If you’ve got a used or damaged catalytic converter around, you might be sitting on a decent piece of value, especially in the Sydney and NSW market.
In this article, the experts at Metro Car Removal, a top-rated cash for cars company in Sydney, will cover local prices of scrap catalytic converters, how converters are valued, who buys them in Sydney, and tips to get the best returns.
Current Scrap Catalytic Converter Prices in Sydney / NSW
Estimating converter scrap value is tricky (because the precious metals inside fluctuate), but in Sydney in 2025, you’ll commonly see second-hand catalytic converter prices like:
| Converter Type / Scenario | Typical Range (AUD) | Notes / Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Standard OEM petrol car (common models). | ~$100-$300AUD | Mid-range units from regular passenger cars. |
| Higher metal content units, European or luxury make. | ~$400-$1,000AUD+ | Converters from BMW, Mercedes, Audi, performance variants may command premium rates. |
| Aftermarket, low-metal content units. | ~$20-$100AUD | Lower yields because less precious metal content. |
| Diesel/DPF/ truck units (large cores) | Varies widely | Depends on design and metal content, some converters may get higher price offers if heavy in metals. |
Some local sources in Sydney list price per kilogram ranges for different converter types:
- OEM ceramic (standard petrol): AUD $100–$180 / kg.
- Diesel OEM: AUD $60-$120 / kg.
- Aftermarket: AUD $20-$50 / kg.
- Large or high-grade OEM: $200+ / kg for large converters with higher metal density
However, those per-kg numbers are approximate and the actual payout you receive for your scrap catalytic converter will depend heavily on the converter’s internal precious metal content, condition, and the buyer’s refining costs.
One local scrap-metal listing states that as of mid-2025, converters in Sydney typically sell between AUD $250 and $1,000 per unit (for decent ones), depending on make/model and condition.
So, in Sydney, a middle-of-the-road converter in good condition might realistically fetch somewhere between AUD $150 and $600, unless it’s a premium/hybrid unit, which could go higher.
Why Converter Prices Vary
The wide range you’ll observe catalytic converter prices comes down to a few critical variables:
- Precious metal content – Platinum, palladium, rhodium inside the ceramic or metallic core drive most of the value.
- Converter design, engine and vehicle origin – High-end brands, large engines, or hybrid systems often have richer coatings.
- Condition & integrity – Units without major damage or corrosion, and with their interior substrate intact, will fetch more.
- Size / weight of the recoverable core – Bigger cores often contain more metal.
- Market value of precious metals – The spot prices of Pt / Pd / Rh fluctuate, so what’s profitable one week might not be the next.
- Refining & processing costs – Buyers need to cover their costs of decanning, refining, transport, and losses, so their margin will reduce your net.
- Local competition & demand – If many sellers bring converters in, or buyers are busy, that can push offers down.
Because of those factors, converters are seldom priced purely by gross weight. Instead, buyers often estimate how much precious metal they can extract and base their offer accordingly.
How To Get The Most Money For Your Scrap Converter
To get the best possible offer, here are some practical steps:
- Gather all identifying info: part numbers, serial numbers, casting codes, make/model/year of vehicle.
- Take clear, high-resolution photos: whole unit, both ends, interior (if visible), any damaged areas.
- Keep it intact: Avoid damaging or tampering with the core or shell before selling.
- Get multiple quotes: Reach out to a few of the recyclers listed above to compare.
- Ask about pickup or delivery costs: If you can bring it yourself, you might get a better net value — or choose a recycler with free pickup.
- Bundle units: If you have more than one, selling as a batch often gives you better leverage.
- Time your sale: If precious metal prices are rising, waiting a short time (if you’re not under pressure) might help.
- Check legitimacy & reputation: Use recyclers who are licensed, transparent, and follow local regulations.
Legal & Ethical Considerations in NSW
Because catalytic converters are relatively high-value and prone to theft, some extra caution and compliance is needed in NSW:
- Some scrap / recycling yards require proof of ownership, e.g. vehicle registration papers or ID.
- Buyers may refuse to purchase units that lack documentation or appear suspicious.
- Scrap yards / recyclers often must comply with local laws regarding documenting purchases and tracking metals to deter crime.
- Avoid accepting offers that seem excessively high without paperwork — they may be trying to deal in stolen parts.
If you’re looking for speed, convenience and a guaranteed payout, selling the whole car to Metro Car Removal is often the smarter move, not only does it put some cash in your pocket but also contributes to a healthier environment.
Metro Car Removal
At Metro Car Removal, we are a top rated cash for cars company offering FREE car removal across greater Sydney and pay you cash on the spot, even for junk, old, or damaged vehicles.
Here’s why people love us:
- No hidden costs or towing fees
- We come to your location anywhere in Sydney or Greater Sydney
- We pay competitive prices for all vehicles
- Environmentally responsible disposal & recycling
We’re not just scrapping cars, we’re extracting value and offering convenience to you! And in today’s busy world, that sounds pretty good to me!