Can you sell auto parts to a junkyard?

Yes—most junkyards and salvage yards will buy certain auto parts (and whole vehicles), but policies vary widely. Expect to show proof of lawful ownership, present ID, and follow stricter rules for items like catalytic converters and airbags. Prices are usually based on scrap metal value or “core” value rather than retail prices, and some yards don’t buy parts from the public at all.

What junkyards buy—and what they don’t

Junkyards fall into two broad categories: “full-service” recyclers that dismantle vehicles themselves and “self-service” or “pick-and-pull” yards that let customers remove parts. Either type may buy parts directly from individuals, but many prefer whole vehicles or parts with clear provenance. Here’s how common items are treated.

The following are among the parts many yards routinely accept, especially when they have resale or scrap value.

• Batteries and wheels: Lead-acid batteries and aluminum/alloy wheels are widely accepted for recycling and scrap.
• Starters, alternators, AC compressors, power steering pumps: Frequently purchased for “core” rebuilding value.
• Engines, transmissions, transfer cases, differentials: Often bought if relatively complete; value rises with popular models.
• Doors, fenders, hoods, bumpers, lights, mirrors, interior trim: Body and trim parts in good condition can be resold.
• Radiators, condensers, catalytic converter heat shields, exhaust pipes (without the converter): Typically bought as scrap metal if not resalable.
• Tires and wheels: Usable tires with safe tread may be resold; otherwise, wheels are scrapped and tires recycled.

While demand changes with market conditions and local inventory, these items tend to be straightforward for yards to evaluate and resell or recycle.

Some parts are tightly regulated, hazardous, or high-risk for theft—and many yards won’t buy them from the general public or require extra documentation.

• Catalytic converters: Highly regulated due to theft. In many U.S. states, buyers can only purchase from licensed businesses (e.g., repair shops, dismantlers) or must collect detailed documentation (ID, proof of ownership, vehicle VIN, payment records) and often pay by check, not cash. Many yards refuse cats from individuals entirely.
• Airbags and other SRS components: Regulated safety devices; some states restrict resale or require certifications. Many yards avoid buying used airbags from individuals.
• Control modules with data (infotainment head units, telematics, ECU/TCU): Yards may accept them, but best practice is to factory-reset/clear personal data.
• Fluids (oil, coolant, refrigerant, brake fluid): Generally not purchased; improper handling is illegal. Drain parts appropriately and comply with disposal laws.
• Items with altered/removed identifiers (VIN tags, odometers) or suspected theft: Will be declined and may trigger reporting to law enforcement.

If you’re unsure, call ahead. The yard’s license type, local regulations, and current theft-prevention rules drive what they can legally buy.

How to sell parts to a junkyard

Because policies differ by location, a quick plan improves your odds of a smooth sale and a fair price. Here’s a practical approach that aligns with common U.S. practices and many international markets.

1. Call first and describe the part: Provide year/make/model, part number if available, and condition. Ask if the yard buys from the public and what documentation is required.
2. Gather proof of ownership: A title for a whole vehicle; for loose parts, a receipt, donor-vehicle info, or a bill of sale. Bring a government-issued ID.
3. Comply with restricted-item rules: Catalytic converters, airbags, and other regulated parts may require extra paperwork—or won’t be accepted at all.
4. Prepare the part: Drain fluids, wipe down excess grime, and keep assemblies intact if that increases value (for example, a complete alternator rather than components).
5. Protect your privacy: Factory-reset infotainment units and remove paired devices or stored addresses before sale.
6. Set realistic price expectations: Yards pay based on scrap or core value, not retail. Ask for a quote range by phone to avoid surprises.
7. Confirm payment method and any holds: Some jurisdictions require non-cash payment or short waiting periods for certain items.
8. Get a receipt/bill of sale: Keep documentation for your records and potential tax reporting.

A short phone call before you show up can save time and ensure you bring the right paperwork for a legal, quick transaction.

Legal and compliance basics

Rules differ by country, state, province, and even city. In the U.S., recent laws aimed at curbing metal and catalytic converter theft have tightened requirements for buyers and sellers. Always check local regulations before you sell.

• Ownership and ID: Expect to show government ID; many buyers log transactions and report them to a police-accessible database.
• Whole vehicles vs. parts: Selling a whole car typically requires a title or proof of ownership; loose parts usually don’t—but provenance is still important.
• Catalytic converters: Often require proof of lawful origin tied to a specific vehicle; many states restrict purchases from the public or mandate cashless payment and recordkeeping.
• Safety and emissions equipment: Airbags, seatbelts, and emission-control parts can be regulated. Installing used emissions components may be restricted under federal or state law; many yards sell catalytic converters only as scrap, not for reuse.
• Environmental rules: Fluids must be handled and disposed of legally. Refrigerant recovery requires certified equipment and technicians in many jurisdictions.
• Theft prevention and waiting periods: Some areas require holds on certain metals/parts before resale and may delay payment.

When in doubt, ask the buyer what they need to complete a compliant transaction—and don’t attempt to sell items that may violate theft-prevention or environmental laws.

What you’ll be paid

Junkyard offers usually reflect either scrap value (based on commodity prices) or “core” value (what a rebuilder will pay for a remanufacturable part). Prices change with metal markets and demand for specific models.

As a general guide, expect modest payouts for common parts and more for desirable powertrains. Batteries and aluminum wheels typically fetch straightforward recycling rates; alternators/starters/AC compressors carry core value; engines and transmissions in demand can bring considerably more. Catalytic converters, where legally purchased from the public, are priced by precious-metal content and vehicle application, but many yards will not buy them from individuals due to regulatory risk. Whole vehicles are often priced by weight, completeness, and current scrap steel prices, with bonuses for popular resalable components.

Because metals and demand fluctuate month to month, get a live quote from local yards rather than relying on online averages.

Alternatives to junkyards

If your local yards aren’t buying what you have—or you want to try for a higher price—consider these options. Always follow the same documentation and legal guidelines wherever you sell.

• Specialty core buyers and rebuilders: Often pay more for alternators, starters, brake calipers, and modules by part number.
• Online marketplaces (with caution): List engines, body panels, wheels, or interior pieces locally; vet buyers carefully and document sales.
• Scrap metal recyclers: For non-resalable parts, direct-to-scrap can be faster and sometimes pays better for metals like copper or aluminum.
• Auto parts stores: Many offer core return credits or battery recycling incentives.
• Donate a vehicle: If a car isn’t worth much, charity donation can simplify disposal and may have tax advantages (consult a tax professional).

These routes can increase your net return but usually require more effort for listing, shipping, and buyer screening.

Bottom line

You can generally sell auto parts to a junkyard, but acceptance depends on the part, your documentation, and local law. Call ahead, bring proof of ownership and ID, and expect pricing based on scrap or core value. Items like catalytic converters and airbags are heavily regulated—many yards won’t buy them from individuals. If a yard passes, try specialty core buyers, recyclers, or local marketplaces.

Can you sell car parts to a junkyard for cash?

Do Junkyards Buy Car Parts? Yes, they do! Junkyards are always searching for different car parts. They might be interested in buying old engines, used tires, or small parts like mirrors and headlights from you.

How much can you get for scrap car parts?

Metal Content
Steel, aluminum, and copper are commonly found in cars and have varying market prices. For example, as of March 2025, scrap car prices range from $140 to $190 per ton, with complete vehicles typically selling for $175 to $665 in scrap, depending on weight, metal content, and location .

What car parts have the most scrap value?

Among the most valuable car parts are catalytic converters, batteries, alternators, radiators, starter motors, wheels and rims, exhaust systems, doors, fenders, and engine blocks. While you can scrap a car with missing parts, the amount of money you receive may be lower.

Can you make money selling old car parts?

Plenty of folks sell used parts all the time without issue, and it’s a great way to save money on the other end. There are returns in all industries, and also, as mentioned, shady f*cks who swap stuff. Overall, it’s quite lucrative in the right scope.