How Much Is a Catalytic Converter Worth in Scrap?
Scrap value: $47.50 – $66.50 as of Nov 10, 2026. That is what a typical Catalytic Converter fetches at US scrap yards today. The exact payout depends on local prices, yard quality, and how well you've prepped the material.
| If the yard pays | You get |
|---|---|
| 50% of spot (typical low) | $47.50 |
| 60% of spot (typical) | $57.00 |
| 70% of spot (clean, sorted) | $66.50 |
What's inside a Catalytic Converter?
An automotive catalytic converter. Value is determined by the platinum-group metal (PGM) content (platinum, palladium, rhodium) in the ceramic honeycomb substrate rather than by external steel weight, and varies dramatically by vehicle make and model. Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are physically similar but priced under a separate category. Theft is rampant nationwide, so reputable yards require photo ID, vehicle ownership documentation, and a multi-day hold period before payment under most state laws.
| Material | Pricing | Per-unit rate | Per-unit value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalytic Converter | Priced per each | $47.50 – $66.50 /each | $47.50 – $66.50 |
- Cat prices vary widely by PGM (platinum/palladium/rhodium) content. Estimate is a rough national average.
- Unit-priced item — value scales by quantity, not weight.
How to prep your Catalytic Converter before scrapping
Do not break, cut, or empty the substrate — yards pay per intact unit and a smashed converter loses most of its value. Bring vehicle title or registration; most states now require documentation to deter theft.
Why prep matters: Most yards pay different rates for clean vs. mixed material. An hour of prep can roughly double your payout per pound on copper-bearing items.
What yards typically pay
90-day Catalytic Converter price estimate (US average) — the dominant material in a Catalytic Converter.
Find yards that buy Catalytic Converter near you
Enter your ZIP to see scrap yards within 25 miles that accept this material.
Calculate value for your specific situation
Adjust the quantity, add other items, or enter your ZIP for a localized estimate.
| Material | Recovered | Rate | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalytic Converter | 1.00 ea | $47.50–$66.50/ea | $47.50 – $66.50 |
How are these prices calculated?
Each day we take metal spot prices from MetalpriceAPI and turn them into US average prices per scrap grade (spot × a grade factor; a few grades such as steel use fixed reference values). The calculator assumes a yard pays 50–70% of those grade prices, which gives the range you see. Full method.
Why a range?
Yards don't pay you the full grade price. They take a margin to cover transport, processing, and risk. The exact margin depends on grade quality, how clean the material is, local competition, and current end-buyer demand. The low end of our range is a conservative estimate; the high end is what well-prepared, clean material at a competitive yard can earn.
What affects your actual payout?
Preparation matters. Stripping copper wire to bare-bright roughly doubles the per-pound rate vs. selling it insulated. Removing brass fittings from copper pipe lets each metal sell at its proper grade instead of being downgraded to mixed. Quantity matters. Some yards offer better tiers for larger loads. Timing matters. Spot prices move daily; a 5% swing on copper is normal week-to-week.
Should I trust this estimate?
Treat it as a planning tool, not a guarantee. For large hauls, call two or three yards and ask for a per-pound quote on the specific grade. Don't haul anything more than 30 minutes without a quote — fuel costs add up. Most yards will quote over the phone if you describe the material accurately.
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Frequently asked questions
How much is Catalytic Converter worth in scrap?
$47.50 – $66.50 as of Nov 10, 2026: that is the scrap value of a typical Catalytic Converter at US yards today, based on its metal content (Catalytic Converter (1.00 each)) and current prices. The exact payout depends on local prices, yard quality, and how well you've prepped the material.
What metals are inside a Catalytic Converter?
A Catalytic Converter contains: Catalytic Converter (1.00 each). Per-component recovery rates and current prices determine the value.
Should I prep a Catalytic Converter before scrapping?
Do not break, cut, or empty the substrate — yards pay per intact unit and a smashed converter loses most of its value. Bring vehicle title or registration; most states now require documentation to deter theft.
Where can I take a Catalytic Converter to scrap?
Use the ZIP code form above to find scrap yards near you that accept Catalytic Converter, with distance, contact info, and accepted-materials notes.
Estimates assume yard payouts at 50–70% of national spot. Actual payouts vary by region, yard, and material condition. Last updated Nov 10, 2026. © 2026 Scrapyards.io