Where to Sell Your Catalytic Converter (Online vs. Local)

Posted: April 22, 2025

Pile of Catalytic Converters

You’ve Got an Old Catalytic Converter — Now What?

You can sell your catalytic converter to a local junkyard, scrap metal dealer, or an online buyer — but the best option depends on your goals. Junkyards offer convenience; they are likely close to you and will get paid immediately, but they don’t thoroughly grade materials. Scrap dealers may pay well in bulk, but most are not full-time buyers and may rely on other income streams. Lastly, online buyers specialize in buying catalytic converters, often providing the most security when quoting and receiving payment.

Online buyers like RRCats can give a quote based on serial numbers or photos, ship the item for free, and get you paid fast—often within days. While local junkyards and scrap yards are great options, they usually pay less and lack transparency and regulation.

Let’s break down what each route offers — and why RRCats is often the smartest, most straightforward way to cash in.

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Option 1: Sell to local junk yards

Pros:

  • Immediate in-person transactions

  • No shipping or waiting

  • You might be able to haggle (if you’re confident)

Cons:

  • Prices vary wildly and often aren’t transparent

  • Many yards offer “flat rate” pricing — regardless of what your converter is worth

  • No accountability or verification of quote sources

  • No security regarding ownership or possession.

Bottom Line: Local junkyards might be convenient, but they often lowball sellers who don’t know the real value of their converters.

Option 2: Scrap Metal Dealers

Scrap metal dealers can also buy catalytic converters — especially if you have a lot of them. These are ideally suited for tow companies and auto shops that regularly see these items. However, they are also well suited to contractors and other DIYers who may be doing work on their own vehicles or are generally around scrap metal material.

Pros:

  • Potential for bulk pricing

  • Some may test or quote converters with XRF or serial data

Cons:

  • Often prefer to weigh and price by the pound (not ideal for individual converters)

  • May not specialize in catalytic converters, which leads to inconsistent pricing

  • Limited flexibility for single converters or one-time sellers

Option 3: Online Buyers (Like RRCats)

Online catalytic converter buyers — especially RRCats — have made it easier than ever to sell your converter from anywhere in the U.S. No guesswork, no driving around town and no wondering if you got ripped off.

Why online buyers work:

  • You get quotes based on serial numbers and/or pictures

  • Thorough vetting and security to keep you and the business safe when dealing with converters

  • National coverage — ship from anywhere

  • Free prepaid labels (on OEM converters)

  • Transparent quoting with fast payment by PayPal or paper check

At RRCats, we make the process seamless:

  • Get a free quote by submitting your converter’s serial number or picture

  • Ship it for free using our prepaid label

  • Get paid fast — typically within 1–2 business days after inspection

How to Pick the Best Option

When deciding how and where to sell your catalytic converter, consider these key factors:

✅ Trustworthiness – Are they legit? Do they follow legal protocols for ownership verification?

✅ Transparency – Do you get a clear quote based on actual data?

✅ Shipping and Payment – Is it free to ship? How fast is payment?

✅ Convenience – Can you handle the whole process from your garage, driveway, or office?

Why RRCats Is a Smart Choice

We’ve helped thousands of mechanics, tow truck drivers, car owners, and even full-time scrappers get the most value for their converters — without leaving their home or shop.

With free shipping on all OEM converters, fast quoting, and quick payments via PayPal or check, RRCats has become the go-to option for people across the U.S. looking to get fair, fast, and easy payment for their scrap catalytic converters.

Get Your Free Quote Today — Mail It In, Get Paid Fast

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Check corners, under shields, and down pipes for numbers. Not all catalytic converters have numbers.
Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 10 files.
To get a quote sooner, attach photos of any serial numbers and an overhead pic of the catalytic converter(s).
Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 3 files.
Upload a Photo: Please include a clear photo of one of the following documents: Vehicle or equipment, Registration, Title, or Bill of Sale. Why do we need this? We are required by law to verify proof of ownership before purchasing certain equipment or materials to prevent theft and ensure lawful transfer. For more details, refer to New Jersey Scrap Metal Laws – N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99.12 (or insert exact link to the statute you want to reference). This requirement is mandatory to receive a quote.

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