What is the most valuable scrap car part in Canada?

The catalytic converter is typically the most valuable single scrap car part. An OEM catalytic converter from a truck or SUV pays $150–$250 in Canada due to platinum, palladium, and rhodium content. After the cat, alloy rims ($20–$60 each) and the lead-acid battery ($10–$25) are the next highest-value parts.

Should I remove parts before scrapping my car?

It depends on the part and your time. Removing the catalytic converter and selling it to a specialized buyer often returns more than leaving it on. The battery is easy to pull and auto parts stores will pay core credit. Alloy rims sell well used online. However, stripping parts takes days of effort — most Canadians find scrapping whole faster and simpler, especially for non-running cars.

How much is a scrap car battery worth in Canada?

A standard 12V lead-acid car battery is worth $10–$25 at Canadian scrap yards. Some auto parts retailers like Canadian Tire or AutoZone offer $15–$30 in store credit as a core exchange. Battery scrap value is tied to LME lead prices and does not vary much between provinces.

Are alloy rims worth selling separately before scrapping?

Yes, usually. Alloy rims pay $20–$60 each as scrap aluminum, but selling them used on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace typically returns $50–$150 each. A set of four factory alloy rims in decent shape can net $200–$500 used — far more than the $80–$240 scrap value. Steel rims have minimal value either way.

Will the scrap yard pay less if the catalytic converter is missing?

Yes. Yards factor the catalytic converter into the overall car offer. If the cat is missing, they deduct its expected value — typically $80–$250 depending on the vehicle. If you removed it and sold it separately for more than that deduction, you come out ahead. If not, you lost money.

How much is a scrap car engine worth?

A scrap engine is worth $50–$200 as cast iron/aluminum at a yard. A working engine from a popular vehicle (Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford F-150) sold to a used parts buyer or auto wrecker can be worth $300–$1,500. If the car ran recently and the engine has low mileage, calling a wrecker before the scrap yard is worth the extra effort.

What scrap car parts do Canadian yards refuse?

Most Canadian yards will not accept cars with remaining fluids (oil, coolant, A/C refrigerant) without charging a hazmat processing fee. Tires must be recycled separately under provincial programs and yards pay nothing for them. Glass, plastic trim, seats, and dashboards have near-zero scrap value and yards may charge for disposal.

Is copper wire in old cars worth stripping?

Only on pre-1990s vehicles with heavier copper wiring harnesses. Modern cars use thinner aluminum wiring with copper connectors — stripping it is rarely worth the hours involved. Copper pays $9–$12/kg at Canadian yards, but the actual copper content in a modern wiring harness is only 3–8 kg, making the effort not worthwhile for most people.

Guides›Scrap Car Parts Worth Money

Scrap Car Parts Worth Money in Canada (2026)

The catalytic converter is the most valuable scrap car part in Canada — worth $80–$250 depending on vehicle type. Alloy rims, the lead-acid battery, and working alternators or engines add more. Steel, plastic, and glass have near-zero scrap value. This guide covers every part worth money, exact Canadian price ranges, and whether stripping beats scrapping whole.

Quick answer

On a typical Canadian scrap car, the catalytic converter, battery, and alloy rims account for $120–$375 on top of the steel weight. A working engine on a popular make can add another $300–$1,500 if sold to a wrecker. For most non-running cars, scrapping whole is faster. For running cars in good condition, spend 30 minutes checking parts values first.

All Scrap Car Parts — Canadian Price Guide

Part	Scrap Value	Used / Core Value	Verdict
Catalytic Converter — OEM (truck/SUV)	$150–$250	—	Sell to specialist
Catalytic Converter — OEM (sedan)	$80–$130	—	Sell to specialist
Catalytic Converter — aftermarket	$20–$60	—	Leave on car
Alloy (aluminum) rims × 4	$80–$240	$200–$600	Sell used if clean
Lead-acid battery	$10–$25	$15–$30 (core credit)	Always pull
Engine (working, popular make)	$50–$200	$300–$1,500	Sell used if running
Alternator (working)	$5–$15	$30–$80 (core)	Sell as core
Starter motor (working)	$5–$20	$20–$60 (core)	Sell as core
A/C compressor	$10–$30	$30–$100 (core)	Needs refrigerant recovery first
Radiator (aluminum/plastic)	$5–$15	$30–$80	Not worth it usually
Copper/brass radiator (pre-1990)	$15–$40	$30–$60	Pull if pre-1990
Steel rims × 4	$20–$40	$20–$60	Leave on car
Tires	$0 (fee may apply)	Varies	Remove to avoid disposal fee
Seats / interior	$0	Very low	Leave in car
Windshield / glass	$0	Low	Leave in car

Catalytic Converter: The Highest-Value Part

The catalytic converter contains platinum, palladium, and rhodium — three precious metals whose prices fluctuate on global markets. That is why a truck catalytic converter is worth more than a sedan cat: larger engines require larger catalysts with more precious metal loading.

OEM (factory original) converters contain significantly more PGM metal than aftermarket replacements, which is why an OEM Honda cat pays $90–$140 while an aftermarket replacement on the same car pays $20–$50. Diesel vehicles have DPF (Diesel Particulate Filters) rather than standard cats — these contain platinum and can pay $100–$400+ with a specialist buyer.

Catalytic Converter Value by Vehicle (Canada, 2026)

Vehicle	Cat Type	Value (CAD)
Ford F-150 / F-250	OEM	$180–$250
Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra	OEM	$160–$230
Toyota Tacoma / 4Runner	OEM	$180–$240
Honda Accord / Civic	OEM	$90–$140
Toyota Camry / Corolla	OEM	$100–$150
Dodge Ram 1500	OEM	$150–$210
Chevrolet Equinox / GMC Terrain	OEM	$120–$180
Ford Explorer / Escape	OEM	$130–$200
Any vehicle — aftermarket cat	Aftermarket	$20–$60
Diesel vehicle (DPF filter)	DPF	$100–$400+

Important: Catalytic converter theft is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. Only sell a cat from a vehicle you own, with proof of ownership. Reputable buyers — auto recyclers, exhaust shops — require registration and ID. Selling a cat without documentation can result in charges.

Alloy Rims: Scrap vs. Sell Used

Aluminum alloy rims are worth $20–$60 each at a scrap yard (aluminum pays ~$1.50–$2.20/kg in Canada, and a typical 17" alloy rim weighs 8–10 kg). But the same set sold used on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace can return $200–$600, depending on size and condition.

The math is straightforward: if your rims are in reasonable shape, spend 15 minutes posting them online before calling a yard. Popular rim sizes (17–18") sell quickly for popular vehicles (Honda, Toyota, Ford). Rare sizes and damaged rims are not worth the effort — scrap them with the car.

Steel rims have minimal value — $5–$10 each as scrap. Not worth removing.

Lead-Acid Battery: Always Pull It

A standard 12V car battery is one of the easiest parts to remove (two terminal bolts, one hold-down bracket) and is universally accepted. Scrap yards pay $10–$25. Canadian Tire, AutoZone, and most auto parts retailers offer $15–$30 in core exchange credit when you bring one in regardless of condition.

Premium batteries (AGM, deep-cycle) may return $20–$40 at specialty battery retailers. It is always worth pulling the battery before the tow truck arrives — it takes under five minutes and the yard will simply subtract its value from the car offer anyway.

The Engine: Biggest Upside on Running Cars

A scrap engine is worth $50–$200 as mixed iron and aluminum at a yard. A working engine from a popular, high-demand vehicle sold to a licensed auto wrecker or used parts buyer can be worth $300–$1,500. The difference is enormous.

High-demand engines in Canada include the Honda K-series (Civic/Accord), Toyota 2GR-FE (Camry V6), Ford Coyote 5.0L (F-150), and GM LS-series (Silverado). If your car ran until recently and has under 200,000 km on it, calling a wrecker before a scrap yard is worth the extra step.

Engine removal requires a hoist and mechanical knowledge — most car owners choose to let the wrecker pull it themselves and negotiate a higher price for the running vehicle. Wreckers typically pay $50–$200 more for a confirmed-running car than a scrap yard would for the same vehicle.

What Canadian Yards Won't Pay For

Tires
Provincial recycling programs govern disposal. Yards often charge $5–$15 per tire rather than paying. Remove them and drop at a tire recycler.
Windshield / windows
Laminated safety glass is difficult to recycle. No scrap value. Removing it creates a hazard and costs you time.
Seats and interior
Foam, fabric, and plastic have no metal content worth recovering. Some rare leather seats sell used but it takes significant effort.
Aftermarket stereos / electronics
Zero scrap value. If the head unit has resale value, remove it before the tow truck arrives.
Plastic bumpers and trim
Near-zero recycling value. Leave on the vehicle.

Strip Parts vs. Scrap Whole: The Decision Framework

Scrap whole — best when:

✓ Car does not run or move
✓ You want same-day pickup
✓ No time to deal with buyers
✓ Steel rims (not alloy)
✓ Aftermarket catalytic converter
✓ High mileage engine (200k+)

Strip first — worth it when:

✓ OEM catalytic converter on truck/SUV
✓ Factory alloy rims in decent shape
✓ Working engine on popular make/model
✓ Car ran until recently (low mileage)
✓ You have 2–3 days before pickup

See what your full car is worth

Our calculator includes catalytic converter and wheel value in the estimate — so you see the full picture before calling a yard.

Get Free Estimate →

What Metals Are Inside Your Car (And What They're Worth)

An average Canadian car contains several recyclable metals. Here's what they are, where they sit, and what they're worth at current CAD scrap rates.

Metal	Found in	CAD rate	Share of car
Steel	Frame, body panels, doors, roof	$0.38–$0.54/kg	~68%
Cast Iron	Engine block (older cars), brake rotors	$0.14–$0.20/kg	~5%
Aluminum	Engine block (newer cars), wheels, hood, transmission	$1.53–$2.21/kg	~9%
Copper	Wiring harness (~20 m of wire per car), motor windings	$16.02–$18.43/kg	~2%
Lead	Battery plates, wheel weights	$0.94–$1.20/kg	~1%
Platinum / Palladium / Rhodium	Catalytic converter substrate	Drives $80–$250 cat value	Trace

Rates based on current Ontario yard buy prices. Updated weekly.

Metal value breakdown — average 1,500 kg Canadian car

1,020 kg steel (~68% of car weight)~$430–$550
135 kg aluminum (~9% of car weight)~$207–$299
30 kg copper (~2% of car weight)~$481–$553
Plastic, glass, rubber (remainder)No recoverable metal value

Note: copper in modern cars is embedded in the wiring harness — yards recover it through shredding, not hand-stripping. The value flows into the overall car offer rather than being paid out separately.