Converter Recycling

What is a catalytic converter?

A catalytic converter is a device which is fitted to the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. It works by converting harmful pollutants from the vehicle’s exhaust gases into less harmful substances before they are released into the atmosphere. The main pollutants that are reduced by catalytic converters include carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.

What are catalytic converters made of?

Catalytic converters are typically composed of three main parts. The first part is the ceramic monolith substrate, which serves as the base material and provides a support structure for the catalyst material. The second part consists of a metal shell that houses the ceramic monolith and also helps protect it from thermal damage. Finally, the catalyst material itself is a combination of various metals and other elements, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. 

What are the benefits of recycling catalytic converters?

Recycling catalytic converters has a number of environmental benefits. It reduces the amount of hazardous materials from entering our atmosphere, conserves energy resources, and prevents additional mining for precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Recycling catalytic converters also helps to improve air quality by reducing the output of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and other pollutants. Furthermore, recycling catalytic converters helps to preserve the environment by reducing waste streams and saving landfill space. Finally, recycling catalytic converters offers financial benefits as well: recyclers can make money from selling or reusing some of the components in these devices. 

What are the risks of not recycling my catalytic converter?

Not properly recycling or disposing of a catalytic converter can be dangerous and illegal. Improper disposal of the material, such as dumping it into landfills, may lead to air pollution and health risks due to potentially hazardous chemicals leaching into soil and water. 

How do I recycle catalytic converters?

Cohen is an experienced recycler of catalytic converters and can assist with the recycling process. Cohen offers a full-service recycling solution, providing an easy way to recycle your old or broken catalytic converters. Cohen specializes in separating the metals inside catalytic converters, including platinum, rhodium, palladium, and more.

What recyclable materials are in a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters typically contain metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals are used to create a chemical reaction that helps convert hazardous pollutants into less harmful substances.

Can I make money from recycling my catalytic converter?

Recycling converters is a great way to get paid, but it’s more than just tossing them in the bin. Factors like hazardous waste can mean extra handling and create small fees for recyclers. Even with a small fee, you’re making the world around you greener and your own life leaner – helping both the environment and economy while decluttering at home. 

Find A Scrap Yard

Cohen operates several public and commercial recycling centers in Ohio and Kentucky.

December 1 – February 1: 
Holiday Lights Recycling Event

We have partnered with local organizations to make recycling your unwanted or non-working decorative lights easy. Start or end your season sustainably with our annual recycling event!