If you have an end-of-life catalytic converter sitting in a workshop, yard or storage area, knowing what to do with it can be less obvious than you might expect. Selling a catalytic converter for scrap comes down to a few practical steps: identifying the converter, checking its current value, choosing a legitimate recycler, arranging delivery or collection, and receiving payment through a compliant method.The important bit is not to assume every converter has the same scrap value. Different units can contain different quantities of recoverable precious metals, and market prices move. Taking a methodical approach can make the process quicker, clearer, and considerably easier.

Key Takeaways

• Identify the catalytic converter and its code before requesting a valuation where possible.
• Check real-time prices rather than relying on an old price list, as precious-metal markets can move.
• Choose an experienced, compliant catalytic-converter recycler rather than basing the decision purely on the first price you find.
• Get an accurate quote, then confirm how the material will be delivered or collected.
• MetCat offers daily market-linked pricing through the MetCat App, collection and site drop-off options, plus fast payment for qualifying material.

Step 1: Identify Your Catalytic Converter

Before you sell your catalytic converter, start by working out exactly what you have.

Catalytic converters are commonly identified using a reference code stamped or etched onto the casing. That code can help a specialist recycler determine the converter type and establish its likely value.
This matters because there is no universal "price per catalytic converter." The amount a unit is worth is influenced by:

• Its type (e.g., OEM vs. aftermarket, or the converter's specific design)
• Its identifying code (used to look up the exact model/specs)
• The recoverable platinum, palladium and rhodium contained within it

For auto shops, dismantlers and professional suppliers dealing with several units at once, keeping converters organised by code normally makes quoting and processing considerably more efficient.
If you can’t find the code, you don’t need to guess! An experienced catalytic-converter specialist may still be able to help identify the unit or advise you on the next step.

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Step 2: Check the Current Catalytic Converter Scrap Value

Once you know what you have, you can now check what it’s worth.

Catalytic converter prices are closely linked to precious-metal markets. Platinum, palladium and rhodium values fluctuate often, so a price from several months ago may no longer give you a good idea of what a converter is currently worth.

This is one reason experienced suppliers tend to favour current pricing rather than static lists.
MetCat provides Real-Time Pricing through the MetCat App, with prices that update daily in line with the precious-metal market. This gives suppliers a more current basis for deciding when and where to sell their material.

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Step 3: Choose a Legitimate Catalytic Converter Recycler

There are plenty of scrap yards and online buyers that advertise catalytic-converter purchasing. Price matters, of course, but it should not be the only consideration.

Ask yourself a few straightforward questions. Does the buyer have genuine experience processing catalytic converters? Is the pricing process transparent? Can they explain how the material is valued? Do they operate in line with applicable scrap-metal legislation? And can you expect reliable settlement once the material has been accepted?

Those questions become especially important for businesses selling converters regularly or in volume.
MetCat operates as a specialist catalytic-converter and scrap metal recycler, serving trade and public customers across the UK. Services include catalytic-converter purchasing by identifying code, metallic converter processing, ceramic monolith processing and toll refining, supported by in-house equipment and certificated assay results where relevant.

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Step 4: Get an Accurate Quote

Once your converter has been identified and you have checked current pricing, it’s time to request a quote.
You need to provide the buyer with accurate information about the converter, including its identifying code where available and the number of units you intend to sell. If you have a larger batch, discussing the material directly with the recycling team may make more sense.

The goal is an accurate quote based on the material in front of you and current market conditions, rather than an old online estimate.

Get in Touch with MetCat for a free, quick quote and competitive pricing as part of their supplier service. If you are unsure about identification, processing or the best route for a particular batch of converters, you can also speak directly to them.

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Step 5: Arrange Collection or Drop Off Your Catalytic Converters

Next, decide how the converters will reach the recycler.

For smaller quantities, delivering material directly may be straightforward. MetCat accepts material at their Wolverhampton site in the Midlands.

For trade suppliers, workshops and businesses handling larger volumes, transport can become a practical issue surprisingly quickly. Moving a pile of catalytic converters between sites is rather different from carrying one unit into a local recycler.

Luckily today it has been made easier than ever! If you need collection services for qualifying material, MetCat provides that, helping suppliers manage larger or commercial quantities more efficiently.

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Step 6: Complete the Sale and Receive Payment

Selling scrap metal in England and Wales is regulated under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. Scrap metal dealers must verify a seller’s full name and address, keep required transaction records and use permitted non-cash payment methods, such as an electronic transfer of funds or a non-transferable cheque. 

That is worth knowing before you arrive. A legitimate recycler should be able to explain what information is required and how payment will be handled.

Instant and same-day payment is part of MetCat’s supplier service, alongside responsible and compliance-conscious metal recycling.

For legitimate suppliers, the process can therefore be quite simple:

FAQs About Selling Catalytic Converters for Scrap
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Can I sell an old catalytic converter for scrap in the UK?

‍Yes. Legitimately owned end-of-life catalytic converters can be sold to appropriate scrap-metal and catalytic-converter recyclers. Sellers should use a compliant buyer and be prepared to meet applicable identification and record-keeping requirements.
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How much is a scrap catalytic converter worth?

‍There is no single fixed value. Prices vary according to the converter type and code, recoverable precious-metal content and current platinum, palladium and rhodium market conditions. Checking current market-linked pricing is more useful than relying on an old price list.
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Where can I sell my catalytic converter?

‍You can approach specialist catalytic-converter recyclers and some scrap yards. For sellers concerned about accurate valuation, working with a specialist that regularly identifies, purchases and processes catalytic converters may provide a clearer route.
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Do I need the catalytic converter code to sell it?

‍Having the identifying code can make valuation easier because many converters are purchased by reference to that code. If it cannot be found, contact a specialist rather than trying to identify the converter from an unreliable estimate.
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A Straightforward Way to Sell Your Catalytic Converter
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Learning how to sell a catalytic converter for scrap is mainly about removing uncertainty from each stage of the transaction. Once you know the process, it’s smooth sailing the next time you need to do it.
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Know what you have. Check what it is worth today. Work with a legitimate recycler. Confirm the quote and logistics, then all that’s left is the sale and payment.
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MetCat combines more than 40 years of metal-recycling experience with state-of-the-art processing equipment to make sure the process of selling your catalytic converter is as easy as possible. So if you have an end-of-life converter ready to recycle, check the live catalytic converter prices on the MetCat App, or get in touch for a quote.