Got an Old Car? Here’s How Scrap Metal Buyers Turn It into Cash
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OCT 09, 2025

Got an Old Car? Here’s How Scrap Metal Buyers Turn It into Cash

If you have an old, damaged, or non-running car sitting in your driveway, it might be worth more than you think. Scrap metal buyers specialize in turning unwanted vehicles into money by recycling and repurposing their valuable materials. But how exactly does this process work?

In this post, RCM Recycling—a trusted scrap metal recycling company—explains how old cars are turned into cash in scrap yards. As seasoned scrap metal buyers with years of experience in the industry, we understand the process that old cars go through from the moment they arrive at the yard until they’re transformed into valuable raw materials. Read on to learn more about the process and why you should scrap your unwanted metals with us.

Step 1: Evaluating and Pricing the Vehicle

The process begins with an assessment of your old car. When you contact a scrap metal recycling company like RCM Recycling, we’ll ask a few questions about your vehicle, including its make, model, year, and condition. Even if the car isn’t running, it still holds value because of its metal content. Once these details are gathered, you’ll receive a competitive offer based on real-time market rates.

Step 2: Vehicle Collection and Transportation

After you accept the quote, the next step is vehicle removal. Many people think they need to tow their car to the scrapyard themselves, but most scrap metal buyers offer free pickup services. At RCM Recycling, we schedule a convenient pickup time, handle the paperwork, and tow the vehicle to our facility at no additional cost. This makes the process hassle-free, especially for owners with non-functional vehicles or those who want to avoid transportation costs.

Step 3: Safe Fluid and Hazardous Material Removal

Before any dismantling begins, safety and environmental protection come first. Vehicles contain various fluids that must be drained and disposed of properly. These materials are collected to prevent contamination and pollution. Hazardous components such as batteries, airbags, and mercury switches are also removed and processed following strict recycling regulations.

Step 4: Dismantling and Parts Recovery

Once the vehicle is safe to handle, the dismantling process begins. Skilled technicians remove reusable parts such as engines, transmissions, alternators, and catalytic converters. Many of these components can be reconditioned or sold for reuse. The remaining metal structure is then prepared for shredding and further recycling.

Step 5: Metal Separation and Recycling

After dismantling, the car’s body and frame are crushed and sent through powerful shredders that break the metal into smaller pieces. These fragments go through magnetic and mechanical separation systems to distinguish ferrous metals from non-ferrous ones. Each type of metal is then processed and sent to metal mills, where it’s melted down and transformed into raw materials used for new products.

Step 6: Getting Paid for Your Car

Once your car has been processed and evaluated, payment is issued promptly. At RCM Recycling, we pride ourselves on offering fair, transparent prices and quick payouts. You don’t have to worry about hidden fees or long waiting periods—just an honest transaction that puts cash in your hands while helping the environment.

Looking For a Trusted Junk Car Buyer? Contact RCM Recycling

Scrap metal recycling presents a win-win opportunity to turn old cars into cash while preserving the environment. If you’re looking for a dependable scrap metal company in Peachtree City, get in touch with RCM Recycling. We’ve built a reputation for offering fair prices for junk cars and hassle-free removal. Moreover, we turn various types of scrap into cash with sustainability in mind. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you turn your old car into cash.