FAQ’s About Recycling Your Scrap Catalytic Converters
Below we answer common questions about scrapping and recycling your catalytic converters, how much your catalytic converter is worth, how to scrap it, how to ship it, and also how you are going to get paid.
Some Things To Keep In Mind:
- FREE Shipping for All OEM Units. We will pay for shipping in the United States for all OEM (original equipment manufacturer) units when selling to RRCats.com.
- We have INSTANT PAYMENT available through PayPal. Once we receive your catalytic converter we send payments within 1-2 business days through those services. Otherwise, we do offer check payments which typically take 5-7 business days. See full payment and shipping instructions.
- All prices quoted are based on full catalytic converters. Unless otherwise stated, our prices are based on your catalytic converter being full of material. A full cat will have material seen on the front and back of the container. If not, your price may vary. See how to prep your catalytic converters for quotes and shipping.
- We offer Refining Options for 150+ Converters. We can provide full pricing and logistics for bulk shipments. Find out more and get started here.
- You must have VIN & Document of Ownership. In order to recycle your catalytic converter, in accordance with New Jersey Law, we require these documents in order to recycle your converter.
Common Questions Answered
How much is my catalytic converter worth?
Every catalytic converter is worth a different price. There are several factors that determine the price for a scrap catalytic converter, including year, make, model, and more.
While we have a price page that can help give you some guidance on your catalytic converter value, we suggest you send us pictures and receive a quote from us for the most accurate quote.
GET A QUOTE
Can I get an exact price quote?
You can send or text us pictures of your catalytic converters via our contact page. Be sure to also tell us the type of car or vehicle the catalytic converter came from. We will be able give you the most accurate quote when we receive pictures.
Once you receive a quote from us, you can ship your catalytic converter to us with that price in mind. After we inspect the catalytic converter and confirm that the honeycomb inside is full, we will pay you the price we originally quoted. If it does not meet our expectations of a full honeycomb, material missing, or a problem, we will contact you before buying it.
GET A QUOTE
Can I get a quote for the serial number on my catalytic converter?
Yes, we encourage you to send pictures of your serial numbers (if applicable) on the side of your catalytic converters. It will help us get an accurate quote for you.
It is required that the unit must be removed from the vehicle for us to quote a serial number. Also, following New Jersey laws, we require a copy of the VIN & Document of Ownership for the vehicle.
Please send us pictures and your information to receive a quote from us.
GET A QUOTE
How should I ship my catalytic converter to you?
You’re in luck! We PAY for your shipping for all OEM units (not including aftermarket). We provide a shipping label and instructions during the quote process. Get your quote today to see if you qualify!
The biggest suggestion is to make sure that you prepare your catalytic converter correctly and pack it with the appropriate protection. We also suggest using a lot of shipping tape to protect the box in transit.
HOW TO SHIP TO US
How much does it cost to ship my catalytic converters?
If you have an OEM it’s FREE!
What’s an OEM?
You’re in luck! We PAY for your shipping for all OEM units (not including aftermarket). We provide a shipping label and instructions during the quote process. Get your quote today to see if you qualify!
SHIP YOUR CATS
Why do I need to send a photo of my Driver's License?
As part of the New Jersey Scrap Laws, scrap yards are to keep records of transactions over 100 pounds of materials or anything over $50 value for 5 years. Our receiving warehouse is located Rockaway Recycling, 311 West Main Street, Rockaway, NJ 07866.
If you do not send us a copy of your driver’s license we will not send payment for your material and will charge you to send the material back.
Once I ship my cat, how do I know I'll get paid?
This is an understandable concern that customers have. While you may be wary of sending in your valuable scrap catalytic converter in fear of being taken advantage of, Rockaway Recycling – RRCats is a reliable, trustworthy company.
Open since 1977, our family-operated business has decades of trust and reliability in the scrap industry. We suggest taking a look at our Google Reviews online and hear what our customers have said about us in the past.
How long should it take to get paid?
Once you ship you catalytic converter to us, expect 3-5 business days before delivery and 1-2 business days for our team to value and write up your receipt and ticket. Typically you should receive your check payment one week after we process your shipment.
We also have the option for quick payment (1-2 business days after receiving) via PayPal. If that is the option you would like to use, please be sure to let our team know and provide us with your account email to send payment to.
How do I get paid?
Once we receive your materials and process them at our scrap yard Rockaway Recycling in New Jersey, we will send out your payment. We will send you a check by mail or if you have requested to be paid by PayPal we can do that too.
Please be sure to send us the correct information for your payment when shipping your catalytic converters.
Can I get a quote for my catalytic converter over the phone?
We do not quote over the phone because we like to have the quotes in writing. This allows the team at RRCats to reference your price and helps to eliminate confusion.
GET YOUR QUOTE
Should I remove the comb from inside?
No, if you are selling your catalytic converter to us, do not remove the comb inside. The comb inside the exterior shell helps us identify the type it is to give you a more accurate quote.
When we buy loose material, even if it is out of an expensive catalytic converter, we buy them by the pound. Most material out of all catalytic converters looks the same, and that is why we do not buy loose material by the piece, but rather by the pound.
Why are there different prices for catalytic converters?
Not all cars are made equally, therefore the catalytic converters are valued differently. Depending on the amount of precious metals inside and where the engines are made, they are going to be valued much differently.
What happens if I don't send you my payment information?
If we receive your catalytic converters and didn’t get you payment information. We will hold the converter and respond back to your text message or email requesting a photo of your license and your payment details.
If we do not get the information within 3 business days your converters will be subject to a requote based on the day’s market value.
What is the price of diesel catalytic converters?
The prices for diesel catalytic converters can range from $10 to hundreds of dollars. Usually the newer diesel engines have better quality catalytic converters. For an accurate quote, send over pictures of yours along with the vehicle information.
I can see through my catalytic converter.
If you can see through your catalytic converter, that can mean a couple of things. The comb on the inside could have been taken out, which will bring the value down significantly.
Or it could have been from corrosion and the materials could have fallen out a little at a time.
Or it could be a resonator, which is a different car part that is worth very little money in scrap and can look like a catalytic converter.
For a better idea of what you have, feel free to send us some pictures.
What is an aftermarket catalytic converter?
An aftermarket catalytic converter has been installed after the original manufactured catalytic converter. The aftermarket versions are not going to be the exact value of an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts for a car.
Read Our Explanation
Some characteristics of an aftermarket catalytic converter are:
- Lightweight
- Cheap or generic looking
- Have bad welds on pipes from installation
- Extreme rust
- Serial numbers would start with N (NA/CA/CE)
Most aftermarket catalytic converters have a silver shield on the outside and sometimes have arrows on the outside too. Send or text us pictures to find out what kind you have.
Why did you say my cat has no value?
Some catalytic converters are full of honeycomb, but they have no precious metals that are lining the ceramic of metal comb. The big metals that make up catalytic converters like Palladium, Platinum, and Rhodium are not always contained in some of the cats (like the diesel units) and then the value is very low and sometimes is just steel.
There are some catalytic converter shells that we have quoted and we always make sure to quote based on full cats with all of the honeycomb intact – but sometimes the material breaks off or gets worn away during use. This will also lead to a no-value catalytic converter and if it is just a shell or small remnants of material, you will have much lower pricing if not steel value only.
Do you buy from the public?
Rockaway Recycling/RRcats.com is a private company, but we DO buy from the public in the USA. We have been buying scrap metal nationwide, including catalytic converters.
Do you only have one location?
Yes, we are headquartered in New Jersey, however, we have provided National Scrap Services, including buying scrap catalytic converters, including Alaska and Hawaii.
What times do you answer quotes?
Our quoting hours are on Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm EST and Saturdays from 7am-3pm. With many requests, please allow at least one hour for our team to get your quote to you. If you request a quote over the weekend, please allow us the time to respond to your request first thing on Monday morning.
Why?
We have many different customers that are contacting us related to catalytic converter quotes, so being able to give them consistent and reliable times/days to quote their material helps the entire process for everyone.
