How to Scrap a Car: What It’s Worth & What to Strip First
A typical end-of-life car is worth scrapping because roughly two-thirds of it is steel and iron (WorldAutoSteel). Most of the value is the steel body, paid by weight, plus a few high-value parts: the catalytic converter, the lead-acid battery, the radiator and the copper wiring. Exact payouts change daily, so treat any figure as a sector estimate and get a current quote.
Vehicles are considered the world’s most widely recycled consumer product, and in the United States, nearly 95% of cars that reach the end of their useful life are recycled. By weight, the average vehicle is roughly 65% steel and iron, which is why a car is worth money even when it no longer runs.
How much is a car worth as scrap?
The base value of a junk car is its steel and iron, paid by weight. Because common steel scrap grades trade at only a modest amount per pound, a whole-car payout depends heavily on the vehicle’s weight plus any high-value parts still attached. The figures here are sector estimates and move with the market.
PRICE ESTIMATE: The ranges in this article are approximate sector figures from public price trackers (e.g., iScrap App, ScrapMonster) and move every day with global metal markets. They are not an offer or a guaranteed price. For today’s actual price on your material, contact Scrap City.
The highest-value parts (and why)
Catalytic converter — usually the single most valuable part. It contains platinum group metals: platinum, palladium and rhodium. A converter holds roughly 1–2 grams of recoverable PGMs in a small car and up to 12–15 grams in a large truck, and the recovered value can range from under $100 to over $1,000 per unit depending on the vehicle. Sell legally: only sell a converter from a vehicle you own, and bring ID — converter theft is a crime.
Lead-acid battery — the most recycled consumer product in the U.S., recycled at about 99%. It carries core value at the yard, so don’t throw it away.
Radiator — copper, aluminum or brass; one of the better-paying components (see our radiator recycling guide).
Copper wiring and harness, alternator and starter — copper-bearing parts that add up.
What to strip first (step by step)
- Drain and safely capture fluids (oil, coolant, fuel, refrigerant). Refrigerant must be handled per EPA rules.
- Remove the lead-acid battery.
- Remove the catalytic converter — only if you own the vehicle and are selling legally.
- Pull the radiator and any aluminum wheels.
- Harvest copper wiring, the alternator and the starter.
- The remaining steel shell is sold by weight.
Florida title rules — don’t skip this
In Florida, to convert a vehicle to scrap, the recycler must obtain a signed statement that you surrendered the vehicle’s certificate of title to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FL Statute 538; s. 319.30). Handle the title properly and bring a valid government-issued photo ID, which Florida law requires for metal transactions.
Whole car vs. parting out
Parting out high-value components yourself earns more but takes time, tools and a legal way to sell each part. Scrapping the whole car is fastest. For a non-running vehicle, ask about pickup.
Everything you need to know, in short answers
It depends on the car’s weight and which valuable parts remain. Most value is steel by weight plus the catalytic converter, battery, radiator and copper. All figures are sector estimates that change daily — ask for a current quote.
Usually the catalytic converter, because of its platinum, palladium and rhodium content (USGS), followed by the battery, radiator and copper wiring.
Yes. Florida requires you to surrender the certificate of title to the DHSMV when a vehicle is converted to scrap (FL Statute 538).
Only from a vehicle you own, and you’ll need ID. Catalytic converter theft is a crime, and yards follow strict recordkeeping rules.
Yes — ask Scrap City about pickup for non-running or heavy vehicles.
Thinking of scrapping a car? Get a current estimate and ask about pickup. Call or message Scrap City at (+1) 954 330 9472 — bring your ID and title paperwork.
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