Where (and How) Do You Sell a Catalytic Converter?

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Learn how much your converter is worth (and where to sell it)
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Catalytic converters are potentially the most expensive single component on a vehicle. So, if you’re piecing out your junk car for parts or you’re replacing a bad catalytic converter, it makes sense to spend a little bit of energy selling your old converter for cash. But where can you sell it? How much is it actually worth? We’ll answer all of your questions and more so that you can get top dollar for your converter.

Where To Sell a Catalytic Converter (and What They're Worth)

Catalytic converters are filled with rare earth minerals like platinum and rhodium that make them uniquely pricey for a car part. Depending on the model and whether it’s scrap or reusable, you can expect to get anywhere from $50-800 for your converter by selling it to a recycling plant, scrapyard, or on eBay.

Section 1 of 5:

Where to Sell a Catalytic Converter

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  1. Any scrapyard that takes metal or iron should be interested in your converter. You’re not likely to get the best price of all time for your used converter, but if it’s not functional or the recycling plants weren’t offering much for your model this is probably the fastest and easiest way to get a couple of bucks for your item. [1]
    • Call the scrapyard ahead of time before showing up. Some scrapyards don’t take converters (or won’t pay for them). Most will, but it’s better to check first instead of risking a visit for nothing.
    • This is the best option for: people with bad converters who want to sell it as quickly as possible.
  2. Catalytic converter recycling and repurposing can be a lucrative field, and there are a lot of companies out there that specialize in buying old converters, extracting the expensive minerals, and selling them at a profit. Look online for a converter recycling plant near you and take the converter in to sell it. [2]
    • If you don’t live near a catalytic converter recycling plant, look online to find one you can ship it to. A lot of these places accept mailed-in converters.
    • Look online for converter recycling plants that take shipped converters. Call them to see what kind of quotes you can get. You will get the most competitive pricing from a company that specializes in converter recycling.
    • This is the best option for: people who want top dollar for their catalytic converter but don’t want to spend a ton of time or energy selling it.
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  3. If your catalytic converter works and it fits on a popular make and model in your area, you may have luck selling it on Facebook Marketplace. If you want to try selling to the highest bidder, you can even list the converter on eBay to see if someone is willing to pay a premium for your particular model. [3]
    • Just know, this is the riskiest option from a “do I have to deal with shady people” perspective. If all things are equal, you’re best off selling your converter to a licensed recycler.
    • Does your converter actually work? If your catalytic converter is faulty or dysfunctional, do not sell it to be reused privately. This would likely qualify as fraud, but even if the buyer didn’t notice the converter didn’t work it’d result in toxic fumes leaking into the environment when they use it.
    • This is the best option for: people with working catalytic converters who don’t mind putting in a little bit of effort to get a great price.
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Section 2 of 5:

Why are catalytic converters so valuable?

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  1. Catalytic converters contain platinum, palladium, rhodium and other rare earth minerals. These minerals are extremely pricey. Rhodium along can cost up to $10,000 an ounce! [4]
    • Why are these expensive minerals inside converters? The minerals inside of catalytic converters literally neutralize and absorb the toxic fumes created by your car engine. Their natural recycling abilities make them perfect for modern gas vehicles!
    • Can I extract the minerals myself to resell them? No. All of the minerals in the converter are toxic and require special tools and talents to extract safely. Besides, even if you could remove them, you’d have no buyer. Scrapyards and recyclers sell these minerals in bulk to commercial manufacturers.
Section 3 of 5:

What is my catalytic converter worth?

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  1. Prices for catalytic converters are closely tied to the spot prices for the rare earth minerals inside. Beyond that, whether your converter needs to be disassembled for scrap or not has a huge impact on the price. Finally, how rare (or specialized) your catalytic converter is will play a role in the pricing. A converter for a 1998 Honda Civic is probably going to fetch less than a converter for a Porsche 992 with a twin-turbo engine. [5] Here are some general guidelines on price:
    • If your catalytic converter doesn’t work: You can typically expect to get $50-200 for a scrap converter, although rarer models can fetch up to $900.
      • You can get a general sense of scrap prices by model here .
    • If your catalytic converter does work: If your converter is reusable, you can likely fetch $200-800 for it, although rarer converters can get you up to $1,500 or so.
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Section 4 of 5:

Selling Your Catalytic Converter

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  1. If you haven’t already removed the converter , set the vehicle on jacks and wait for the car to completely cool. Then, remove the oxygen sensors connected to the converter with a socket wrench. Then, remove any bolts locking the converter in place and remove it from the vehicle. [6]
    • Alternative: If the car is being scrapped, you can just cut the converter out of the emission line using a jigsaw. Just make sure you wear a respirator in the event that you accidentally cut into the converter, which is toxic.
  2. Before you actually sell your converter to a recycling plant or scrapyard, get a quote on what they’re actually willing to pay for it. This way there won’t actually be any surprises when it’s time to hand over the gear! [7]
    • If you’re selling on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, set your price based on the previously sold listings on eBay for your specific make and model.
    • In some states and cities, sellers aren’t allowed to give you more than a certain amount for used catalytic converters. This is to minimize the incentives for thieves to take them. So, if you keep getting the same quote over and over, that’s probably why.
  3. Once you’re happy with your quote (or price, if you sold it locally online), head over to the scrapyard or recycling plant. If you need to ship your converter, fill a heavy cardboard box with crumpled newspapers or bubble wrap. Use a hefty amount of cushioning! Then, seal the box completely with heavy-duty packing tape. [8]
    • Take your driver’s license, registration for the vehicle the converter is from, and insurance just in case there are any questions about the provenance of your converter.
  4. In the very unlikely event that someone shows up talking about stolen or fraudulent catalytic converters, you’ll be happy to have the proof you need on hand. Keep every bit of paperwork you get and save any relevant bank records—at least for a few months. [9]
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Section 5 of 5:

Why do I need to prove it’s my catalytic converter?

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  1. Due to how expensive they are, catalytic converters are a popular target for thieves. In most jurisdictions, commercial catalytic converter buyers need to do their due diligence to ensure they’re not buying stolen goods. Like pawn shops, they’ll often ask for your ID and driver information to keep it on file in the event a detective shows up looking for stolen goods. [10]
    • Don’t worry—you’re not going to get in any trouble or accused of anything if you’re selling a legitimate catalytic converter.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.in.gov/sos/dealer/files/Catalytic-converter-changes.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.in.gov/sos/dealer/files/Catalytic-converter-changes.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2021/10/01/missouri-man-trying-to-sell-catalytic-converter-on-facebook-gets-arrested-for-meth-instead/
      4. ↑ https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2020/01/25/why-are-rhodium-prices-on-a-roll
      5. ↑ https://pmrcc.com/en/news-blog/catalytic-converter-101/catalytic-converter-value/
      6. ↑ https://www.krosfou.co.uk/blog/13_removing-the-catalytic-converter-from-your-car-a-good-idea.html
      7. ↑ https://www.in.gov/sos/dealer/files/Catalytic-converter-changes.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.magnaflow.com/blogs/magnaflow/how-to-ship-instructions-magnaflow-recycling-for-refunds
      9. ↑ https://www.in.gov/sos/dealer/files/Catalytic-converter-changes.pdf
      1. ↑ https://www.in.gov/sos/dealer/files/Catalytic-converter-changes.pdf

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