Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium — among the highest-value items at any Canadian scrap yard.
Estimated Value Range
$50.00/kg – $800.00/kg
per kilogram, CAD
How to Prepare for the Best Price
Prices vary enormously by vehicle make, model, and year — the same physical size can mean a $50 converter or a $600 converter. Take clear photos of the converter and know your vehicle's year, make, and model. Get quotes from at least two yards before selling. Leave the pipe stubs attached when cutting — removing them reduces value. Do not sandblast or heat the converter, which destroys the catalyst substrate.
What to Expect at the Yard
Yards will ask for the vehicle year/make/model and may photograph the converter. Pricing is done against a database of known values by application. For unusual or high-value units, the yard may send to a refiner for assay, with payment following 1–2 weeks later. You must provide government-issued ID and, in some provinces, documentation of vehicle ownership. Catalytic converter theft is a serious crime — all yards report suspicious purchases to authorities.
Typical yard visit process
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a catalytic converter worth in Canada?
Values range from roughly $50 for a small economy car to over $800 for luxury or SUV converters. Some diesel particulate filters can command even more. The three metals inside — platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh) — drive the price, and their market values fluctuate constantly.
Do I need ID and ownership documents to sell a catalytic converter?
Yes. All Canadian yards require government-issued photo ID. Many provinces now require additional documentation including proof of vehicle ownership (registration or title). These requirements were introduced to combat the spike in catalytic converter theft — failure to provide documentation results in refusal of purchase and a report to police.
How do I get the best price for my catalytic converter?
Know your vehicle year, make, and model before calling a yard. Take clear photos of the converter number (usually stamped on the shell). Get quotes from at least two different yards — prices can vary by 20–40% between buyers. Do not clean or grind the converter, which destroys internal substrate.
Why is my converter priced so differently at different yards?
Catalytic converter pricing is complex — some yards use basic grade tables, others subscribe to real-time pricing services that track platinum group metal spot prices. Yards that regularly trade in high volumes typically offer better prices. It pays to shop around.
Check Prices in Your City
Yard payouts vary significantly by location. Check the local rate in your city before heading out.
Metal Grades
Understanding the grade will determine your payout. Click to learn more.