Catalytic Converter Scrap Metal Recovery Melbourne
Ezy Auto Wrecker recovers catalytic converters from end-of-life vehicles across Melbourne. Platinum, palladium, and rhodium recovery — fair prices, EPA-compliant processing, and cash paid for your vehicle.
Call 0449 060 697Catalytic converter recovery and precious metal recycling
The catalytic converter is one of the most valuable components in any vehicle. It contains platinum, palladium, and rhodium — precious metals that are worth hundreds of dollars per unit and are in high demand for industrial and automotive applications. Ezy Auto Wrecker recovers catalytic converters from every vehicle we process, ensuring these valuable materials are returned to the manufacturing cycle.
When you sell your vehicle to Ezy Auto Wrecker, the catalytic converter's value is factored into the price we pay. We don't strip the converter and pay you only for the scrap metal — we assess the full value of the vehicle including its catalytic converter and pay accordingly. This is one of the reasons we can often pay more than scrap-only operators.
Catalytic converter theft is a significant problem in Melbourne. If your vehicle's catalytic converter has been stolen, we can still buy the vehicle — the missing converter affects the price, but it doesn't prevent us from making an offer. Call 0449 060 697 to discuss your specific situation.
Vehicles with valuable catalytic converters
- Toyota Prius and hybrid vehicles (highest converter value)
- Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser (diesel converters)
- Honda Jazz, Civic, and Accord
- Ford Ranger and Mustang
- BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi (European converters)
- Nissan Patrol and Navara
- Mitsubishi Pajero and Triton
- Subaru Outback and Forester
- Any vehicle with an original catalytic converter
- Vehicles with multiple converters (some models have two or more)
Why catalytic converters are so valuable
A catalytic converter contains a ceramic or metallic substrate coated with platinum group metals (PGMs) — primarily platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals act as catalysts that convert harmful exhaust gases (carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides) into less harmful substances (carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen).
Platinum, palladium, and rhodium are among the rarest and most valuable metals on Earth. Rhodium, in particular, has been trading at extraordinary prices in recent years — at times exceeding $20,000 per troy ounce. Even at more moderate prices, the PGM content of a typical catalytic converter is worth $100 to $500 or more depending on the vehicle.
Hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius have particularly valuable catalytic converters. Because the engine runs intermittently, the converter operates at lower temperatures and the PGM coating is less depleted than in a conventional vehicle. A Prius converter can be worth $500 to $1,500 or more at current PGM prices.
The value of a catalytic converter is one of the reasons we can pay more for vehicles than scrap-only operators. We recover the full value of the converter and factor it into the price we pay for the vehicle. This benefits you as the seller and ensures the valuable materials are recovered responsibly.
The catalytic converter theft epidemic in Melbourne
Catalytic converter theft has become a significant problem in Melbourne and across Australia. Thieves target vehicles parked on streets and in car parks, cutting the converter from the exhaust system in minutes. The theft leaves the vehicle undriveable and causes thousands of dollars in damage.
If your vehicle's catalytic converter has been stolen, you face a difficult decision. The repair cost — replacing the converter and repairing the exhaust damage — can be $1,500 to $4,000 or more. For an older vehicle, this may exceed the car's value. Selling the vehicle to Ezy Auto Wrecker is often the most financially sensible option.
We buy vehicles with stolen catalytic converters. The missing converter affects the price we pay, but it doesn't prevent us from making an offer. We assess the vehicle's remaining value — parts, scrap metal, and any remaining components — and pay accordingly.
We also buy catalytic converters directly in some circumstances. If you have a converter that has been legitimately removed from a vehicle you own, call us to discuss. We can advise on the current value and whether we're in a position to purchase it.
Responsible precious metal recovery
The recovery of platinum group metals from catalytic converters is an important part of the global precious metals supply chain. Mining new PGMs is expensive, energy-intensive, and environmentally damaging. Recovering them from end-of-life catalytic converters is significantly more efficient and less damaging.
At Ezy Auto Wrecker, every catalytic converter we remove is sent to a licensed precious metals refiner. The refiner uses chemical and thermal processes to extract the PGMs from the substrate, which are then refined to high purity and sold back into the manufacturing market. The recovered metals are used in new catalytic converters, fuel cells, and industrial applications.
This closed-loop recovery process means that the precious metals in your vehicle's catalytic converter will be used again — potentially in the catalytic converter of a new vehicle. It's one of the most efficient recycling processes in the automotive industry.
By selling your vehicle to Ezy Auto Wrecker, you're contributing to this responsible recovery process. Your vehicle's catalytic converter will be recovered and recycled correctly, its precious metals will be returned to the manufacturing cycle, and you'll receive a fair price that reflects the converter's value.
Frequently asked questions
Sell your car and get full value for the catalytic converter
Call 0449 060 697 for a free quote. We factor catalytic converter value into every offer — cash paid, free towing across Melbourne.