The catalytic converter is often the most valuable single component in a scrap car, sometimes worth more than the rest of the vehicle combined. Understanding how they are recycled explains why they are so prized and why keeping yours intact is important when you scrap your car.
What Is Inside a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter contains a ceramic or metallic honeycomb substrate coated with precious metals. These typically include platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which act as catalysts to convert harmful exhaust emissions into less toxic gases. The quantities are small but extremely valuable.
Precious Metal Values
Current market prices make the precious metals in a catalytic converter worth anywhere from 30 to over 600 pounds depending on the type and size. Larger engines typically have larger converters with more precious metal content. Diesel vehicles have different converters that may also contain valuable palladium.
The Recycling Process
Recycling catalytic converters involves several stages. The converter is removed from the vehicle at our breakers yard. The casing is cut open and the ceramic honeycomb removed. The honeycomb is crushed into a fine powder. This powder undergoes chemical processing to extract the precious metals. The recovered metals are refined to high purity and returned to the market.
Why You Should Never Remove It Yourself
Catalytic converter theft is a serious problem in the UK. Selling a converter separately to an unlicensed buyer raises legal questions about provenance. When you scrap your car through a licensed car scrapper like us, the converter value is factored into your quote, and everything is properly documented.
Impact on Your Scrap Value
A car with its catalytic converter intact will receive a significantly higher quote than one without. If your converter has already been stolen, you should still get a quote as the car still has value through its metal content and other usable parts.
Get the full value of your car including the catalytic converter. Request your free quote. We cover Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, and all of Scotland.