not leave plates on the vehicle. If the vehicle is moved with your plates and incurs a fine, you remain liable until the plates are surrendered to SNB.
Cancel your vehicle insurance
10 minutesNew Brunswick vehicle insurance is provided by private insurers. Contact your insurance company to cancel your policy once pickup is confirmed and scheduled. You're entitled to a prorated refund on unused premium. If replacing the vehicle, ask about policy transfers to preserve your driving history discount.
Cancel insurance after the pickup is confirmed, not before. The vehicle should remain insured until it is formally picked up.
Confirm towing and payment before pickup day
5 minutesCall the yard the day before pickup to confirm: (1) the agreed price is still valid, (2) towing is included at no charge, and (3) payment method — cash or Interac e-transfer at pickup. Most NB yards pay on the spot. Never allow the car to be taken before receiving payment.
Ask specifically whether towing is included in the quoted price. Some New Brunswick yards quote a gross vehicle price then subtract a towing fee at pickup. Clarify before pickup day.
Sign over the registration at pickup
5 minutesWhen the tow truck arrives, sign over your SNB vehicle registration to the yard. The licensed recycler processes the transfer notification with Service NB. Keep any receipt the yard provides — this confirms legal transfer and removes your future liability for the vehicle.
Write "SOLD AS SCRAP" and the date on the registration certificate before signing. This creates a paper record independent of the SNB system update.
Documents checklist
What to have ready before the tow truck arrives in New Brunswick.
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| New Brunswick Vehicle Registration (SNB) | Required |
| Government-issued ID | Required |
| Licence plates (removed) | Required |
| Lien release (if applicable) | Optional |
| Keys | Optional |
New Brunswick regulations
New Brunswick auto recyclers must hold a valid business licence and comply with provincial environmental regulations. Licensed recyclers are required to depollute vehicles before processing — draining all fluids and removing the battery and catalytic converter. Vehicle registration in New Brunswick is managed by Service New Brunswick (SNB). SNB has service centres in Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, and across the province.
Always use a licensed New Brunswick auto recycler. Unlicensed buyers give you no paper trail and typically pay less.
Before Pickup: Quick Checklist
- 1Remove all personal belongings — glove box, under seats, trunk, sun visor pockets.
- 2Pull out aftermarket accessories you want to keep — stereo, dash cam, winter tires/rims, floor mats.
- 3Remove your licence plates. In New Brunswick, return plates to any Service NB location to cancel registration and get a prorated refund.
- 4Note whether the catalytic converter is OEM, aftermarket, or missing — this directly affects your offer.
- 5Cancel your insurance after confirming the pickup date, not before.
- 6Drain or siphon excess fuel if the tank is more than ¼ full.
- 7Write down the VIN from the dashboard for your records before the car leaves.
Frequently asked questions
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