A catalytic converter is an essential component of your car’s exhaust system containing a number of precious metals including platinum, palladium, and rhodium that could fetch for a high price if you decide to scrap your vehicle or replace it.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about catalytic converter recycling, the benefits, and how it works to help you make the right choice in disposing your catalytic converter in a safe, environmentally-friendly manner.
What is a catalytic converter?
The catalytic converter is usually made of stainless steel or ceramic, and is typically located in the exhaust pipe between the engine and the muffler.
Its main purpose is to reduce harmful emissions being released into the atmosphere from a vehicle’s internal combustion engine by causing a chemical reaction to break down unsafe compounds in the exhaust gas, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
Catalytic converters should last for at least 10 years, however if it becomes clogged or contaminated by oil, it will need replacing sooner which can often be expensive because of their metallic nature and value.
Why should you recycle catalytic converters?
There are many benefits to recycling your catalytic converter. Here at Clear My Scrap, we aim to divert waste from landfill wherever possible in order to protect the environment, as well as minimise costly mining activity which depletes our natural resources and causes a huge amount of air, water, and land pollution in the process.
In addition, customers can sell their catalytic converters to scrap metal dealers like ourselves for money. This is because the three valuable metals (platinum, palladium, and rhodium) are used for various things like jewellery and electronics.
How does catalytic converter recycling work?
The first step in catalytic converter recycling is to remove the converter from the vehicle. Once the converter is removed, it is cut open so that the precious metals inside can be extracted.
The next step is to clean the catalytic converter using a variety of methods, depending on the type of converter and the amount of contamination present. Once the catalytic converter is clean, the precious metals can be separated from the other materials using a process called smelting.
The final step in catalytic converter recycling is to refine the precious metals so they can be reused. This is done by removing impurities and creating a pure product that can be used in new catalytic converters or other products.
Recycle your catalytic converter
So, if you have an old or damaged catalytic converter, do yourself and the environment a favour and recycle it.
Clear My Scrap specialise in catalytic converter recycling, and always pay our customers a fair price. We also offer efficient scrap car collection services if you choose to sell your car for scrap all together. Contact us on 01613007980 to book a collection and a member of our team will be happy to help with your enquiry.
