Tips For Recycling A Catalytic Converter

Catalytic converters are designed to last for a long time; however, they do have an expiration point. Once this time comes, it's a good idea to consider recycling. If you have a converter you're looking to get rid of, here are some tips to help you get started.

Choose A Recycling Center

When it comes to recycling automobile parts, you generally have two options. You can work with a company that resales the recycled parts or you can work with a service that recycles the parts for other uses. Neither one is necessarily better than the other. It's simply a matter of personal preference.

Collect Vehicle Information

If the converter did not come out of your vehicle, make sure you collect information about the vehicle it came from. You can start by writing down the make, model and year of the vehicle that you removed it from. Whether or not this information is important depends on the type of recycling center you are using. For resale recycling centers, this information is necessary so that they can tell their customers which vehicles the converter will work with.

Determine Part Origin

Make sure you know if the part is an original or if it is aftermarket. If you're partnering with a resale recycling center, you will generally be offered more money for an original converter than you will an aftermarket part. Aftermarket converters typically have an air shield on one side, whereas original converters don't. The purpose of the shield is to help the mechanic recognize how the air is going to flow through the unit so they know how to install it, which isn't necessary when the part is installed by the manufacturer.

Don't Remove The Mesh Screen

On the inside of the converter is a mesh screen. Whatever you do, make sure you aren't removing this component from the converter. This is true whether you plan to recycle at a resale facility or not. If you're working with a resale center, this mesh screen is important because it is a part of what makes the unit function. Without it, the converter can't filter the exhaust fumes. Even if not for resale, the mesh screen is still important because it is a valuable piece of metal that can be used for many purposes.

Recycling your catalytic converter isn't just a better choice for the environment, it can also be a great way to earn a little extra money. A recycling center can help you accomplish this.