As an automotive technician, I’ve noticed a growing interest among car owners in understanding the scrap value of used catalytic converters or catalytic converter scrap prices. These vital emissions control devices contain small amounts of precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium that recycling facilities extract and pay scrap prices for.
With recent catalytic converter scrap price spikes because of platinum group metals, catalytic converter recycling has become a big business. Scrap yards will pay anywhere from $50 to $250+ for an average car’s converter, depending on precious metal content and market conditions.
In this guide, I’ll use my automobile expertise to explain catalytic converter grading systems, current PGM spot pricing, legal considerations around sale and documentation requirements, finding reputable scrap buyers, and maximizing our catalytic converter scrap price. Let’s dig into the lucrative world of catalytic converter scrap!
Different Car Makers Catalytic Converter Scrap Prices
| Car Maker | Converter Type | 2022 Scrap Price | 2023 Scrap Price | 2024 Scrap Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Small | $150-$200 | $175-$225 | $200-$250 |
| Toyota | Large | $250-$300 | $300-$350 | $325-$375 |
| Honda | Small | $125-$175 | $150-$200 | $175-$225 |
| Honda | Large | $200-$250 | $225-$275 | $250-$300 |
| Ford | Small | $100-$150 | $125-$175 | $150-$200 |
| Ford | Large | $175-$225 | $200-$250 | $225-$275 |
| Chevrolet | Small | $125-$175 | $150-$200 | $175-$225 |
| Chevrolet | Large | $200-$250 | $225-$275 | $250-$300 |
| Nissan | Small | $100-$125 | $125-$150 | $150-$175 |
| Nissan | Large | $150-$200 | $175-$225 | $200-$250 |
| Hyundai | Small | $100-$125 | $125-$150 | $150-$175 |
| Hyundai | Large | $175-$225 | $200-$250 | $225-$275 |
| Kia | Small | $100-$125 | $125-$150 | $150-$175 |
| Kia | Large | $175-$225 | $200-$250 | $225-$275 |
| Subaru | Small | $125-$175 | $150-$200 | $175-$225 |
| Subaru | Large | $200-$250 | $225-$275 | $250-$300 |
| Volkswagen | Small | $75-$100 | $100-$125 | $125-$150 |
| Volkswagen | Large | $125-$175 | $150-$200 | $175-$225 |
| BMW | Small | $200-$250 | $225-$275 | $250-$300 |
| BMW | Large | $300-$350 | $350-$400 | $375-$450 |
- These Catalytic converter scrap prices are just estimates. Consult a reputable scrap yard for the most accurate pricing based on your specific converter and location.
Catalytic Converter Scrap Prices According To Car Model
| Car Model | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 (YTD) | 2024 (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Prius (Large Converter) | $500-$700 | $600-$800 | $700-$900 | $650-$850 | $600-$800 |
| Toyota Corolla (Small Converter) | $200-$300 | $250-$350 | $300-$400 | $275-$375 | $250-$350 |
| Honda Accord (Large Converter) | $400-$600 | $500-$700 | $600-$800 | $550-$750 | $500-$700 |
| Honda Civic (Small Converter) | $150-$250 | $200-$300 | $250-$350 | $225-$325 | $200-$300 |
| Subaru Forester (Large Converter) | $350-$500 | $450-$600 | $500-$700 | $475-$650 | $450-$600 |
| Subaru Outback (Large Converter) | $300-$450 | $400-$550 | $450-$600 | $425-$575 | $400-$550 |
| Acura MDX (Large Converter) | $500-$700 | $600-$800 | $700-$900 | $650-$850 | $600-$800 |
| Acura RDX (Large Converter) | $450-$600 | $550-$700 | $600-$800 | $575-$750 | $550-$700 |
Notes:
- Catalytic converter scrap prices are estimates and may vary depending on converter condition, location, and scrap yard policies.
- YTD = Year-to-date (as of 2024).
- Est. = Estimated.
- This table only includes a small sample of popular models. Catalytic converter scrap prices for other car models may vary significantly.
Additional Information:
- High-end models like the Prius and MDX often have larger converters containing more precious metals, leading to higher scrap prices.
- Converter type (single vs. dual) and engine size can also influence scrap value.
- It’s crucial to remember that selling stolen catalytic converters is illegal and unethical. Always obtain proper documentation and sell through reputable channels.
Precious Metals Within Catalytic Converters Scrap
The honeycomb is coated with a mix of precious metals like platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh), which are noble metals that can resist oxidation, corrosion, and acid. These precious metals act as catalysts, speeding up the chemical reactions that break down the pollutants without being consumed. Catalytic converters derive most of their scrap value from the precious platinum group metals contained within:
- Platinum – The most abundant metal, comprising 35-60% of the PGM content. Currently, it trades for around $1,000 per ounce.
- Palladium – Typically constitutes 20-40% of the PGM mix. Trades around $1,500 per ounce recently.
- Rhodium is the rarest metal in converters, accounting for 5-15% of PGM content. It is also the most valuable metal, currently trading for $14,000+ per ounce.
These precious metals serve as catalysts to facilitate the chemical reactions that reduce toxic emissions from exhaust systems. Their scarcity and high intrinsic value mean scrap converters can be profitably recycled to extract and reuse these precious resources.
Read More: How Much Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost?
Proper recycling through reputable channels returns valuable platinum, palladium, and rhodium into industrial supply chains. Scrap converters represent an important source of reclaimed PGMs essential for future catalytic converter production and other uses.
Precious Metal Prices in Catalytic Converter Scrap
| Metal | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 (YTD) | 2024 (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhodium (USD/oz) | $6,000 – $7,000 | $7,000 – $9,000 | $10,000 – $14,000 | $8,000 – $12,000 | $5,000 – $8,000 | $4,000 – $6,000 | $3,500 – $5,000 |
| Platinum (USD/oz) | $800 – $900 | $850 – $950 | $750 – $850 | $900 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $1,100 | $1,050 – $1,150 | $1,100 – $1,200 |
| Palladium (USD/oz) | $700 – $800 | $750 – $850 | $900 – $1,000 | $1,800 – $2,000 | $1,600 – $1,800 | $1,500 – $1,700 | $1,400 – $1,600 |
| Aluminum (USD/lb) | $0.80 – $0.90 | $0.75 – $0.85 | $0.70 – $0.80 | $0.90 – $1.00 | $1.00 – $1.10 | $1.10 – $1.20 | $1.20 – $1.30 |
Notes:
- Prices are estimates and may vary depending on market conditions and source.
- YTD = Year-to-date (as of 2024).
- Est. = Estimated.
Additional Information:
- Rhodium has seen the most significant price fluctuations due to limited supply and growing demand from the automotive industry.
- Platinum and palladium prices have also been volatile but have generally trended upward in recent years.
- Aluminum prices are more stable but can still impact the overall value of catalytic converters.
Factors Influencing Catalytic Converter Scrap Price
Catalytic converter scrap prices are not fixed but change according to the market demand for recycled metals. The demand depends on various factors, such as:
Global Supply and Demand for Precious Metals
Precious metals, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, are used in catalytic converters to reduce harmful vehicle emissions. These metals are scarce and expensive, fluctuating based on global demand and supply. For example, the PGM spot price reached a record high of $3,000 per ounce in May 2021 due to supply disruptions and rising demand from the automotive industry.
Geopolitical Factors Affecting Catalytic Converter Scrap Prices
Political events, such as trade wars, sanctions, conflicts, and regulations, can affect the availability and cost of metals. For example, the U.S.-China trade war in 2018-2019 reduced the demand for steel and other metals, leading to lower scrap prices of catalytic converters.
Economic Trends
Countries’ and regions’ economic growth or recession can influence the demand for metals and their products. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused a slowdown in the global economy and reduced vehicle demand, resulting in lower catalytic converter scrap prices.
Technological Advancements
Innovating and developing new technologies can create new opportunities or challenges for the metal recycling industry. For example, the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) can reduce the demand for catalytic converters and their precious metals and create new sources of scrap from batteries and other components.
Read More: How Much is a Catalytic Converter Worth?
These factors can affect catalytic converter scrap prices differently, depending on their availability, usage, and substitutability. Therefore, keeping track of the market trends and dynamics is essential to get the best value for our catalytic converter scrap.
Legal Aspects of Catalytic Converter Scrap
When selling catalytic converters for scrap, following all applicable laws and regulations is essential. There are necessary legal requirements to ensure ethical, compliant converter recycling:
- Scrap yards must document each converter transaction, recording key identification details like VINs. This helps prevent the trafficking of illegally obtained converters or catalytic converter theft.
- Sellers may need to provide valid ID, vehicle title, registration, or other proof verifying they own the converters.
- Stolen catalytic converter trafficking carries stiff penalties, including fines and jail time in some areas.
- Some states require scrap metal buyers to register with government authorities and get a license or permit to buy and sell catalytic converters. This helps to track the scrap’s source and destination and deter illegal activities like catalytic converter stolen incidents.
- Some states require scrap yard owners to keep records of the sellers and buyers of catalytic converters, such as their names, addresses, identification numbers, vehicle information, transaction dates, and amounts.
- Some states require scrap metal yard owners to verify that the catalytic converters they buy are not stolen or tampered with. This helps protect the original owners’ rights and prevent environmental damage.
- Failing to comply with the laws and regulations can result in fines, suspension or revocation of licenses, civil lawsuits, or criminal charges. The penalties can vary depending on the severity and frequency of the violations.
While the extra documentation may seem inconvenient, these laws aim to eliminate black market scrap activities. By partnering with reputable, law-abiding recyclers, we ensure catalytic converter recycling remains transparent and ethical. Violating these regulations risks substantial penalties and harming the lawful scrap metals business. Do your part by upholding local converter scrap laws.
Current Market Trends and Catalytic Converter Price Fluctuations
Catalytic converter scrap prices have seen considerable fluctuation in recent years due to various market factors:
- Prices rose sharply in 2020-2021 as pandemic disruptions stifled platinum group metal supplies and increased PGM demand from automakers.
- Rhodium peaked at over $20,000 per ounce in 2022, driving record-high scrap prices. However, prices for all PGMs have moderated somewhat since early 2022.
- Major global events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine caused some volatility as supply chain impacts emerged.
- Long-term PGM demand is expected to remain strong as emissions laws worldwide tighten. But prices fluctuate month-to-month based on spot prices.
- The prices of catalytic converter scrap can change rapidly due to global events and market shifts that affect the supply and demand of the precious metals. For example, in 2021, catalytic converter scrap prices dropped sharply due to the coronavirus pandemic, which internationally reduced industrial and automotive activity. However, they recovered quickly as the economy reopened and the demand increased.
I recommend regularly checking reputable sites to see real-time pricing offered by scrap yards in our area. Our scrapping income will shift based on the prevailing precious metals market. But catalytic converters remain lucrative to sell for scrap when done legally.
Identifying Genuine Catalytic Converters
With catalytic converter theft and trafficking on the rise, it’s important to avoid getting duped by counterfeit or fraudulent converters when scrapping:
- Examine converter markings like part numbers and serial codes to verify authenticity. Many fake catalytic converters need proper branding.
- Work only with established, reviewed scrap yard owners with expertise in assessing converters. They can spot fake catalytic converters easily.
- Beware sketchy online-only buyers willing to pay well above market price. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Avoid sellers offering warehouse lots of “used” converters at significant discounts. These often contain fakes.
- Legitimate sellers provide documentation and guarantee that converters are legally sold and recycled.
Stick to reputable local scrap yards that vet converters and pay fair market rates. It takes an expert eye to spot clever counterfeits – trust established businesses to identify fakes and ensure ethical practices.
Selling Catalytic Converters Responsibly
When it comes time to sell our catalytic converters for scrap, I recommend exploring all our options responsibly:
- Local scrap yards are a convenient option, allowing in-person assessment. Search for well-reviewed yards known for fair payouts.
- Online platforms like iScrap and Rockaway Recycling also purchase converters. Always Ensure Online Platforms are established businesses before shipping.
- Beware unverified buyers on peer-to-peer marketplaces – increased risk of fraud.
- Prioritize buyers who test PGM content accurately via XRF analyzer for fair payouts. Visual estimates or go/no-go tests could be more precise.
- Check that the business adequately documents transactions and appears ethical.
We want accurate testing of precious metal concentrations and payouts in line with current market rates. Take time to research reputable buyers. They will pay for legally obtained, untampered converters while following all required regulations.
The Environmental Impact of Recycling
Beyond the lucrative value of old catalytic converters, their recycling delivers essential environmental benefits:
- Recycling the platinum group metals within converters reduces the need for destructive mining of limited natural resources. PGMs are very rare in nature.
- Extracting metals from scrapped catalytic converters significantly cuts CO2 emissions, energy, water use, and waste versus virgin metal production.
- Proper recycling channels keep hazardous metals out of landfills and the environment.
- Recovered metals support the production of new catalytic converters to maintain emissions compliance and air quality.
Selling our used or damaged catalytic converters to ethical recyclers allows the precious contents to re-enter productive use. This conserves natural resources and energy while supporting the fight against harmful emissions. We all win when recycling converters responsibly.
How to Get the Best Value for Our Catalytic Converter
To maximize our payout when scrapping catalytic converters, I recommend these tips:
- Carefully cut and detach the entire converter assembly without damage. Don’t simply hack off the shell.
- Thoroughly clean the converter exterior with a wire brush to determine markings and branding. This aids sales.
- Document anything noteworthy, like serial numbers, to verify it’s intact and unmodified.
- Keep the catalytic converter intact. Crushing discs or housing reduces value.
- Consider selling any O2 sensors attached separately for added income.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID and any vehicle records to prove legal ownership.
- Time sales to take advantage of periods of peak PGM spot prices for top dollar.
With proper removal, cleaning, documentation, and timing, you can optimize the sale of our scrap catalytic converters to reputable buyers, following all required regulations. Maximizing value starts long before contacting buyers.
FAQs Based On Scrap Prices Of Catalytic Converter
Can a Cracked Catalytic Converter Be Repaired or Welded?
There is no DIY fix for a cracked or broken converter. The substrate structure inside gets completely damaged. Replacement with a new OEM spec or CARB-approved converter is needed for vehicles that still need to pass smog testing when faulty.
Is It Worth Scrapping the Catalytic Converter on My Older Car?
Converters on vehicles over 10-15 years old tend to have lower metal values for scrap. But larger pickup and SUV converters can still fetch decent scrap prices even if older. Check our pricing guides to estimate value.
How Do I Know if My Catalytic Converter is OEM or Aftermarket?
OEM catalytic converters are normally branded with the vehicle Make logo (Ford, GM, Toyota, etc.). Aftermarket ones may have the manufacturer’s logo. OEMs tend to have higher metal content.
Is It Legal to Sell Used or Scrap Catalytic Converters?
Selling a used OEM catalytic converter removed from your vehicle is legal. However, selling stolen catalytic converters or those sawed off other people’s vehicles is illegal.
Where is the Best Place to Sell a Catalytic Converter Near Me?
Metal recycling yards and scrap yards are good places to get quotes. Many specialty auto part recyclers and scrap metal dealers also purchase catalytic converters. Check online for buyers’ reviews and quotes before selling it.
What Cars or Trucks Have the Most Valuable Catalytic Converters?
Full-size SUVs and trucks like the Ford F-Series, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, and Dodge Ram can have higher-value catalytic converters. Certain luxury cars and European imports also tend to have more precious metal content.
How Much is a Catalytic Converter Worth?
There is no fixed price as it depends on many factors like the metal content, make/model of the vehicle, condition, supply & demand, etc. But scrap catalytic converters can average fetch anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars each.
How Do Precious Metal Prices Affect Catalytic Converter Scrap Values?
Catalytic converters derive much of their scrap value from the precious metals they contain – rhodium, platinum, and palladium. When the market prices of these scarce metals rise or fall, it directly impacts the scrap payouts recyclers can offer for old catalytic converters.
What Documentation Is Needed To Sell Catalytic Converter Scrap?
Most states require valid proof of ownership, such as your ID, vehicle registration, title information, and records with your VIN. Scrap buyers must document all transactions with sellers’ details to comply with anti-theft regulations regarding catalytic converter sales.
How Can I Avoid Getting Scammed Buying Or Selling Catalytic Converters?
Only deal with established, reviewed scrap businesses instead of random online buyers. Legitimate buyers rigorously test precious metal content and pay fair rates. Beware of uncertified buyers offering well over market price. Always demand documentation for legal compliance and safety.
Is It Better To Sell Catalytic Converters Whole Or Crushed?
Sell intact catalytic converters without damaging the fragile honeycomb inside for maximum value. Crushing the housing or discs reduces purity and price. For best income, carefully detach the entire converter unit from the exhaust system without hacking off the outer shell or contents.
How Can I Get The Most Money When Scrapping My Catalytic Converter?
Time sales during peak PGM spot prices, thoroughly clean unit exterior, include relevant serial numbers or markings, keep catalytic converter whole without damage, bring required ownership documents, and sell attached oxygen sensors separately. This optimizes documentation and purification for top-dollar sales.
Conclusion on Catalytic Converter Scrap Price
Catalytic converters are valuable devices that can be recycled and sold for cash when no longer needed or functional. However, getting our converter’s best value and environmental impact requires knowledge and care. In this guide, we have covered the following:
- The basics of catalytic converter recycling, including what they are, how they work, and why they are essential.
- The legal and ethical aspects of catalytic converter recycling include the regulations, risks, and benefits of legally and responsibly recycling your converter.
- The environmental impact of catalytic converter recycling, including how recycling reduces the need for mining new precious metals and contributes to air quality and resource conservation.
- How to get the best value for our catalytic converter scrap, including tips for finding a specialist buyer, removing the converter properly, and preparing the converter for sale.
We hope this guide has helped us understand the process and the potential of catalytic converter recycling. We encourage everyone to make informed decisions that benefit our wallet and the environment. Remember to recycle our catalytic converter legally and responsibly and find a reputable buyer with the best price and service. Thank you for reading, and happy recycling!
