What Is a Catalytic Converter Worth for Scrap?

Most used OEM gasoline catalytic converters sell to scrap buyers for about $50–$300, higher-value OEM units from certain trucks/SUVs and some hybrids can bring $300–$1,200+, aftermarket replacements are usually $5–$50, and diesel DOC/DPF units range from roughly $20–$400 for light-duty and $200–$1,000+ for heavy-duty. Actual payouts fluctuate with platinum, palladium, and rhodium prices, the exact part number, condition, and the buyer’s grading method. Below is a detailed breakdown of what affects value and how to get a reliable quote.

How Scrap Value Is Determined

Scrap catalytic converter prices come from the recoverable platinum-group metals (PGMs)—platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh)—plus market conditions and logistics. These are the core factors buyers use to set offers.

• Type of converter: OEM units generally contain more PGMs than aftermarket replacements and pay much more.
• Vehicle make/model/year: Some models (often larger trucks/SUVs, certain hybrids, and select European/Japanese brands) have higher PGM loadings.
• PGM markets: Converter prices track spot prices for platinum, palladium, and especially rhodium; these move daily.
• Condition and completeness: Intact cans with unbroken ceramic “honeycomb” fetch more; gutted, crushed, or melted units pay less.
• Buyer type: Local yards grade by part number and visual inspection; refiners can pay more on large lots, often after assay.
• Compliance and documentation: Proof of ownership and legal paperwork may be required; non-compliant sellers may be refused or offered less.
• Volume and logistics: Larger, sorted loads usually earn better rates; shipping and handling affect net proceeds.

Together, these inputs determine the expected recoverable metal value and the percentage a buyer is willing to pay after processing costs and risk.

Typical Price Ranges by Category (2025)

While every unit is different, these ranges reflect what many sellers have seen in late 2024 into 2025 under softer PGM markets compared with the 2021 peak. Local demand, part numbers, and condition can push prices higher or lower.

• Aftermarket gasoline converters: roughly $5–$50 (low PGM content).
• Small/common OEM gasoline converters (compact cars): about $50–$200.
• Mid-size OEM gasoline converters (sedans/crossovers): about $150–$400.
• Large OEM gasoline converters (trucks/SUVs): commonly $300–$1,200.
• Select high-value OEM units (certain hybrids and some European/Japanese models): roughly $400–$1,500+, depending on part number and market.
• Light-duty diesel DOC/DPF: about $20–$400 (DPFs typically lower; DOCs higher).
• Heavy-duty diesel DOC/DPF (commercial trucks, buses): roughly $200–$1,000+ for large, intact units.

These are ballpark payouts to scrappers or yards, not metal value; expect variation by location and buyer. Prices can change quickly with PGM market swings.

Current Metal Prices and Why They Matter

Catalytic converters are valuable because of PGMs. Rhodium, though used in small amounts, often drives price due to its high value; palladium and platinum contribute substantially as well. Converter prices surged when rhodium spiked in 2020–2021, then fell as rhodium and palladium retreated through 2023–2024. As markets softened, many converter payouts in 2024–2025 were 30–70% lower than at the 2021 peak. Since PGM prices move daily, any quote is time-sensitive.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

Because value depends on exact part numbers and grading, the best way to price a converter is to identify it precisely and solicit multiple bids.

• Find identifiers: Look for stamped part numbers on the shell; note vehicle year/make/model/engine and whether it’s OEM or aftermarket.
• Keep it intact: Do not open, crush, or remove the ceramic; intact cans usually pay more.
• Photograph clearly: Capture all sides and any codes; include a tape measure for size reference.
• Request multiple quotes: Contact local yards and reputable online buyers; compare offers and terms.
• Ask how they grade: Some pay by part number tables; others pay after assay on larger lots.
• Verify requirements: Be prepared to show proof of ownership and ID; laws vary by state/country.
• Understand fees: Ask about shipping, processing deductions, or delays before accepting an offer.

A transparent buyer who explains grading and fees will help you maximize net proceeds and avoid surprises.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Catalytic converter theft has led to tighter regulations in many jurisdictions. Selling a converter without proper documentation can be illegal and may result in seizure or penalties.

• Proof of ownership: Many states require receipts, titles, or repair invoices for detached converters.
• Recordkeeping: Buyers may scan IDs, record serials, take photos, and delay or restrict cash payments.
• Environmental rules: It’s illegal to remove or tamper with an emissions device still in service on a vehicle; replacement must meet EPA/CARB standards.
• Shipping and transport: Follow buyer instructions for packaging; don’t ship hazardous residues; remove O2 sensors if requested.

Know your local laws before selling; legitimate documentation speeds transactions and protects you and the buyer.

Tips to Maximize Your Payout

Small steps can add up to better offers and smoother sales.

• Sell OEM units intact; do not cut, crush, or “clean” the honeycomb.
• Remove and sell oxygen sensors separately if they have resale value.
• Group multiple converters and seek a lot price; volume can improve rates.
• Time the market if possible; quotes rise and fall with PGM prices.
• Work with reputable buyers; check reviews and payment terms.
• If you have many units, ask about assay-based settlement for more precise payouts.

These practices help reduce grading risk for the buyer and can translate into higher, faster-paying offers.

Illustrative Examples

The following examples show how the same market can yield different payouts based on the part and application.

• Compact sedan OEM gasoline converter (circa 2010s): often $120–$250 if intact and properly identified.
• Full-size pickup/SUV OEM gasoline converter: commonly $400–$900, higher for select part numbers.
• Aftermarket replacement converter (recent): typically $10–$30 due to low PGM content.
• Hybrid OEM converter (select models): roughly $300–$800+, depending on part number and current Rh/Pd markets.
• Light-duty diesel DOC: about $100–$300; matched DPF may bring $50–$200 depending on size and content.
• Heavy-duty diesel DOC/DPF from commercial trucks: $300–$1,000+ for large, intact units.

Real prices depend on exact part codes and the day’s PGM markets; use these as guideposts, not guarantees.

Summary

Scrap catalytic converter values are driven by recoverable platinum, palladium, and rhodium and vary widely by part number, size, and market conditions. In today’s softer PGM environment, expect roughly $50–$300 for common OEM gasoline units, $300–$1,200+ for larger or high-value OEM converters, $5–$50 for aftermarket units, and $20–$1,000+ for diesel DOC/DPF depending on size and application. To get the best price, identify the converter precisely, keep it intact, solicit multiple quotes, and comply with local laws requiring proof of ownership.

What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters for scrap?

The Toyota Prius is one of the most targeted vehicles for catalytic converter theft because it contains more rhodium, palladium and platinum than any other vehicle and is worth approximately $2,000. Other vehicles that are often targeted include: Ford F250 ($3,300), Dodge Ram 2500 ($4,100) and Ford Mustang ($1,800).

How much will a junkyard give me for my catalytic converter?

Catalytic Converters

Metal/Material	Current Price
Flow Cats Flow Cats. → GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS	$15-$51/each
Bead Cat Bead Cat → GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS	$18-$246/each
Exotic Cat Exotic catalytic converters are from foreign cars. → GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS	$200-$565/each

What is the salvage price of a catalytic converter?

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On average, Regular Domestic converters are priced between $18 and $124, but the final quote depends on size, structure, and internal material composition.

What vehicles have the easiest catalytic converters to remove?

Here’s a rundown of the vehicles that, from 2021 to 2022, had the most consistent losses reported from catalytic converter theft.

• Ford F-Series trucks.
• Honda Accord.
• Toyota Prius.
• Honda CR-V.
• Ford Explorer.
• Ford Econoline.
• Chevrolet Equinox.
• Chevrolet Silverado.