Why do scrap yards buy stolen catalytic converters?

The value comes from what's inside the catalytic converters, including precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium, which are all trading at record prices.

Why do recyclers buy stolen catalytic converters?

Catalytic converters are not imprinted at the factory with serial numbers and stolen converters end up on a black market where they are chopped open for the valuable metals they contain.

Why do scrap yards pay so much for catalytic converters?

Catalytic converters have economic value as they contain precious metals. This is the main reason why they are sold as the most expensive scrap. Because it contains rhodium, palladium and platinum, which are among the most precious metals.

Why is there a market for stolen catalytic converters?

Driving the spike in thefts is the increasing value of precious metals in catalytic converters — palladium, rhodium, and platinum — some more valuable than gold.

Why do scrappers want catalytic converters?

Catalytic converters contain platinum, rhodium, and palladium. The metals are expensive, and thieves sell the converters to scrap yards for several hundred dollars per piece, depending on the size of the converter and the current rate on the metals inside it.

How Much Is A Catalytic Converter Worth? Scrap Recycling Guide

How much do thieves get for a stolen catalytic converter?

A stolen catalytic converter can generate $25 to $500, according to a 2021 report by the Congressional Research Service, and could cost an owner $3,000 to replace the part.

What do people do with stolen catalytic converters?

Rhodium could sell for an average of $18,000 per ounce in 2021, at one point during the year selling for as much as $26,000. When a catalytic converter is stolen, these precious metals can be recovered and sold. There are some companies that will purchase converters and pay anywhere from $140 to $1,500.

What is the most stolen car for catalytic converter?

Hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius have higher standards for cleaning emissions, so their converters are more expensive and are primarily targeted by thieves. Older rides produced after 1974 also have more metals inside their catalytic converters, and luxury models like Lamborghinis and Ferraris.

Is stealing catalytic converters profitable?

Catalytic converter thieves can see returns of around $150 to $1500 for a catalytic converter, depending on the type of catalytic converter stolen. Scrap yards will buy them and have their metals recovered to sell again. Their location on the underside of vehicles can make them convenient to steal quickly.

Why are Honda catalytic converters stolen?

They're found on the underside of the car and can be removed within minutes with a metal-cutting tool. Criminals target catalytic converters because they contain expensive precious metals like rhodium, platinum and palladium.

How much gold is in a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters contain Platinum, Rhodium and Palladium. However, there is no gold in catalytic converters.

Can I drive without a catalytic converter?

Technically, a car can function without a catalytic converter. However, this is not a sustainable long-term option.

How long does it take to steal a catalytic converter?

Stealing a converter takes just a few minutes and a battery-operated saw. "You slide under the car, slice through your exhaust system, and you're in and out usually within 30 seconds to a minute," Glawe said.

Are newer cars safer from catalytic converter theft?

So the metals in their catalytic converters tend to last longer. For the same reason, newer cars are at greater risk than older cars. Thieves also target cars they can easily get under quickly. So, police reports show that trucks and SUVs are at particular risk.

What are the easiest catalytic converters to steal?

Where do stolen catalytic converters end up?

Stealing a catalytic converter is easy: Thieves slide under the car and slice through the exhaust system using a battery-powered saw in 30 seconds to a minute, Glawe says. They then sell the part to a scrap metal yard for between $150 to $300.

Does Ukraine have rhodium?

Ukraine exported Metals; rhodium, unwrought or in powder form to Germany ($105.66K , 2 Kg).

How much platinum is in a catalytic converter?

Although the quantities vary by model, on average, only one standard catalytic converter contains about 3-7 grams of platinum, 2-7 grams of palladium, 1-2 grams rhodium.

How fast do thieves steal catalytic converters?

Catalytic converter theft is also common because the component is mounted beneath the vehicle, making it easily accessible to thieves. With the proper tools, thieves can remove a catalytic converter in less than two minutes and profit handsomely by reselling it.

What cars have no catalytic converters?

The only vehicles on the road today that don't use converters at all are all-electric vehicles, which recharge their batteries by plugging in and consuming no gasoline or diesel. Non-plug-in hybrids and plug-ins alike use catalytic converters, as do all hybrid vehicles that run on gas or diesel.

What cars are targets for catalytic converter thieves?

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Those vehicles most often targeted for catalytic converter theft during the past three years in California are the Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Honda Accord, Ford Econoline, Honda CRV, Ford F-250, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, Ford Excursion and the Toyota Tacoma.

How do you prove a catalytic converter is stolen?

You may not be able to tell your catalytic converter was stolen by looking at your car, but you'll know as soon as you start the engine. When the catalytic converter has been removed, your vehicle will make a loud roaring sound that'll get louder as you push the gas pedal.

What happens after catalytic converter is stolen?

Once the catalytic converter is missing, the exhaust manifold pushes the exhaust into the outside air. This leaves you at a high risk of inhaling the exhaust while you are driving and getting sick or worse.

What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters?