What is a catalytic converter?

A catalytic converter turns pollutants from a car’s exhaust into less harmful substances. When cars emit gasses like carbon monoxide, nitric oxides and hydrocarbons, catalytic converters turn them into safer gasses like carbon dioxide and water vapor.

This is possible due to chemical reactions in the catalytic converter, driven by precious metals in the catalytic converter which acts as catalysts. These precious metals are in high demand, so it is ideal for them to be recycled properly. To ensure that is done reliably, it is important to find a responsible and reputable catalytic converter buyer.

What to do with a used catalytic converter

A used catalytic converter should be recycled so that the precious metals inside can be used in another catalytic converter. These precious metals could also be repurposed for other products. Many precious metal recyclers help meet the demand for precious metals by buying used catalytic converters and extracting their metal.

What is catalytic converter recycling?

Catalytic converter recycling takes a used catalytic converter and extracts the precious metals found inside. Precious metal recyclers collect large amounts of catalytic converters, extract the precious metals from the other materials in the converter and purify the precious metals. These precious metals are then used for manufacturing new catalytic converters or they are recycled for use in other products.

How to sell catalytic converters

There are a few different types of companies that deal with recycling catalytic converters. There are large industrial recyclers that require a minimum number of converters. These recyclers have a minimum catalytic converter requirement that may be between 500 and 1,000 converters. Auto salvage yards or scrap metal facilities also catalytic converter recycling services.

If someone is looking to sell their catalytic converter but does not have enough converters to work directly with a precious metal refinery, they can turn to online buyers. These buyers purchase catalytic converters until they receive a minimum amount and recycle them with a refiner. Catalytic converter buyers may or may not pay for shipping fees and may offer fluctuating prices that aren’t found with a scrapyard.

What are new catalytic converter prices?

Catalytic converter prices are determined by the size of the part and the automobile it was made for. Because of this, it is hard to determine a precise average but reports suggest that the expected price is upwards of US$1,000. This price is only determined by the price of the catalytic converter parts and does not include the price of transportation or the labor required to install the converter.

Catalytic converter scrap prices

Much like the starting price for a new catalytic converter, the price for a used catalytic converter will also vary based on several factors. Catalytic converter scrap prices vary more based on the number of precious metals within the converter and the demand for such metals. When it comes to scrap catalytic converters, older models can be more valuable, as the amount of precious metal inside is likely higher. 

Ultimately, the average price for catalytic converter scrap can range from US tens to hundreds of dollars. To truly identify the price of a catalytic converter, the serial number would have to be researched and the individual car part’s manufacture would have to be determined. 

Where can I sell my catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters can be sold for recycling to scrap facilities and salvage yards and some people even attempt to sell them on their own. Online marketplaces like eBay and craigslist are great places to post catalytic converters for sale. Buyers can then search these marketplaces, negotiate a price and purchase a seller's catalytic converter.

Catalytic converter sellers can also search for scrap yards and businesses that buy individual catalytic converters. These buyers should have contact information online so that catalytic converter sellers can connect and find the best way to complete the transaction.

How to find the best catalytic converter buyer

Recycling catalytic converters is a good environmental and financial decision, so it is important to find a recycler who is reliable. When searching for a reputable catalytic converter buyer, there are some key ideas to keep in mind.

Find catalytic converter scrap value by serial number and 9 other bonus tips

1. Find catalytic converter scrap value by serial number: Before identifying a buyer, the most accurate way to determine the value of a scrap catalytic converter is to identify the serial number. This can provide the year, make and model of the vehicle it was used in and help determine the precious metals found inside.
2. Research Online: The internet is the best way to find a catalytic converter buyer and is the best way to research a buyer. While researching multiple options, find their contact information and communicate directly with them. 
3. Communicate directly with the buyer: Direct communication with a catalytic converter buyer is a great way to know if they are a reputable buyer. Ask the buyer questions about their process of purchasing catalytic converters and about their experience. Evaluate their answers and how quick they are in communicating honestly.
4. Find out how they offer payment: There are many ways for transactions to be completed online. Make sure a catalytic converter buyer uses reputable online payment systems like Venmo or Paypal. A promise of a check in the mail may not be trustworthy.
5. Research their reviews: If the catalytic converter has an online platform, it is best to search for other reviews left by catalytic converter sellers. These reviewers will honestly show if they had a positive or negative experience with the buyer.
6. Ensure the buyer recycles more than just the precious metal: A catalytic converter contains many more materials than just the precious metals. A good buyer should have a recycling plan in place for the rest of the components of the scrap converter.
7. Ensure the buyer provides clear and swift communication: Communication with a buyer should be timely and ideally held with an expert to develop a recycling plan. A buyer who is slow to respond or does not seem knowledgeable should be avoided.
8. The buyer’s fees are variable: The value for precious metals will fluctuate depending on type, demand and labor. Some buyers make a flat fee seem enticing but pricing should always fluctuate with the current market scenario.
9. The buyer’s recycling process is environmentally friendly: Buyers should be able to answer if their recycling process emits a lot of pollutants. A reputable buyer should have a sustainable recycling process.
10. The buyer pays workers fairly: After identifying a buyer, learning about whether or not their standards for employee treatment are fair is also important. An unethical buyer does not deserve the business.

Some benefits of catalytic converter recycling 

There are many benefits to recycling catalytic converters. Including: 

1. Environmental Protection: Precious metals are a nonrenewable resource and the process for extracting these metals from the earth is responsible for heavy carbon emissions. Recycling catalytic converters allows for precious metals to be reused and lowers the need for new mining operations.
2. Keeping precious metals outside of landfills: With precious metals being such a valuable resource, it is important to salvage as much as possible. Recycling catalytic converters means that the precious metals inside do not go to waste.
3. Receiving extra money: It is always nice to have some extra money and catalytic converter buyers pay for the opportunity to recycle these precious metals.
4. Meets the demand for precious metals: Precious metals are always in demand and that demand is met through mining operations and/or recycling.

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.