Catalytic Converter Scrap Prices
Get Top Prices for Your Catalytic Converters
Find out what your catalytic converter may be worth based on its type, precious metal content, and current scrap market values.
Get a Price TodayHow Much Are Catalytic Converters Worth?
Catalytic converter scrap prices can vary significantly depending on the vehicle, converter type, manufacturer, and the amount of valuable metals contained inside. Platinum, palladium, and rhodium are the primary metals that give catalytic converters their scrap value.
Typical Catalytic Converter Scrap Values
There is no single price that applies to every catalytic converter. Some converters may be worth only a few dollars, while certain OEM converters can be worth several hundred dollars. The exact value usually cannot be determined simply by looking at the outside of the converter.
Aftermarket Converters
Often have lower scrap values because they generally contain less precious-metal material.
OEM Converters
Original equipment converters can be considerably more valuable, depending on the specific part.
High-Value Converters
Certain foreign, truck, diesel, exotic, and other specialized converters can command substantially higher prices.
Want to Know What Your Converter Is Worth?
The best way to determine the value of a specific catalytic converter is to identify the converter by its serial number, part number, vehicle information, or other identifying markings.
What Determines Catalytic Converter Scrap Value?
Several factors determine how much a catalytic converter is worth when it is sold for scrap. Identifying the exact converter is important because two converters that look similar can have very different values.
Precious Metal Content
Catalytic converters contain valuable platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The amount and combination of these metals can have a major effect on the converter’s scrap value.
OEM or Aftermarket
Original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, converters can have more valuable material than many aftermarket converters. Knowing whether the converter is OEM is an important part of determining its value.
Converter Identification
Numbers, markings, manufacturer information, and the vehicle the converter came from can help determine exactly what type of converter you have and what it may be worth.
Current Market Prices
Scrap prices can change as the market value of platinum, palladium, and rhodium changes. This means a converter’s value today may not be the same as its value several months from now.
Don’t Assume Every Converter Has the Same Value
The exact identification of your catalytic converter is the best way to get an accurate scrap price rather than relying on a general estimate.
How to Identify Your Catalytic Converter
Identifying the converter is one of the most important steps when determining its scrap value. The markings on the converter can provide information that helps a recycler determine exactly what type of catalytic converter you have.
Look for These Identification Details
Depending on the manufacturer and vehicle, identification information may be stamped, engraved, embossed, or printed directly on the converter. These details can help determine its potential scrap value.
Serial Number
A serial number or identifying code can help determine the exact converter and its associated scrap value.
Manufacturer Markings
Manufacturer names, logos, stamps, or other markings can help identify the converter.
Part Number
A part number can provide a more precise identification than simply knowing the make and model of the vehicle.
Vehicle Information
The year, make, model, engine, and application can also help determine what type of catalytic converter was originally installed.
Not Sure What Converter You Have?
If you have a catalytic converter but aren’t sure how to identify it, the markings and numbers on the unit can often provide the information needed to determine its scrap value.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Catalytic Converters
One of the biggest factors affecting catalytic converter scrap prices is whether the converter is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) unit or an aftermarket replacement. The difference can have a significant impact on the amount of valuable material contained inside.
OEM Catalytic Converters
OEM converters are installed by the vehicle manufacturer and were designed specifically for that vehicle. Many OEM converters contain a higher concentration of precious metals, which can make them more valuable to catalytic converter recyclers.
- Made for the original vehicle application
- Often contain more valuable precious metals
- Can have higher scrap value
- Identification markings can help determine value
Aftermarket Catalytic Converters
Aftermarket converters are replacement units produced by companies other than the original vehicle manufacturer. Their precious-metal content can vary considerably, and many have lower scrap values than comparable OEM converters.
- Designed as replacement converters
- Precious-metal content can vary
- Often have lower scrap value than OEM units
- Manufacturer and part number are important for identification
Don’t Judge a Converter by Its Appearance
Two catalytic converters can look very similar but have dramatically different scrap values. Proper identification is much more reliable than estimating value based on size or appearance alone.
Precious Metals Inside Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters are valuable to recyclers because they contain small amounts of precious metals. Platinum, palladium, and rhodium help convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful emissions and are also the primary metals that give catalytic converters their recycling value.
Platinum
Platinum is one of the precious metals used in catalytic converters. Its presence contributes to the overall recycling value of the converter.
Palladium
Palladium is another important precious metal found in catalytic converters and can represent a significant portion of their scrap value.
Rhodium
Rhodium is used in very small quantities but can have a major influence on catalytic converter values because of its high market value.
Why Metal Prices Matter
The market prices of platinum, palladium, and rhodium can move up or down. Because catalytic converter recyclers recover these metals during the recycling process, changes in precious-metal markets can affect the amount a recycler is willing to pay for a particular converter.
Every Converter Is Different
The amount of precious metal can vary from one converter to another, which is why identifying the exact converter is important when getting a catalytic converter scrap price.
Which Catalytic Converters Are Worth the Most?
Not all catalytic converters have the same scrap value. Some types are particularly valuable because of their precious-metal content, vehicle application, or original equipment design.
OEM Converters
Original equipment converters are often more valuable because many contain a greater amount of precious-metal material than aftermarket replacements.
Foreign Converters
Certain converters from foreign-manufactured vehicles can have strong scrap values depending on the specific make, model, and converter.
Truck & Diesel Converters
Some truck and diesel applications use catalytic converters with valuable precious-metal content, making certain units highly desirable for recycling.
Specialty Converters
Certain specialty and high-performance applications can contain valuable material and may bring higher scrap prices than standard units.
The Most Valuable Converter Isn’t Always the Biggest
Size and weight alone do not determine catalytic converter scrap value. The type of converter and the amount of recoverable precious metals inside are much more important when determining what a specific unit is worth.
How Are Catalytic Converter Scrap Prices Determined?
Catalytic converter scrap prices are based on several factors rather than a single fixed price. Recyclers consider the converter’s identification, precious-metal content, current metal markets, and the condition of the unit.
The Main Factors That Affect Price
Converter Identification
The make, model, part number, serial number, and other markings help determine exactly what converter is being evaluated.
Precious-Metal Content
The amount of platinum, palladium, and rhodium contained in the converter is a major factor in its potential recycling value.
Current Metal Markets
Changes in precious-metal market prices can affect what recyclers are able to pay for catalytic converters.
Converter Condition
The condition and completeness of the converter can also be relevant when determining its recycling value.
Why There Isn’t One Fixed Scrap Price
Because every converter can contain different amounts of precious metals, and metal markets change over time, a general price range cannot tell you exactly what your individual converter is worth. Identification is the best way to get a more accurate current price.
Sell Your Catalytic Converters for Scrap
If you have catalytic converters left over from a vehicle repair, auto recycling operation, or other source, you may be able to turn them into cash. The value depends on the specific converters and current market conditions.
Gather Your Converters
Keep the catalytic converters together and avoid throwing away any identifying markings, numbers, or other information on the units.
Have Them Identified
Proper identification helps determine the converter type and provides a much better indication of its potential scrap value.
Get a Current Price
Because precious-metal markets change, getting a current price is better than relying on an old catalytic converter price list.
Get Paid
Once the converters have been identified and evaluated, you can decide whether the current offer is right for you.
Don’t Throw Valuable Catalytic Converters Away
Even an old or damaged catalytic converter may have recyclable precious metals inside. Before sending one to the trash, have it identified to find out whether it has scrap value.
Catalytic Converter Scrap Prices in Tulsa
If you’re looking to sell catalytic converters in Tulsa, the amount you can receive depends on the specific converter and current precious-metal prices. Local scrap buyers can evaluate the converter and provide a current price based on its identification and value.
Get a Current Price for Your Catalytic Converter
Online price lists can be useful for getting a general idea of catalytic converter values, but they should not be treated as a guaranteed price. The exact value of your converter depends on its identification and the current market for the precious metals it contains.
Bring the Converter
Having the actual converter available makes identification much easier and can help determine its current scrap value.
Know the Vehicle
If you know the year, make, model, and engine, that information can help with identifying the converter.
Check the Markings
Part numbers, serial numbers, and manufacturer markings can provide important information about the converter.
Looking for the Best Price for Your Converter?
Have your catalytic converter properly identified before accepting a price. Knowing exactly what you have is the best way to understand its current scrap value.
Catalytic Converter Scrap Price FAQs
How much is a catalytic converter worth?
Catalytic converter values can range widely depending on the exact converter. OEM converters and certain specialty converters may be worth significantly more than common aftermarket units. The best way to find the current value is to have the converter properly identified.
What makes a catalytic converter valuable?
The amount of platinum, palladium, and rhodium contained in the converter is one of the biggest factors. The converter type, vehicle application, manufacturer, and current precious-metal prices also affect its scrap value.
Are OEM catalytic converters worth more?
Many OEM converters have higher scrap values than aftermarket replacements because they can contain more valuable precious-metal material. However, the exact value still depends on the specific converter.
Do catalytic converter prices change?
Yes. Scrap prices can change as the market prices for platinum, palladium, and rhodium change. This is why an old price list may not accurately reflect what a converter is worth today.
How can I find out what my catalytic converter is worth?
The converter should be identified using its markings, part number, serial number, manufacturer information, and vehicle application. Once the exact converter is identified, its current scrap value can be determined more accurately.
Can I sell a used catalytic converter for scrap?
Yes. Used catalytic converters can be recycled because of the valuable metals contained inside them. The converter should be evaluated and properly identified before a price is determined.
Get a Current Catalytic Converter Scrap Price
Have your catalytic converter identified to find out what it may be worth based on the current scrap market.
Get a Current Catalytic Converter Scrap Price
Have catalytic converters to sell? Don’t rely on an outdated price list. The value of your converter depends on its exact identification and current precious-metal market prices. Bring your converter in to find out what it may be worth.
Accurate Identification
Identify the exact converter before determining its value.
Current Market Value
Get a price based on current precious-metal markets.
Local Scrap Buyer
Sell your converters locally instead of relying on an old price list.
Why Recycle Catalytic Converters?
Recycling catalytic converters keeps valuable materials in use and prevents reusable metals from being lost in landfills. It also gives vehicle owners, repair shops, and recyclers an opportunity to recover value from used converters.
Recover Valuable Metals
Recycling allows platinum, palladium, rhodium, and other materials contained in catalytic converters to be recovered and reused.
Reduce Waste
Instead of sending an old catalytic converter to the landfill, recycling gives the materials inside it another useful purpose.
Put Materials Back to Use
Recovering precious metals from used converters can reduce the need to obtain those materials entirely from new sources.
Turn Scrap Into Value
If you have used catalytic converters, recycling them can turn an unwanted automotive part into a source of scrap value.
Have Catalytic Converters to Recycle?
Don’t throw them away. Have your catalytic converters identified and find out what they may be worth as recyclable scrap.
Catalytic Converter Scrap Buyers in Tulsa
Selling catalytic converters to a local scrap buyer can make it easier to have your converters identified and receive a current price. Whether you have one converter or several, proper identification is important when determining the value.
What to Look for in a Catalytic Converter Buyer
Accurate Identification
A knowledgeable buyer should be able to identify different converter types using their markings, numbers, and vehicle applications.
Current Pricing
Catalytic converter values change with precious-metal markets, so current pricing is more useful than an outdated price list.
Transparent Offers
A reputable buyer should explain how the converter was identified and why its value differs from other catalytic converters.
Convenient Local Service
A local buyer gives you a convenient option for bringing in your converters and finding out what they are worth.
Have Catalytic Converters to Sell?
Bring your catalytic converters in for identification and find out what they may be worth at today’s scrap prices.
Get a Catalytic Converter Price