Or skip the guesswork and use Wheelsaway’s convenient online scrap car calculator for an instant and accurate scrap car valuation.

Current metal prices will have the biggest impact on your scrap car’s value. The value of these metals, like steel, aluminum, and copper, shifts all the time due to global, domestic, and industry-specific factors.

Your old car will have valuable components like catalytic converters or alloy wheels. Some are more valuable than others due to demand, rarity, and the cost of production. Universally compatible components can fetch you a bigger payout due to their wider resale value. Some of the most valuable include:

• Catalytic converters
• Engines
• Wheels and rims
• Transmission
• Radiator/AC compressor

Whether you’re salvaging or scrapping, you can expect a higher payout simply because these components are present. That’s why keeping your vehicle intact before you scrap it is highly recommended.

The Price of Scrap Metal

Selling your car for scrap? Remember: scrap metal prices vary constantly, so always check for the most up-to-date values.

Knowing what metals are in your car and what they’re worth can help you yield the biggest return for your old ride. Steel, metal, and copper are the most common. Other metals, if found in large quantities and in a reusable condition, could fetch you a higher payout. Here are some of the most common metals, where they’re found, and how much they’re worth per pound.

Note: the prices in this table are approximate and subject to change.

At Wheelsaway, we make sure you get the best price for your car – whether it’s being sold for scrap or used parts. Our network of trusted buyers ensures a fair deal for every car based on its exact condition. Don’t accept a low offer; let us help you find buyers who truly value your vehicle.

Environmental Impact of Junking A Car

Junking your car is a win-win for you and the environment. Safe and efficient disposal is required to adhere to guidelines set out and enforced by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). It also supports the country’s wider commitment to the environment by following guidelines enforced by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and promotes the circular economy – reuse, repair, remanufacture, and recycle.

Here’s just a few of the environmental benefits of junking a car, so you can feel confident and positive about your decision:

1. Keeps hazardous materials out of the environment

Old vehicles contain fluids like oil, coolant, and brake fluid that can leak and pollute soil and water. Licensed U.S. recyclers can safely drain and dispose of these substances, preventing contamination.

2. Conserves resources and reduces raw material demand

Cars contain steel, aluminum, copper, and plastics. Recycling can reclaim these materials and reduce the need to mine and manufacture new materials. Producing parts from recycled metals uses significantly less energy than starting from scratch with raw materials.

3. Cuts energy use and greenhouse gas emissions

Recycling and reusing car parts requires less energy than making new ones, which lowers carbon emissions. Every car that is recycled helps reduce the environmental footprint of auto production – by junking your car, you can play your part!

4. Supports part reuse and the circular economy

Many car components can be refurbished and reused, extending their life. This reduces the need to manufacture new parts and keeps materials circulating in the economy rather than going to waste.

5. Reduces landfill waste

Old vehicles are bulky and take up significant space at the landfill. By recycling an old vehicle, you can recover metals, plastics, and other materials, helping to keep most of the old vehicle out of the landfill.

6. Prepares for a sustainable automotive future

Responsible recycling helps the U.S. meet environmental goals set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to manage waste, and handle newer technologies like hybrid and electric vehicle batteries safely.