Are catalytic converters worth anything as scrap?
Yes, catalytic converters can be worth a significant amount of money as scrap. The precious metals they contain, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, make them valuable to recyclers and scrap yards. However, the exact value can vary depending on several factors.
What Are Catalytic Converters?
Catalytic converters are emissions control devices installed in the exhaust systems of most modern vehicles. They use a chemical process to convert harmful pollutants in the exhaust, such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, into less toxic substances before they are released into the atmosphere.
Why Are Catalytic Converters Valuable as Scrap?
Catalytic converters contain small amounts of precious metals, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals are used as catalysts in the converter to facilitate the chemical reactions that reduce harmful emissions. The concentration of these metals is what makes catalytic converters valuable as scrap.
Factors Affecting Catalytic Converter Scrap Value
The scrap value of a catalytic converter can vary depending on several factors:
- Type of vehicle: Converters from larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, generally contain more precious metals and are worth more than those from smaller cars.
- Age and condition: Older converters or those that have been damaged may contain less of the valuable metals, reducing their scrap value.
- Precious metal prices: The market prices for platinum, palladium, and rhodium can fluctuate, affecting the overall scrap value of the converter.
- Location and demand: Scrap yards and recyclers in different regions may offer varying prices based on local demand and competition.
On average, a catalytic converter can be worth anywhere from $50 to $500 or more as scrap, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Conclusion
Catalytic converters can be a valuable source of scrap metal due to the precious metals they contain. However, the exact value can vary significantly based on the type of vehicle, age and condition of the converter, and current market prices for the metals. Understanding these factors can help vehicle owners and scrap collectors maximize the potential value of their catalytic converters.
How much scrap is a catalytic converter worth?
Generally, a used catalytic converter can be worth $50 to $250 or more. However, some converters can be much more valuable because of the high concentration of precious metals they contain, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
Can I get money for my old catalytic converter?
Recycling Potential: Catalytic converters are recyclable, and scrap yards can extract these precious metals to sell them at a profit. The recycling process can recover a significant percentage of the metal content, making it financially worthwhile.
Do scrap yards still take catalytic converters?
HOW IT WORKS. Well, many scrap yards will buy catalytic converters. They will often pay very low value. Most scrap yards are more concerned with their regular day-to-day business in the metal world and not the cat world.
How much does junk yards pay for catalytic converters?
| Metal/Material | Current Price |
|---|---|
| Pre-Domestic Cat Pre-Domestic Cat. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS | $14-$86/each |
| Foreign Pre-Cat Smaller cat from foreign cars. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS | $16-$217/each |
| High Grade Domestic Cat Off domestic cars. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS | $65-$593/each |
Where do people sell catalytic converters?
Scrap metal dealers will pay close to $100 for the typical catalytic converter. However, the metals found in some exotic and foreign car models can fetch more money, even up to $400.
How much do junk yards pay for catalytic converters?
| Metal/Material | Current Price |
|---|---|
| Pre-Domestic Cat Pre-Domestic Cat. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS | $14-$86/each |
| Foreign Pre-Cat Smaller cat from foreign cars. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS | $16-$217/each |
| High Grade Domestic Cat Off domestic cars. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS | $65-$593/each |
What cars have catalytic converters worth money?
Below are some vehicles with the most expensive catalytic converters, from luxury sports cars to massive trucks.
- Ferrari F430 ($3,770)
- Lamborghini Aventador ($3,120)
- Ram 2500 ($3,460)
- Ford F-250 ($2,800)
- Ford Mustang ($1,500)
Do salvage yards sell catalytic converters?
Please note that federal law prohibits Pull-A-Part—or any other salvage yard—from selling used catalytic converters. This page is for informational purposes only and is written to help you learn more about catalytic converters and what you can do in the event of you needing to replace the converter in your vehicle.
Is it worth it to scrap a catalytic converter?
It's possible to get up to $1,000 for your catalytic converter. The amount you may be offered at a local scrapyard can vary tremendously since the precious metals inside the converter (namely platinum, palladium, and rhodium) will ultimately determine what the converter is worth.
Is there an app to look up the value of a catalytic converter?
The No. 1 catalytic converter pricing app. Search 233 Million cars by year/make/model or VIN. Cat DB is the largest USA cat database ever made, with 20,000+ listings including 3,000+ generics.
