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["Scrap","Catalytic converter","Precious metals","Refinery"]

Scrap Catalytic Converter Guide

While typically overlooked, it is important to know what a catalytic converter is and the impact that component has.

Many people may drive their car every day and roughly understand the parts involved, one of which is a catalytic converter. While typically overlooked, it is still important to know what a catalytic converter is and the impact that component has. Additionally, it’s important to ask what happens at the end of a vehicle’s life. What happens to the parts? Does the whole vehicle go to the junkyard? Is there something of value to salvage?

There is a key part of automobiles that is very important to salvage – catalytic converters. Recycling this car part has financial and environmental benefits. To gain these benefits, it's important to know what a catalytic converter is, where they are recycled and how to go about recycling these car parts

What is a catalytic converter, again?

A catalytic converter is an essential part of a vehicle’s exhaust system. Located underneath the vehicle, next to the muffler, catalytic converters turn harmful pollutants into less harmful compounds. Without catalytic converters, automobiles would be responsible for even more harmful emissions.

What does a catalytic converter do?

Catalytic converters transform harmful compounds emitted by the exhaust into less harmful substances by utilizing precious metals. These metals act as a catalyst inside the converter and react with substances like carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons to produce fewer toxic compounds, such as carbon dioxide and water.

How long do catalytic converters last?

A catalytic converter should last for the lifetime of a car. Over time, they may receive damage that requires replacement or maintenance, but with regular upkeep, it should last along with the vehicle.

What is a catalytic converter made of?

A catalytic converter is made of rare precious metals as catalysts. The most prominent of these metals are platinum, palladium and rhodium.

How much is a catalytic converter worth?

The price of a catalytic converter can vary with the age and size of the vehicle that it is placed in as well as the value of the precious metals inside the catalytic converter. 

For example, larger vehicles need larger catalytic converters, and older vehicles use larger amounts of precious metals. As a result, they may be worth more.

What catalytic converters are worth the most?

Since catalytic converters' prices can fluctuate with so many variables, there is no exact formula to determine which will be worth the most. For example, the large deposits of precious metals in the catalytic converter of older cars will be higher in value. Likewise, the catalytic converters in large automobiles will also fetch a high price, as their larger size necessitates more precious metals to sustain reactions.

According to JD Power, the most expensive catalytic converter currently available belongs to the Ferrari F430. Coming in at US$3,770, the vehicle in question requires two converters. Therefore the catalytic converters contained in this car are worth US$7,540 together.

What is the best catalytic converter?

Ultimately, the best catalytic converter is one that meets both vehicle and state requirements.  Because a catalytic converter plays a significant role in protecting the environment (more on this later), there are different requirements and regulations based on the state a person lives in. 

If someone is looking to invest in a catalytic converter to recycle, they will also have to consider other aspects of the catalytic converter to meet the vehicle requirements. Older catalytic converters often hold more precious metals, along with larger catalytic converters. Therefore, to invest in a quality catalytic converter, it's important and highly recommended to work with an honest seller and find the best way to refine the part. 

What is a catalytic converter refinery?

Refineries specialize in recycling different products, and many specialize in catalytic converter recycling. Precious metal refineries take products with precious metals, extract the metals and purify them to be reused. 

Specifically, a catalytic converter refinery removes the precious metals from catalytic converters and purifies them, to be used for new converters or other products. 

The importance of catalytic converter refineries

Many everyday products and devices need precious metals. However, extracting metals from the earth is intensive and dangerous for the environment. 

Fortunately, catalytic converter refineries are beneficial for the environment in that they reduce the need for precious metal extraction by providing precious metals for the market. These metals can also be used in more catalytic converters, saving the environment from the creation of additional toxic gasses. 

The catalytic converter refining process

Different providers may have their own ways to process catalytic converters. However, they usually follow a general formula.

  1. Obtain and weigh scrap catalytic converters
  2. They are then often “de-canned,” which separates the various elements of the converter
  3. Grind the catalyst with the precious metals into powder
  4. Sample the powder to determine the concentration of metals
  5. Refine and smelt the powder, then reshape  the resulting metal for recycling

Catalytic converter recycling

Catalytic converter recycling is the process of removing the precious metals from catalytic converters, so that the metals may be used in converters or other applications. Many people sell their old catalytic converters to buyers, who collect these old catalytic converters and sell the large quantities to refineries. 

Why should used catalytic converters be recycled?

Precious metals are a highly desired resource. They are vital components in electronics, jewelry, automobiles (catalytic converters) and many other products. However, they are acquired through an intensive extraction process that produces high carbon emissions.

Some other products, like plastic, may lose their effectiveness or strength when recycled. Metals, however, do not suffer a loss in quality when being recycled. 

Therefore, any metals that can be recycled, especially precious ones like those found in catalytic converters, should be recycled, as it is helpful for the environment and the market for metals.

There is, of course, a financial benefit to recycling precious metals. Those with scrap catalytic converters stand to profit from selling them to buyers. In addition, these converters are in high demand for the metals inside, so sellers can see financial returns if they choose the right recycler.

How are catalytic converters recycled?

The first step in recycling is grading the catalytic converters. Once their value is properly assessed, the refining process involves separating the precious metals from the other materials. The other materials are otherwise recycled or disposed of, while the precious metals are refined, smelted and reshaped for further use.

How much is a used catalytic converter worth?

A catalytic converter’s price depends on the number and types of metals used in the automobile part and the market for those metals. Older vehicles, as well as larger vehicles, may have larger amounts of precious metals. Therefore, to determine the price of a catalytic converter, it is best to get potential scrap assessed by reputable sources.

Catalytic converter recycling price

The precious metals inside of the converters will determine the price. While an average price is hard to gauge, some reports suggest the US$10 to US$500 range is appropriate to expect for scrap catalytic converters from most vehicles. Others increase that price from US$300 to US$1,500. If the rates for platinum, palladium and rhodium (common metals in converters) can be determined, then so can the value of any converter in question.

How to recycle your catalytic converter

Many catalytic converter refineries set a minimum for the amount of catalytic converters they can purchase in one transaction, meaning that sometimes, a person with one catalytic converter may not be able to sell the car part to a refinery. Instead, they will have to find catalytic converter buyers that collect these car parts, such as people looking to buy on the marketplace or scrap yards, who can then sell them to precious metal refineries. 

Different providers will have different requirements. For example, some may require sellers to remove some parts of the catalytic converter, and some online buyers will have shipping prices and other stipulations. Therefore, it is important to research and understand their requirements before agreeing to sell to a refinery. 

Who buys catalytic converters in the US near me?

Sites like local auto salvage yards, scrap metal facilities and online buyers are some sources that can buy and process catalytic converters.

A quick search nearby should show any local providers for a quick in-person exchange.

For those who may not have convenient nearby access, and in that case, their best bet is to find an online provider.

Finding the best catalytic converter recyclers

The best catalytic converter recyclers will have reputable reviews from past customers, a history of service and strong communication. 

Potential buyers, on the other hand, should be transparent and approachable. If a potential buyer does not inspire confidence or makes the seller feel apprehensive, then it may be time for catalytic converter recyclers to seek out another buyer.

The best catalytic converter buyers are upfront with their terms, which include what the prices are and the turnaround time is. When considering selling to catalytic converter buyers, don’t be afraid to call in and inquire further about policies and their dedication to service.

Current scrap catalytic converter prices

It is important to get any potential scrap assessed by a reputable buyer to find accurate, current catalytic converter prices. They understand best the current rates in the market and can factor in their labor costs to share the true price for any sold scrap.

Some people may find a price value for precious metals and estimate the amount present in their converter (1-7 grams is a typical number). But the process for refining the converters will involve its own cost, which will be subtracted from the overall cost of materials.

How to sell scrap catalytic converters and make money

How to sell a catalytic converter

Selling a catalytic converter can be a fairly simple process once a buyer has been identified. A good buyer will be very accommodating and make the process as streamlined as possible. In-person, good buyers should have a quick turnaround and be able to give an estimated value quickly. Online buyers can also uphold a strong commitment to service by offering convenient shipping and quick communication.

Some providers may request to remove some parts or identify things like serial numbers for the converter. Otherwise, all a seller needs to do is provide their scrap catalytic converter, and the buyer will handle the rest. The real work for the seller lies with choosing the right buyer.

Where to sell a catalytic converter

Catalytic converters can be sold at auto salvage yards, scrap metal facilities, as well as to online buyers. These are qualified providers that can purchase scrap, assess the value and adequately recycle the involved materials.

Some individual buyers may also be purchasing scrap to sell in bulk to providers. As always, sellers should be able to discern and pick a buyer that can provide them a good financial return and properly handle their scrap.

Why sell your catalytic converter to us

We are committed to providing our customers with a hassle-free experience that maximizes the value of their scrap. We have the experience in the industry necessary for making sure scrap is properly recycled and the customer service to make the process as smooth as possible. We also offer fair rates so that the seller can ensure that they are receiving the best deal for their scrap.

How to find the best catalytic converter refinery

The best catalytic converter refinery will help a person feel comfortable throughout the process and provide the most value for their scrap. With an extended record of excellence in this industry, our refinery can accurately assess the value of scrap and provide a fair price for our services.

We are also well versed in the processes necessary to recycle these converters properly. Many people may see their old parts and think they are destined for the dump. Our refinery recycles aim to reduce the amount of e-waste in landfills. On top of providing financial compensation for scrap, we can also ensure environmentally-friendly handling of these products.

Conclusion

Catalytic converters are an essential part of vehicles and even hold importance once they are not used in cars. They use precious metals to convert toxic gases into less harmful ones. Therefore, catalytic converters can and should be recycled by selling to a catalytic converter buyer and letting professional refineries extract the metal. 

This catalytic converter recycling process can help the environment while bringing financial benefits to every party involved. So avoid sending catalytic converters to landfills and leave a positive impact on the environment. 

Majestic Corporation has been a leading precious metals recyclers, non-ferrous metals and Catalytic converter provider for around three decades. With a presence in the United States, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Italy, Mexico, Australia, Hong Kong and more, as well as a network of precious metals refineries around the world, we work with major customers and partners in a transparent and discrete manner and only offer the highest quality services at competitive prices. 

Contact us here for more information. 



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