Catalytic Converter Platinum Scrap Price & Recycling Guide

Last updated on July 12th, 2023 at 09:39 am

Looking for the catalytic converter platinum scrap price? The welcome! Platinum is one of the most valuable and rarest metals a catalytic converter can have, making it valuable for metal recyclers or those interested in mining and refining it for various industries.   If you are interested in recycling platinum from catalytic converters or knowing how much platinum is in a catalytic converter is worth where to sell platinum from catalytic converters or just steps on extracting platinum from catalytic converters. Read this article Recycling Catalytic Converter: Benefits, How-To & All you Need to Know 

What’s Involved in Recycling Platinum from Catalytic Converters

The process of recycling platinum from a catalytic converter involves a series of steps that require both knowledge and skill. I will sum up the process as follows; first, retrieving the platinum from the catalytic converter by either using a hydrochloric acid method or a knife cast and aqua regia method and using the liquid or pure form of platinum to make products. 

This is why this article will explore the various methods of retrieving platinum from catalytic converters while discussing the pros and cons of each method and providing tips for those interested in going through this process.

You can see more in the section Steps on extracting platinum from catalytic converters below, but first, lets me know look how much platinum is in a catalytic converter

How much Platinum is in a Catalytic converter

The amount of platinum present in a catalytic converter is different for various car brands and models; however, on average, it typically ranges from 3 to 10 grams for a single catalytic converter.  Also, other factors that affect platinum quantity in the cat include the size of the cat, the type of vehicle that the converter is from, the cat’s manufacturer, and the catalytic converter’s design.  

So it is not just straightforward as it may seem, but here is a table of a few popular car brands and how much platinum is contained in their cat.

platinum content in a catalytic converter  car brand

Car Brand	Average Platinum Content (grams)
Toyota	2.2g
Honda	1.5g
Chevrolet	2g
Ford	1.8g
Nissan	2.1g
BMW	2.3g
Audi	2.4g
Mercedes	2.5g
Volkswagen	1.9g
Porsche	2.6g

What is the catalytic converter platinum scrap price?

A live record of platinum scrap price bid on kitco.com as of the writing of this article shows that platinum scrap price is valued at $1007 per ounce; however, we have seen it go as high as $2000.  On so, 5 Grams of Platinum is Worth 163.04 as of today. See this calculated here for more current updates.

You have to read this post on Free Catalytic Converter Price Guide(Scrap Worth/ Price List)

where to sell platinum from catalytic converters

There are several places, both online and offline stores, where you can sell platinum from your catalytic converters and get good cash for catalytic converter. 

Places for cash for catalytic converter platinum

The markets places I recommend to get good cash for catalytic converter platinum extracts include but are not limited to the following:

Your Local Scrap metal yards.

Many scrap metal yards buy catalytic converters and will pay you for the platinum and other precious metals inside them. You just need to look for them in your area.

Refineries.

You can sell the platinum directly to refineries that specialize in refining and recovering precious metals.

Online precious metal buyers.

There are several online companies that specialize in buying precious metals, including platinum, from catalytic converters.

 Here is a list of a few Online precious metal dealers.

• Best of them all to me, at least: Money Metals Exchange
• Best when it looking a Comprehensive Offers APMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange)
• Great for their Customer Experience: JM Bullion
• Best Low-Price Option: SD Bullion
• Known for Gold Coins: BGASC
• Known for its Reputation: Golden Eagle Coins

Electronic recycling centers.

Electronic recycling centers that specialize in recovering precious metals from electronic waste may also be interested in buying your platinum.

Jewelry stores

Some jewelry stores specializing in buying and selling precious metals may also be interested in purchasing platinum from catalytic converters.

Auctions site.

You can also sell your platinum from catalytic converters at auction. Many auction sites, such as eBay, have specific categories for precious metal items, including catalytic converters.

Steps on extracting platinum from catalytic converters

 

So when considering the recycling of platinum from a catalytic converter, the process usually involves first extracting the platinum from the cat. And this step requires that you hire an experienced mechanic or do it yourself (I don’t always recommend doing it yourself as it is a tedious process.

Anyways, here is how to extract platinum  yourself:

• Take the catalytic converter out; this you will find underneath the vehicle’s hood attached to the exhaust pipe. Now you have to use a chop saw or flame cutter to take it off, or you can unscrew the bolts using a socket wrench.

• Make use of a flame cutter or cutting torch to split open the cat converter. Ensure to use heavy industrial gloves and goggles to protect yourself.

• You now detach the ceramic honeycomb and take it out of the case. 

• You can still make use of a flathead screwdriver to pry out some of the platinum coatings for the honeycomb.

• After cleaning the platinum honeycomb may decide at this point, to sell your platinum home to junkyards or platinum recyclers or try to extract the pure platinum.

Here is how to extract pure platinum from a catalytic converter comb.

There are two methods involved in getting platinum from your cat comb, and the processes are: 

1. Hydrochloric acid and bleach process
2. Knife cast and aqua regia process

1. Hydrochloric acid and bleach process

This method involves adding hydrochloric acid and bleach to the substrate of the catalytic converter to retrieve platinum and other noble metals such as palladium and rhodium. This process can take up to a month to complete.

This method involves adding hydrochloric acid and bleach to the substrate of the catalytic converter to retrieve platinum and other noble metals such as palladium and rhodium. This process can take up to a month to complete.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Clean the substrate of the catalytic converter by removing any leftover fuel.

Place the cleaned substrate in a beaker.

Add a small amount of hydrochloric acid and bleach to the substrate.

Wait for one month to allow the metals to dissolve in the solution.

Filter the solution using a coffee filter.

Wash the substrate a few times to remove any remaining debris.

 Advantages:

This method is simple and can be done at home, making it a cost-effective solution for those who want to try their hand at recycling platinum from catalytic converters.

Disadvantages:

The process can take up to a month to complete and may not yield as much platinum compared to the knife cast and aqua regia process. Additionally, hydrochloric acid and bleach can be hazardous if handled improperly.

2. Knife cast and aqua regia process.

This method involves taking the substrate of the catalytic converter and cleaning it to remove any leftover fuel residue. The substrate is then placed in a beaker and combined with hydrochloric acid and nitric acid to create the aqua regia solution. The solution will change color, and you can filter it through a normal coffee filter.

Step by step guide

1. Collect the substrate of the catalytic converter
2. Clean the substrate of any fuel remnants
3. Place the substrate in a beaker
4. Mix hydrochloric and nitric acid to create aqua regia
5. Observe the change in color of the solution
6. Filter the solution using a coffee filter
7. Wash the substrate multiple times to remove debris
8. Add hydrochloric acid to the substrate again and wait
9. Add nitric acid and drop the dome to check for other metals

 Advantages:

• This process can result in higher yields of platinum and other noble metals compared to the first method.
• The knife cast and aqua regia process can be used to refine other metals as well.

Limitations/disadvantages:

• This process requires a higher level of technical expertise and specialized equipment.
• The chemicals used in this process can be dangerous if not handled properly.
• There may be more hazardous waste generated during this process compared to the first method.

Conclusion

A catalytic converter typically contains a small amount of platinum, which can be recycled and sold as scrap. The price of platinum scrap from catalytic converters varies between car brands, but the average price is about $163.04 for 5 grams of platinum as of today. In this post, we have discussed how much platinum is in a catalytic converter and catalytic converter platinum scrap price. I also showed you where to sell platinum from catalytic converters, and I showed that there are various places to sell platinum from catalytic converters, including scrap metal dealers, precious metal refineries, and online marketplaces.

We then rounded up with recycling platinum from catalytic converters and Steps on extracting platinum from catalytic converters.

Recycling platinum from catalytic converters involves extracting the platinum from the converter’s substrate using methods such as the hydrochloric acid and bleach process or the knife cast and aqua regia process. Although potentially dangerous if you do them yourself as individuals, these methods provide a way for individuals and businesses to recycle platinum responsibly and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Sharing is caring!