Catalytic converters are one of the many items that can be scrapped on an average vehicle. This is because they contain some very expensive metals that never wear out, even when the converter stops functioning. If you have a catalytic converter to recycle, you can bring it to Bolduc Metal Recycling. We will not only offer you the most competitive price but will also help you with any queries that you may have. We are well known in the area for our knowledge about catalytic converters and determining their worth accurately. We don’t offer price estimates for catalytic converters on the phone, but we have a justifiable reason for that. However, before delving into all the details let’s first see what catalytic converters are and what makes them valuable.
Catalytic Converter
A catalytic converter is an important emission component in any vehicle. In simple terms, it is an emission control device that converts toxic gases from the exhaust into less toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction.
Why Recycle Catalytic Converters?
Catalytic converters contain platinum-group metals that are very price efficient, making it a premium item to purchase for recycling companies. Catalytic converters are made up of numerous precious and valuable metals, including palladium, rhodium, platinum. They are in high demand and hold great value in the recycling industry. There are many machines in which catalytic converters are used, including generator sets, mining equipment, forklifts, buses, and trucks. When they fail and are replaced, they still have a value in the recycling industry. Apart from that, reusing the same metal again saves the environment from destructive mining operations and reduces the impact on nature.
How We Deal With Your Catalytic Converters
While many recycling facilities offer a flat rate for all kinds of catalytic converters, we price each converter individually. At Bolduc Metal Recycling, the price of a catalytic converter is determined by various things. Since its value can range from $0 to $200 and even $500 on some newer diesel models, a visual inspection is required to confirm the pricing. This is the main reason why we don’t offer prices on the phone, as there are just too many variations.
When determining the price of a converter we consider everything, including the make, model, and year of the vehicle, plus the remaining platinum content in the CAT. An empty converter is worthless. Pricing is grouped into converters having similar traits and dollar value and assigned a “category”. Bigger isn’t necessarily better and several models of vehicles can have different converters even within the same year of manufacturing. Certain telltale characteristics can help identify which category a converter falls into, but even then, ensuring the platinum content requires a physical inspection. We also inspect if the converter is an aftermarket part or an original part. While aftermarket converters may perform similarly to original ones, they are much less expensive and of lower quality in welds and construction. They also do not contain any significant amount of platinum, the item giving value to converters. Most aftermarket converters are imprinted with a number.
All this requires the Catalytic Converter be removed prior to arriving at our facility. When purchasing a converter we assign the customers a catalytic converter number, which is recorded on the CAT itself. To receive a CAT number a valid ID must be on record. A signature on the bill of sale is also required. All details of the transaction including the CAT type, ID, and Cat number are kept on record. At Bolduc’s, we have a team of expert professionals who know how to determine the converters’ value efficiently and accurately.
Things Too Keep In Mind
1) Make sure that you know the details of your catalytic converter. Knowing the make and model if came off from can help identify the category a specific CAT falls into, helping to determine the individual scrap metals value it contains. Some vehicles have steel CATS which do not contain the platinum and have little value.
2) One of the most important things to remember here is to never take the mesh-like, honeycomb structure out from the shell of the converter. It is responsible for filtering out the exhaust fumes and hence is where all the precious metals can be found.
3) To be paid for any catalytic converter it must be removed from the vehicle before arriving on premise and presented to us separately.
4) Often times people confuse manifolds and Catalytic Converters. Make sure you know the difference before removal.
We offer great prices for catalytic converters at Bolduc Metal Recycling. Bring your catalytic converter to us for recycling today!