Got Questions?
Find all the answers you need right here.
  • How many vehicles have been retired to date?

    • In November of 2009, the program had accepted more than 50,000 vehicles into the program, surpassing our goal for the year! This represents approximately 2,260 tonnes of smog-forming pollutants being removed from our atmosphere.

      For more detailed information on program participation see our results so far.

  • What is Retire Your Ride?
    • Retire Your Ride is a national program designed and dedicated to effectively and efficiently retiring 1995 model year or older vehicles in an environmentally responsible manner, in an effort to improve air quality and encourage the use of sustainable transportation.  This voluntary program is being delivered nationally by Clear Air Foundation, along with a network of partners, with funding from the Government of Canada.
  • What do I get in return for my car?

    • Retire Your Ride offers participants a wide range of rewards to turn in their older vehicle. Rewards vary from province to province, but by retiring their vehicle, participants may be entitled to one or more of the following:

      • a free tow;
      • free transit passes;
      • discount memberships for car sharing programs;
      • discounts on bicycles;
      • discounts on new or used vehicles at participating dealerships
      • 1 year CAA membership
      • $300 cash

      The Retire Your Ride network is continuously working to add new and improved incentives to its roster.

  • What happens to my car when I retire it with your program?
    • Once enrolled in the program, your vehicle will be sent to an accredited Retire Your Ride recycler.  Auto Recyclers in the program follow the environmentally responsible Code of Practice.  This approach ensures that each vehicle goes through a methodical process designed to maximize the amount of material that can be reclaimed and will minimize the environmental impact.  This includes removing all liquids and mercury switches from the car, reclaiming the vehicle parts that are safe to reuse and that do not contribute to emissions, thus reducing the need to manufacture new parts.  For more details visit: Why Recycle.
  • Who can participate in Retire Your Ride?
    • Eligible participants must be owners of 1995 or older model year vehicles that are in running condition and have been registered and insured in Canada for the previous consecutive 6 months.
  • Why is the eligibility criteria based on vehicles of model year 1995 or older?
    • On average, 1995 model year and older vehicles produce 19 times more smog-forming emissions than 2004 or newer models.  New emissions control technology was introduced in 1996 and then again in 2004 requiring auto manufacturers to meet more stringent emissions standards.   Vehicles 1995 and older therefore lack the latest technology to cut air-pollution and reduce emissions. Retire Your Ride is an environmental program dedicated to removing these older running cars from Canada’s roads.
  • Who runs Retire Your Ride?

    • Retire Your Ride is managed nationally by the Clean Air Foundation. However, the program is delivered locally through a network of regional partners across Canada.  The Retire Your Ride network of delivery partners are:

      • AQLPA in Quebec
      • Clean Air Foundation in Ontario
      • Clean Nova Scotia in Nova Scotia
      • Climate Change Central in Alberta
      • Lung Association Manitoba in Manitoba
      • New Brunswick Lung Association in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island
      • Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association in Newfoundland and Labrador
      • Saskatchewan Environmental Society in Saskatchewan
      • BC SCRAP-IT in British Columbia
  • How can I participate in Retire Your Ride?
    • Simply fill out the online application form in the Retire Now section or call 1-877-773-1996 to find out how you can participate.
  • What information do I need to participate in Retire Your Ride?
    • Participating in Retire Your Ride is easy!  Simply provide your Postal Code, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and proof that the car has been insured and registered in Canada with its current owner for the past six months (12 months in British Columbia).

  • How does Retire Your Ride work and how long does it take?

    • Under normal circumstances, you can expect to complete the application process, retire your vehicle and receive your incentive within 6-8 weeks (maximum).  In non-standard cases or in remote locations, it may take longer, but we will keep you informed.  For a complete step by step of the application process, please click here.

  • What can I expect when participating in the program?

    • We strive to provide the highest level of customer service to all participants in both official languages, 24/7.  Click here to learn more about our service standards and what you can expect from Retire Your Ride.