What's a Catalytic Converter Worth in Scrap?
Based on current Australian scrap yard rates and a typical catalytic converter's metal composition. Actual yard offers vary by city, load size, and material condition.
Component breakdown
A typical catalytic converter weighs 3.5kg total. Here's where the value comes from — sorted by component, with the metal type, grade, and estimated payout.
| Component | Metal & grade | Weight (kg) | Est. mid value (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outer casing only — internal value is in platinum group metals priced separately | Stainless Steel · 316 Stainless | 3.5 | $4.95 |
Before you take it in
A few minutes of preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the estimated range.
- → Catalytic converters are valued primarily on their platinum, palladium, and rhodium content, not the casing — specialised converter buyers pay significantly more than general scrap yards
- → Photo of the OEM code and a clear image of the unit help converter buyers quote accurately
- → Yards require photo ID and proof of ownership; theft of converters is a major issue and penalties are severe
Safety & legal notes
Catalytic converter theft and unauthorised sale carry serious penalties in all Australian states. Always provide photo ID and be prepared to prove ownership. Many yards require a 14-day cooling-off period before payment.
Where to sell a catalytic converter
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a catalytic converter. Use our city directory to find yards in your area and see region-specific rates — payouts in regional and remote areas are typically lower than capital cities due to transport costs.
For larger items, call ahead to confirm pickup arrangements or weighbridge access. Most yards have minimum drop-off weights.
Other vehicle parts
Frequently asked questions
How much is a catalytic converter worth in scrap? +
A catalytic converter is worth approximately $4.20 to $5.69 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $4.95. The exact amount depends on the city you sell in (yards in remote cities pay less due to transport costs), the condition of the components, and how well the item is prepared before drop-off.
What metals are in a catalytic converter? +
A typical catalytic converter contains 3.5kg of stainless steel, totalling about 3.5kg. The stainless steel component contributes the most value (around $4.95), even though it's not always the heaviest.
How do I prepare a catalytic converter for scrapping? +
Several steps lift the return: (1) Catalytic converters are valued primarily on their platinum, palladium, and rhodium content, not the casing — specialised converter buyers pay significantly more than general scrap yards (2) Photo of the OEM code and a clear image of the unit help converter buyers quote accurately (3) Yards require photo ID and proof of ownership; theft of converters is a major issue and penalties are severe
Where can I sell a catalytic converter for scrap? +
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a catalytic converter. See our <a href="/cities/">city directory</a> for region-specific yards and rates. Larger items may need pickup arrangement or weighbridge access — call ahead to confirm hours and acceptance.
Is it worth scrapping a single catalytic converter? +
At a mid estimate of $4.95, a single catalytic converter usually isn't worth a dedicated trip to the yard. Combine multiple items into one load to make the trip worthwhile, or hold until council collection if available.
Are there any safety or legal considerations with scrapping a catalytic converter? +
Catalytic converter theft and unauthorised sale carry serious penalties in all Australian states. Always provide photo ID and be prepared to prove ownership. Many yards require a 14-day cooling-off period before payment.