Scrappage Price — What Your Car Is Worth in Georgia
Scrappage price is calculated by vehicle weight × current steel prices. Here's what that means for your car in Q1 2026.
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What is the scrappage price for a car in Georgia?
A car's scrappage price in Georgia is calculated by multiplying the vehicle's weight in tons by the current scrap steel price per ton. In Q1 2026, Atlanta-area scrap steel is $170–$210/ton. An average 3,000-lb car yields $255–$315 in base metal value, plus $100–$400 for the catalytic converter, for a total scrappage price of roughly $350–$700. Trucks and SUVs reach $500–$1,100+.
Last Updated:
How Scrappage Price Is Calculated
The formula is straightforward:
Scrappage Price = (Vehicle Weight ÷ 2,000) × Scrap Steel Price Per Ton
Then add catalytic converter value for total payout
For example, a 3,500-lb Honda Accord in Atlanta:
1.75 tons × $190/ton = $332.50 base metal value
Plus catalytic converter (~$120): $452 total scrappage price
Georgia scrap steel prices in Q1 2026 range from $170–$210 per ton at Atlanta-area processors. Prices update weekly based on national commodity markets — higher prices in January/February typically give way to slight softening in spring.
Scrappage Price by Vehicle Type — Georgia Q1 2026
| Vehicle Type | Weight Range | Base Scrap Value | With Cat Converter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact car | 2,500–3,000 lbs | $212–$315 | $320–$550 |
| Mid-size sedan | 3,000–3,500 lbs | $255–$367 | $370–$650 |
| Full-size sedan | 3,500–4,000 lbs | $297–$420 | $420–$750 |
| Compact SUV | 3,500–4,500 lbs | $297–$472 | $430–$800 |
| Full-size SUV | 4,500–6,000 lbs | $382–$630 | $550–$1,000 |
| Pickup truck | 4,000–7,000 lbs | $340–$735 | $500–$1,100 |
| Minivan | 4,000–5,000 lbs | $340–$525 | $480–$850 |
Based on $190/ton scrap steel midpoint. Aluminum-intensive vehicles (European makes, some trucks) yield 15–25% higher values. Never remove the catalytic converter yourself — it reduces your total payout.
What Raises a Car's Scrappage Price
- Higher vehicle weight — The biggest factor. Every extra 500 lbs adds roughly $45–$55 at current prices
- Intact catalytic converter — Worth $80–$400+ depending on make/model. Never remove it before selling
- Aluminum components — Aluminum pays 3–4x more per pound than steel; European makes and some trucks have significant aluminum content
- Rising scrap market — Monitor steel price trends; selling when prices are at monthly highs adds $20–$50 to most vehicles
Scrappage Price vs. Junk Car Quote — What's the Difference?
The scrappage price is the raw metal value of a vehicle. A junk car quote from a buyer like RidOfMyCar.com includes the scrappage price plus any parts value the vehicle may have. This is why our quotes often exceed the pure scrappage calculation — we pay for the full vehicle value, not just metal weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scrappage price for a car?
A car's scrappage price is what you receive when selling it for its raw metal value. In Georgia, scrappage prices are calculated as: vehicle weight (in tons) × current scrap steel price (per ton). In Q1 2026, Atlanta-area scrap steel is $170–$210/ton. A 3,000-lb car brings roughly $255–$315 in base scrap value; additional value comes from the catalytic converter and any aluminum components.
How is the scrappage price calculated?
Scrappage price = (Vehicle weight in lbs ÷ 2,000) × scrap steel price per ton. For example, a 3,500-lb sedan at $190/ton yields: 1.75 tons × $190 = $332.50 in base metal value. Buyers add the value of the catalytic converter, which can range from $50 to $400+ depending on the vehicle's make and model.
What affects a car's scrappage price?
The main factors are: (1) Vehicle weight — heavier vehicles are worth more; (2) Current scrap steel prices — these fluctuate weekly based on commodity markets; (3) Catalytic converter — intact cats add significant value due to precious metals; (4) Aluminum content — vehicles with aluminum bodies or engines bring higher prices; (5) Location — scrap prices vary by region and proximity to processing facilities.
What is the scrappage price for a car in Georgia right now?
As of Q1 2026, Georgia scrappage prices are approximately $170–$210 per ton of steel. For an average 3,200-lb car, that translates to $272–$336 in base metal value. With a catalytic converter, total scrappage value is typically $350–$700. Heavier trucks and SUVs can reach $600–$1,100.
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We pay based on weight, current scrap prices, and parts value. Always more than a raw scrappage calculation.
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