When it's time to scrap your vehicle, knowing the current market rates can help maximize your payout. As of March 2025, scrap car prices range from $140 to $190 per net ton ($0.07 to $0.095 per pound), with complete vehicles typically selling for $175 to $665 in scrap, depending on weight, metal content, and location. For example, a standard mid-size sedan (~3,000 lbs or 1.5 tons) could fetch $210 to $285, though regional factors and vehicle condition may cause prices to fluctuate by up to 25%.
Scrap car prices are primarily determined by the metal content of the vehicle, including steel, aluminum, and other recyclable materials. Heavier cars with more steel tend to be worth more, while vehicles with aluminum body panels or valuable catalytic converters may fetch higher offers. Local demand, processing costs, and fluctuations in global scrap metal markets also impact payouts.
How Scrap Car Prices Are Calculated
The value of your end-of-life vehicle is determined through a straightforward yet variable formula that considers several critical factors:
Primary Value Factors
- Vehicle Weight: The most significant factor in determining scrap value
- Heavier vehicles contain more recyclable metal
- Most salvage yards use a price-per-ton calculation
- Average vehicles yield between 1-3.5 tons of recyclable material
- Metal Composition: Different metal types command varying prices
- Steel ($120-$250/ton | $0.06-$0.12/lb): Makes up 65% of average vehicle weight
- Aluminum ($500-$700/ton | $0.25-$0.35/lb): Found in modern frames, wheels, and engine components
- Copper ($5,000-$6,500/ton | $2.50-$3.25/lb): Present in wiring harnesses and electrical components
- Cast Iron ($150-$300/ton | $0.075-$0.15/lb): Common in older engine blocks and components
- Vehicle Completeness: Intact vehicles yield maximum value
- Missing major components (engine, transmission) significantly reduce value
- Stripped vehicles may see 40-60% reduction in offered price
- Geographic Location: Regional market conditions create substantial price variation
- Urban markets typically offer higher rates due to competition
- Transportation costs affect rural pricing
- Industrial states (MI, OH, PA) often pay premium rates
- Current Market Conditions: Metal commodity prices fluctuate regularly
- Global steel and aluminum demand impacts local pricing
- Economic indicators influence recycling market strength
- Seasonal patterns show higher prices in summer months
Calculation Method
Scrap yards use this basic formula to determine vehicle value:
Vehicle Value = Weight (in tons) × Current Price Per Ton
Example Calculation:
- Mid-size sedan weighing 3,500 lbs (1.75 tons)
- Current market rate: $175 per ton
- Value calculation: 1.75 × $175 = $306.25
Values of Scrap Cars, Trucks, Vans, & SUVs
Understanding how vehicle class affects scrap value helps set realistic expectations. Our detailed breakdown covers all major vehicle categories with current market valuations.
| Vehicle Class | Typical Weight Range | Average Scrap Value | Popular Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Cars | 2,600-3,000 lbs (1.3-1.5 tons) | $201-$300 | Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra |
| Midsize Sedans | 3,000-3,500 lbs (1.5-1.75 tons) | $233-$350 | Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion |
| Full-Size Sedans | 3,800-4,200 lbs (1.9-2.1 tons) | $295-$420 | Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon |
| Compact SUVs/Crossovers | 3,500-4,200 lbs (1.75-2.1 tons) | $271-$420 | Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape |
| Midsize SUVs | 4,200-4,800 lbs (2.1-2.4 tons) | $326-$480 | Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander |
| Full-Size SUVs | 5,000-6,000 lbs (2.5-3 tons) | $388-$600 | Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon |
| Small Trucks | 4,000-4,500 lbs (2-2.25 tons) | $310-$450 | Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier |
| Full-Size Trucks | 4,500-6,000 lbs (2.25-3 tons) | $349-$600 | Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500 |
| Heavy-Duty Trucks | 6,000-7,000+ lbs (3-3.5+ tons) | $465-$700+ | Ford F-250/350, Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 |
| Minivans | 4,300-4,700 lbs (2.15-2.35 tons) | $333-$470 | Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica |
| Vehicle Shells | 1,000-2,500 lbs (0.5-1.25 tons) | $77-$250 | Stripped vehicles missing major components |
State-by-State Scrap Car Prices Per Ton
Browse our comprehensive state-specific scrap metal pricing data below. These rates reflect local market conditions, recycling infrastructure, and transportation factors that influence what you can expect for your vehicle.
| State | Current Price Range (Per Ton) | Estimated Full Vehicle Value (1-3.5 tons) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $142 to $172 | $142 to $602 |
| Alaska | $118 to $148 | $118 to $518 |
| Arizona | $152 to $187 | $152 to $654 |
| Arkansas | $138 to $165 | $138 to $577 |
| California | $165 to $198 | $165 to $693 |
| Colorado | $155 to $182 | $155 to $637 |
| Connecticut | $158 to $188 | $158 to $658 |
| Delaware | $148 to $176 | $148 to $616 |
| Florida | $144 to $172 | $144 to $602 |
| Georgia | $146 to $173 | $146 to $605 |
| Hawaii | $122 to $152 | $122 to $532 |
| Idaho | $132 to $157 | $132 to $549 |
| Illinois | $162 to $192 | $162 to $672 |
| Indiana | $157 to $183 | $157 to $640 |
| Iowa | $138 to $168 | $138 to $588 |
| Kansas | $128 to $158 | $128 to $553 |
| Kentucky | $146 to $176 | $146 to $616 |
| Louisiana | $143 to $172 | $143 to $602 |
| Maine | $138 to $163 | $138 to $570 |
| Maryland | $141 to $169 | $141 to $591 |
| Massachusetts | $159 to $189 | $159 to $661 |
| Michigan | $168 to $198 | $168 to $693 |
| Minnesota | $149 to $177 | $149 to $619 |
| Mississippi | $137 to $162 | $137 to $567 |
| Missouri | $148 to $178 | $148 to $623 |
| Montana | $127 to $152 | $127 to $532 |
| Nebraska | $132 to $162 | $132 to $567 |
| Nevada | $153 to $183 | $153 to $640 |
| New Hampshire | $147 to $177 | $147 to $619 |
| New Jersey | $159 to $189 | $159 to $661 |
| New Mexico | $138 to $168 | $138 to $588 |
| New York | $163 to $193 | $163 to $675 |
| North Carolina | $147 to $177 | $147 to $619 |
| North Dakota | $163 to $191 | $163 to $668 |
| Ohio | $158 to $188 | $158 to $658 |
| Oklahoma | $147 to $174 | $147 to $609 |
| Oregon | $153 to $183 | $153 to $640 |
| Pennsylvania | $157 to $187 | $157 to $654 |
| Rhode Island | $148 to $176 | $148 to $616 |
| South Carolina | $142 to $167 | $142 to $584 |
| South Dakota | $141 to $171 | $141 to $598 |
| Tennessee | $146 to $176 | $146 to $616 |
| Texas | $157 to $187 | $157 to $654 |
| Utah | $148 to $178 | $148 to $623 |
| Vermont | $136 to $166 | $136 to $581 |
| Virginia | $143 to $173 | $143 to $605 |
| Washington | $152 to $182 | $152 to $637 |
| West Virginia | $138 to $163 | $138 to $570 |
| Wisconsin | $147 to $177 | $147 to $619 |
| Wyoming | $128 to $153 | $128 to $535 |
Timing can significantly impact your payout. Consider market cycles and seasonal demand when planning to recycle your vehicle for maximum return.
Market Analysis: Scrap Metal Price Trends (2023-2025)
Understanding market trends helps you time your sale for maximum value. Our analysis tracks scrap metal pricing patterns to identify optimal selling periods.
Current Market Indicators
- Market Direction: ↗️ Gradually Rising (8% increase since January 2025)
- 12-Month High: $195/ton (March 2025)
- 12-Month Low: $115/ton (January 2025)
- Price Stability: High (±$25/ton monthly variation)
- Projected Trend: Continued growth expected through summer 2025
Seasonal Patterns
Historically, scrap metal prices follow predictable seasonal patterns:
- Spring (Mar-May): Moderate increase (+5-10%) as construction season begins
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Peak prices (+10-15%) with maximum industrial demand
- Fall (Sep-Nov): Gradual decline (-5-8%) as construction slows
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Lowest prices (-10-15%) due to reduced demand and weather impacts
Understanding "Scrap Value" vs. "Salvage Value" vs. "Junk Car Value"
These terms are often used interchangeably but represent distinct valuation concepts:
Scrap Value
- Based exclusively on metal weight and commodity prices
- Disregards functional components
- Typically lowest offer type
- Quick processing with minimal requirements
Salvage Value
- Considers parts that can be refurbished and resold
- Significantly higher than pure scrap value
- Often 2-3× more than scrap value for late-model vehicles
- Requires more detailed assessment
Junk Car Value
- Comprehensive assessment including both parts and metal value
- Considers vehicle age, condition, make/model demand
- Highest potential return (especially for vehicles less than 15 years old)
- Requires complete documentation and potentially longer processing time
FAQ About Scrap Car Prices
General Questions
How much is my car worth in scrap right now?
Most vehicles are currently worth between $150-$700 in scrap value, with the average mid-size sedan bringing approximately $300-$350. Use our calculator above for a personalized estimate.
Do I need a title to scrap my car?
While requirements vary by state, most legitimate recyclers require proper documentation. Having a title typically increases your offered price and expands your selling options.
What happens to my car after it's scrapped?
Your vehicle undergoes a systematic recycling process: first, valuable components are removed and resold; next, fluids are properly drained; finally, the remaining metal is shredded and separated for recycling.
How quickly will I get paid for my scrapped vehicle?
Most reputable scrap yards and junk car buyers offer immediate payment at the time of pickup or delivery. Avoid companies that promise payment after processing.
Technical Questions
How is the scrap weight of my car determined?
Your vehicle is typically weighed at the recycling facility using a calibrated scale. This weight, minus non-recyclable components, determines the final scrap value.
Does vehicle condition affect scrap value?
For pure scrap value, condition minimally impacts price. However, vehicles in better condition may qualify for salvage value, which can be significantly higher.
Are older cars worth more or less as scrap?
Counterintuitively, older vehicles (pre-1990s) often contain more steel and iron by percentage, potentially increasing their scrap value despite being lighter overall.
How does an electric or hybrid vehicle's scrap value differ?
Electric and hybrid vehicles can have 30-50% higher scrap value due to their lithium-ion batteries and increased copper content, though specialized recycling is required.
Financial and Process Questions
Can I negotiate scrap car prices?
Yes, scrap prices are often negotiable. Obtaining multiple quotes and understanding current market rates gives you significant leverage.
Do I need to remove personal items before scrapping?
Yes, always thoroughly check your vehicle for personal items, documents, and electronics before transferring ownership. Most yards will not inventory or return items left in vehicles.
Is the catalytic converter included in the scrap price?
Ask specifically about this when getting quotes. Some buyers include it in their offer, while others may reduce their price if it's already been removed.
Are there any tax benefits to scrapping a vehicle?
If donating to a qualified charity, you may qualify for a tax deduction. For standard recycling, the payment you receive is considered income rather than a deduction.
Last Updated: March 15, 2025 - Prices and market data are updated regularly to ensure accuracy. Regional variations may apply.