A standard gasoline vehicle’s three-way catalytic converter contains 3 to 7 grams of platinum group metals, of which platinum accounts for 1 to 3 grams. The answer to the question “How much platinum is in a catalytic converter scrap price?” is directly linked to international spot prices for precious metals; scrap buyers pay the net metal value after deducting refining costs and losses. DONGSHENG’s latest precious metal quotes (as of April 27, 2026; for the most current prices, please visit the DONGSHENG Precious Metal Prices page) show platinum at $1,975/oz ($69.72/g), palladium at $1,440/oz ($50.83/g), and rhodium at $9,813/oz ($346.26/g). Recyclers typically offer 25% to 35% of the spot price. A catalytic converter containing 3 to 7 grams of platinum group metals has an intrinsic metal value of approximately $200 to $900. Aftermarket catalytic converters contain extremely low levels of precious metals, and their recycling price is usually less than $50. The amount of platinum in a catalytic converter and its scrap price are not fixed figures; they fluctuate daily in line with global PGM market conditions. Rhodium, in particular, has fluctuated wildly between $4,800 and $10,000 per ounce over the past 18 months, directly driving up the scrap prices for all catalytic converters with high rhodium content. When determining the scrap price of a catalytic converter, one must consider the combined spot prices of platinum, palladium, and rhodium, rather than focusing solely on platinum. The scrap price of a catalytic converter is ultimately determined by several key factors: vehicle model, year, OEM certification, and whether the ceramic substrate is intact and uncontaminated. Based on dismantling yards’ practical experience, as long as the OEM serial number on the three-way catalytic converter housing is clearly visible and the internal honeycomb structure is not cracked or melted, recyclers will quote the list price directly; otherwise, they may refuse the unit or significantly lower the offer.
Due to their large engine displacements and strict emissions standards, three-way catalytic converters from large-displacement trucks and SUVs in North America contain significantly higher levels of PGMs than those from standard passenger cars. The recycling value of a Ford F-250 Super Duty Diesel (2003–2022 models) catalytic converter ranges from $2,758 to $3,410, with some regional recyclers offering as much as $2,850 to $3,610 per unit. The recycling value for the Dodge Ram 2500 (2017–2022) is even higher, ranging from $3,500 to $4,100, making it one of the most frequently stolen catalytic converter models in the U.S. Recycling quotes for the Ram 2500/3500 Diesel series range from $300 to $600, depending on the model year and catalytic converter serial number. Recycling prices for GM Silverado/Sierra Diesel catalysts range from approximately $300 to $500 per unit, while GM AC/BL Thin Pipe models with a thin-pipe design have historically traded at a stable price of $110 to $120 per unit as of the end of 2025. Catalysts for Ford V10 Triton engines, due to their large size and high metal content, fetch recycling prices between $500 and $1,200. Diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters used in heavy-duty commercial trucks such as Freightliner, Kenworth, and Peterbilt are heavy per unit, with PGM content ranging from 6 to 10 grams, and individual recycling prices can reach $200 to over $1,000. The recycling price for a Ford Mustang OEM catalyst is approximately $1,500 to $1,800 per unit, due to its focus on high-performance emissions control. The recycling price for a gasoline-powered Jeep Cherokee catalytic converter ranges from $97 to $150, while the diesel version can fetch between $71 and $438. Based on North American experience, to receive the maximum quoted price, the catalytic converter must bear a clear OEM part number, have an undamaged housing, and feature an intact internal honeycomb structure. Recyclers may refuse to accept severely damaged or corroded catalytic converters or reduce the price by 30% to 70%.
Three-way catalytic converters in European luxury vehicles are known for their high rhodium content, with PGM loading typically ranging from 5 to 12 grams. Catalytic converters for the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series contain approximately 1.5 to 3 grams of platinum and 1.8 to 3.5 grams of palladium. The recycling price per unit on the European market ranges from approximately 3,800 to 8,000 RON ($820 to $1,730), with catalytic converters for premium-level BMW models exceeding 7,900 RON ($1,700+). Mercedes-Benz catalysts sell for approximately 3,300 RON ($710) per unit in Europe. AMG models are equipped with two to four catalysts, with a total value exceeding 30,000 RON ($6,470) per set. Mercedes’ M274, M276, OM651, and OM642 engine platforms use high-density ceramic substrates with 600 to 900 cpsi, and the precious metal loading is precisely calibrated to meet the demands of turbocharged, high-compression-ratio combustion. Catalytic converters for the Audi A6 and Q5 series contain approximately 2 to 3 grams of platinum, 2 to 3.5 grams of palladium, and 0.5 to 1.5 grams of rhodium, with a selling price within the Volkswagen Group of approximately 3,400 RON ($733) per unit. The recycling price for catalytic converters in gasoline-powered Porsche 911 models ranges from approximately $115 to $226, with top-tier models such as the Carrera GT potentially commanding higher prices. Diesel catalytic converters for models under the Fiat Group (Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia) are valued at approximately 4,100 to 5,100 RON ($885 to $1,100) in Europe. Catalytic converters from the PSA Group (Peugeot, Citroën) contain significant amounts of PGMs due to compliance with Euro 5/Euro 6 standards and are valued at approximately 3,580 RON. Supercars such as Ferrari and Lamborghini are often equipped with dual quad-exhaust systems, with each set containing 8 to 12 grams of PGMs, resulting in a recycling value of $2,000 to over $5,000. Some models from the Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat) are equipped with dual catalytic converter systems, with each set valued at approximately 3,470 RON. Practical experience in the European recycling market indicates that it is essential to verify the stamped serial number on the catalytic converter housing and use online catalogs from platforms such as Ecotrade Group and Hensel Recycling to confirm current quotes. For the same BMW model, recycling prices for catalytic converters can vary by more than 50% depending on the model year and engine code.
DONGSHENG Precious Metals
DONGSHENG Precious Metals Recycler is a professional precious metals recycling and refining company with comprehensive pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processing capabilities in the field of three-way catalytic converter recycling. The company accepts orders with a minimum quantity of 100 kilograms of catalytic converter material, with recycling prices ranging from $100 to $500 per kilogram. specific quotes are determined based on the results of an initial XRF inspection and a confirmatory pyrometallurgical analysis upon receipt, with the final settlement amount calculated based on the actual detected content of platinum, palladium, and rhodium. DONGSHENG accepts both whole catalyst packages (uncrushed) and ground catalyst powder; corporate clients may ship directly to the processing plant via logistics.
BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions
BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions recovers platinum group metals from spent catalysts and scrap through its global recycling operations, providing a secondary raw material supply for its own catalyst production, with recovery rates exceeding 98%. ECMS accepts both unground whole catalyst tanks and ground powder, employing industry-standard sampling procedures to ensure the impartiality of testing accuracy. Johnson Matthey is one of the world’s largest automotive catalyst manufacturers and a benchmark in PGM refining. With over 200 years of experience in precious metal processing, the company possesses comprehensive pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical capabilities for spent catalyst recovery and PGM refining.
Johnson Matthey
Johnson Matthey can procure large volumes of catalysts directly from major dismantling facilities and recyclers, and offers precise settlement services based on pyrometallurgical assay results.
Umicore
Umicore’s precious metals refinery in Hoboken, Belgium, is one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced recycling facilities. In 2024, the company announced a €500 million investment to expand its recycling operations. Umicore processes ceramic and metal-supported catalysts, as well as heavy-duty catalysts such as diesel particulate filters, strictly adhering to international environmental standards and material traceability requirements.
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