Selling a catalytic converter doesn’t have to be a difficult process. With a little knowledge and the right industry contacts, one can get a fair price and a clear timeline on selling and recycling catalytic converters. There are, however, pitfalls that should be avoided during research on catalytic converter scrap prices.

Catalytic converter recycling

Catalytic converters are important to a vehicle emissions system as they keep harmful toxins from entering the environment. A catalytic converter takes emissions such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and converts them into carbon dioxide and water. With normal use, a catalytic converter will last the lifetime of a vehicle. Once a catalytic converter is unusable, the used catalytic converter can be recycled to extract the precious metals inside. 

There is high demand for precious metals in manufacturing. These precious metals can be taken from a used catalytic converter and used in a new one or they can be used for products in numerous other applications. Precious metals are used in many products such as jewelry, other automobile parts, electronics and home appliances. 

Recycling catalytic converters helps meet the demand for precious metals. It decreases the need for extraction mining, which destroys the Earth’s surface and the environment. Recycling precious metals also decrease costs for manufacturers and end-users, as it increases the number of metals available on the market.

How to sell a catalytic converter?

When recycling a catalytic converter, the recycler will receive a certain price from the buyer. The parts are accepted at locations such as scrap yards and then sent along for recycling. 

Large industrial recyclers require a minimum number of catalytic converters, such as 500 or 1,000. Catalytic converters do not pose an environmental risk, however, the recycling process can expose hazardous wastes, so refineries are careful to follow set regulations on handling them correctly.

Several different types of businesses will accept catalytic converters for recycling. Those that are looking to sell catalytic converters can contact a local auto salvage yard or a scrap metal facility and also look online for catalytic converter buyers. A local facility might provide the best price, as an online buyer may require the seller pays shipping costs. An online buyer will ask for the serial number and provide a general price quote. This gives the seller the chance to sell their converter from anywhere in the world.

When an online seller is contacted, there are a few do’s and don’ts for obtaining an accurate price quote. Some things to do include:

• Send a picture of the entire catalytic converter, so the team there can see its shape and size.
• Take the picture from directly above the part, to make it easier to see the entire object. 
• Make sure you take the picture in a lot of light, a flashlight or several extra lights may be needed for sufficient lighting.
• Also, send any pictures of serial numbers. If the seller isn’t sure which number is the correct one, send pictures of them all. 
• Cut the converter off the pipes and check both sides. This will help determine if any material is not there and to get a good look at the honeycomb.

Some things to avoid while selling catalytic converters include: 

• Only sending a picture of the catalytic converter shell. Only showing the shell of the catalytic converter can make someone miss important parts of the catalytic converters. This can lead to inaccurate assessments and prices. 
• Taking out the catalytic converter honeycomb. Inside of a catalytic converter is a honeycomb, consisting of precious metals and materials used to convert toxic gas. This can be very dangerous as it can emit toxic materials. It can also complicate the selling process. 
• Sending a picture of a pile of catalytic converters. This will bring the same issue of only sending the picture of a catalytic converter sell. It can lead to missed aspects of the catalytic converters, inaccurate prices and inaccurate expectations. 

Recycled catalytic converter scrap price

Metal prices change regularly, both due to supply and demand and also changes within the manufacturing industry. That makes it difficult to suggest a constant price for recycling a catalytic converter. Generally, based upon the converter size and vehicle, a catalytic converter seller can expect a profit of US$10 to US$500 per catalytic converter.

The catalytic converter’s metals and type will affect the price quote. For instance, rhodium may be priced at about US$287 per gram, which is hundreds of dollars more per gram than other precious metals, making a converter containing it much more valuable.  

How to make more money selling used catalytic converters

Older model vehicles will have catalytic converters made with more precious metals inside of them, providing a greater profit to sellers. This is because, in the past, a larger supply of such metals was available at a lower cost to the manufacturer. The nonrenewable resource is now in shorter supply, leading manufacturers to search out new technology and designs that rely on less weight in precious metals per part.

Less reputable facilities might assign an incorrect value to catalytic converters. To receive a specific price, try to find a catalytic converter serial number. This can provide more information on the manufacturer it’s worth. 

Completing research on current market values for precious metals can provide a ballpark figure of the value. An average catalytic converter contains one to seven grams of precious metals, such as palladium, rhodium and platinum. 

Remember that the facility will need to deduct labor and equipment costs from the worth of the catalytic converter. However, selling a catalytic converter to catalytic converter buyers or the right to refineries can bring many benefits. It can provide some extra spending money, reduce the amount of waste in landfills, as well as have a positive impact on the environment. Catalytic converters help keep the environment safe while they are in use and sellers can look to extend their life once they’re no longer used in vehicles anymore. 

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.