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Scrap America

The Junk Car Removal Process

From your driveway to the crusher: A transparent look at how we handle your vehicle.

Start The Process 📞 (414) 441-4448

Step-by-Step: Selling Your Car

Many first-time sellers are nervous. "Will the driver haggle?" "Is this legit?" "What paperwork do I need?" At Scrap America, we believe in radical transparency. Here is the exact lifecycle of a transaction with us.

1

The Appraisal (Quote)

It starts with data. You provide the Year, Make, Model, and Condition. Our system algorithms (backed by human reviewers) analyze:

  • Scrap Steel Prices: Current market rate per ton.
  • Catalytic Converter Value: Based on the specific engine in your car.
  • Local Parts Demand: Do body shops in Milwaukee need 2010 Camry doors?

Result: You get a guaranteed cash offer. No "estimates." A firm price.

2

The Dispatch

We don't use 3rd party call centers. Our local dispatch team in Milwaukee maps your location. We look at:

  • Truck Availability: Flatbed vs Wrecker?
  • Traffic Routes: Avoiding I-94 construction.
  • Your Schedule: working around your job or school run.
3

The Field Inspection

When the driver arrives, they perform a 5-minute check:

  • VIN Match: Ensures we are buying the right car.
  • Component Check: Is the fancy aluminum engine still there? Is the catalytic converter attached?
  • Title Verify: Does your ID match the title?

Note: We do NOT kick tires or point out scratches. It's a junk car. We know it has scratches.

4

Payment & Tow

The best part. The driver hands you the payment. You hand over the keys and title. We load the car and drive away. You are done.

What Happens Next? (The Eco-Cycle)

Your car doesn't just sit in a pile. It enters a massive recycling ecosystem.

1. Depollution (Making it Safe)

Before crushing, we must remove hazardous materials. This is critical for the environment.

  • Fluids: Oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant are drained and recycled.
  • Battery: Lead-acid batteries are removed to prevent soil contamination.
  • Mercury Switches: Older cars have mercury in stabilization switches that must be captured.

2. Parts Harvesting

If your car had a good alternator, working radio, or straight body panels, those parts are pulled. They are cleaned, cataloged, and sold to repair other vehicles, keeping them on the road longer.

3. The Shredder

The remaining shell (frame, body, unusable parts) is fed into a mega-shredder. It grinds the car into fist-sized chunks of metal in seconds. Magnets separate the steel (ferrous) from aluminum and plastic.

4. Rebirth

That steel is melted down in a foundry and becomes new steel beams, appliances, or even new cars. Your 2005 Corolla might become a 2025 bridge support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the entire process take? +

Typically 24 to 48 hours. If you call us in the morning, we can often pick up the vehicle the same day. The actual pickup appointment takes about 15-20 minutes.

Do I need to clean the car out? +

You should remove all personal belongings, license plates, and E-ZPass tags. You do NOT need to wash the car or clean up garbage/debris, although excessive trash (like a car filled to the roof with household waste) may result in a lower quote.

How do I get paid? +

Our driver will pay you on the spot at the time of pickup. We typically pay in cash or company check, depending on the amount and your preference. We also offer Zelle/Venmo for contactless pickups.

What happens to the car after you take it? +

It goes to our depot for depollution (fluid removal). Then, valuable parts are pulled for resale. Finally, the remaining shell is crushed and shredded for steel recycling.

Do I need to cancel my insurance? +

Yes, but wait until we have paid you and towed the vehicle away. Once the car is gone, call your insurance provider to cancel coverage and remove the vehicle from your policy to save money.

Can usually reschedule the pickup? +

Yes, life happens. Just call or text our dispatch line as soon as possible. We are flexible and can move your appointment to a different day or time.

Do I need to drain the fluids? +

No! Please do not attempt to drain gas, oil, or coolant yourself. Our facility is equipped to handle hazardous fluids safely. Draining them yourself can be dangerous and environmentally harmful if spilled.

Will the driver help me remove my license plates? +

Most of our drivers are happy to help if you don't have a screwdriver. However, rusted screws can be tricky. It's best to try to loosen them beforehand.

What if the car doesn't have an engine? +

We still buy it as a 'shell', but the price will be lower. Please inform us during the quote process so we don't send a driver expecting a complete car.

Is this process legal? +

100%. We are a licensed salvage buyer in the State of Wisconsin. We follow all DOT regulations regarding vehicle transfer and end-of-life processing.