Why You Should Recycle Your Catalytic Converter and How

Catalytic converters are popular in automobiles as emission control devices. They perform redox reactions (reduction + oxidation) on the toxic elements of the gases and control the levels in the final emission. Catalytic converters use precious platinum group metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium. While they are extremely useful in catalyzing reactions to reduce toxic gases, the presence of expensive metals in them also makes them very good for recycling.

Catalytic converter recycling

There are many companies who buy catalytic converters. The companies then use a special process for extraction, by which the precious metals are drawn out and used in other places. Scrap catalytic converter prices are always on the high because of the usually high base value of the composite metals.

But there are some basic precautions to be observed before opting for recycling:

• Choosing the right buyer for catalytic converters is important. If you are wondering where to sell catalytic converters you can do a basic market research for the companies that offer the optimum prices and best value for recycled converters
• Removing catalytic converters is a difficult job and has to be done by experts only, without damaging the other parts of the car, or losing any of the other valuable parts. It is better to choose someone who is experienced in removing them from a car for recycling or before sending it to scrap.
• In addition to the platinum group metals, catalytic converters also contain other metals like copper, nickel, cerium, iron and manganese that can significantly increase the price of catalytic converters scrap.
• The catalytic converters of a car are usually in working order until the car is running well. But if there is an increased case of backfiring, excess fuel consumption, or a check engine warning, it might be possible that the catalytic converters have been repaired and in extreme cases, need to be replaced. This might incur additional costs. The old catalytic converters can be recycled for a good price, for all the precious metals it contains.

Taking the entire car to an automotive recycler is the best way to remove the catalytic converter, without damage to other parts. There are many companies, though, that buy spare catalytic converters for a good price.

The procedure for recycling would be:

• If the catalytic converter (to be recycled) is inside a working car, taking it to an automotive recycler who will safely remove/ replace it and recycle it.
• If the converter is inside a car going for scrap, a good scrap dealer will remove it safely and send it out for recycling.
• If you are looking to sell a scrap catalytic converter, there are many buyers who take scrap catalytic converters for good prices.

Alpha Recycling and its partnering Stillwater Mining Company process millions of catalytic converters across North America. They take care of the complete process of catalytic converter recycling, from pick up to smelting. They are a group of companies that operate on economically conscious catalytic converter recycling. They are able to offer prices with a good profit margin due to the huge volume of catalytic converters they handle every year.

About The Author

Benjamin Harvey is a mechanical engineer specializing in automobiles, and is closely associated with working and researching on catalytic converters. He is of the opinion that www.globalrefininggroup.com is the best destination to sell catalytic converters.