#1 Catalytic Converter Buyers In The DMV

tron checking dmv recycling (1)

3 Tips to Preparing Your Catalytic Converter For Scrap

If you recently replaced your catalytic converter or scrapped your entire junk car and removed the catalytic converter because you heard it was worth a lot (which is correct), you could call your local metal recycling center and take their word for it. Or, you could tune in to this post to learn a few things about that cat converter you’ve got and how you can prepare it to yield top dollar for its trade.

At DMV Recycling, we have recycled tens of thousands of catalytic converters over the last decade, so we know a thing or two about a thing or two and are here to help you get the most money for your cat converter while supporting our own mission — to make the east coast greener and recycle as many precious metals as possible to improve our communities and the environment. Follow these simple steps to sell your cat converter.

1. Know What You’ve Got

One of the most important things you can do to prepare your cat converter for recycling is to know what you’ve got. Be sure you can answer these questions before you begin your search for a cat converter recycling company near you.
Is it an original or after-market catalytic converter?
Not sure? Does it have a shiny silver shield wrapped around the “belly”? If not, it is likely an original, if it does, it is an after-market cat converter. Expect a lower estimate for an after-market cat converter sell.
What year, make, and model vehicle is the cat from? This makes a difference in the presence of precious metals and will offer a better estimate.
What is the current market value for your cat? Get real-time market updates here.

Other information you’ll need to have is the serial number of the cat, your demographic information and license, and proof of ownership of the cat converter you are attempting to sell.
Having all this information better equips you to answer questions for a more accurate quote and will expedite your payout. Additionally, it also helps you spot a scam. If you’re getting a lower offer than what you think is fair, reach out to DMV Recycling, where we may be in Northern Virginia, but we can buy your cat through the mail from anywhere.

2. Separate the Catalytic Converter From Exhaust Pipes

As a major element of your vehicle’s exhaust system, your catalytic converter is connected to the exhaust manifold and may be secured to the vehicle’s undercarriage. Remove the cat from the vehicle and cut off as much of the exhaust pipes as possible. This will help you get the best estimate, by weight. If you do not have a sawzall to remove the exhaust pipes, just be aware that you may incur a removal fee from the scrap metal recycler who has to remove them for you. Removing the exhaust pipes is not necessary, but will give you a better payout.

3. Ensure the Honeycomb is Intact

The better condition the body of the cat converter you are selling is in, the higher the payout you can expect. Of course, you are selling your catalytic converter because it is no longer functional, and no one expects it to look shiny and new. What we mean by intact is that the main body should be relatively undamaged. While it may be rusty and dirty, it should have the original roundish shape and be free from dents and large gouges. The honeycomb inside absolutely has to be intact. If you look inside the cat converter, you’ll see a mesh honeycomb. This is where all the precious metals that make your cat converter so valuable are. If your catalytic converter is missing the honeycomb, you essentially have a piece of scrap metal that will be paid out as such at the metal recycling plant.

If you have a catalytic converter to sell, look no further than the experienced crew at DMV Recycling. Once you’ve prepared your cat converter for recycling, we are happy to take it off your hands at top dollar. Visit us online to learn more about how online catalytic converter recycling works and sell your cat converter(s) today!