Scrap Metal Prices Ontario 2026

Ontario is Canada's largest and most liquid scrap metal market, with over 200 licensed yards operating across the province. Scrap metal prices Ontario tracks are the national benchmark — the standard against which every other province's prices are measured and discounted. The Greater Toronto Area alone accounts for a significant share of national scrap volume, and the intense competition between buyers tends to produce higher yard buy prices than most other provinces.

Steel HMS1 (Heavy Melting Steel #1) is the volume metal in Ontario. Scrapped vehicles, structural steel, and industrial equipment feed Ontario's electric arc furnace mills — most notably in Hamilton, where Stelco and ArcelorMittal operate two of Canada's largest steel-making facilities. Hamilton's position as Canada's steel capital directly benefits sellers in the southern Ontario market: the proximity of domestic consumers reduces transportation costs and supports stronger buy prices. Ontario steel prices typically track CME Hot Rolled Coil futures adjusted for the Canadian market, with yard buy prices reflecting approximately 25–35% of the futures benchmark after processing margins.

Copper prices Ontario follows closely mirror the LME copper spot price in USD, converted at the Bank of Canada USD/CAD rate and adjusted for yard buy margins (typically 80–87% of LME for bare bright; 73–80% for Copper #1). Ontario's industrial base — automotive plants in Windsor, Oshawa, and Brampton; manufacturing facilities across the 401 corridor — generates significant copper-containing scrap in the form of wiring harnesses, motors, and plumbing. Yard competition keeps margins tight and copper prices near the top of Canadian ranges.

Aluminum prices in Ontario reflect LME aluminum converted to CAD, with cast automotive aluminum (engine blocks, transmission housings, wheels) trading at approximately 35–40% of the primary aluminum benchmark. Cast aluminum's lower percentage reflects its alloy complexity and remelting cost. Sheet aluminum trades higher, at roughly 45–52% of LME primary.

For car scrapping, Ontario requires a vehicle ownership permit (pink slip). Seasonality matters: Ontario scrap prices tend to firm in spring as construction and demolition activity picks up, and soften slightly in winter. Use the calculator below for a vehicle-specific estimate that accounts for your car's actual weight, condition, and catalytic converter type — all of which affect your offer more than seasonal fluctuations.