How to Recycle a Catalytic Converter
A catalytic converter is used to lower pollution created from automobiles. They convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and water with help from a catalyst composed of platinum and iridium. These metals are expensive and thus can be used in future when the catalytic converters are discarded.
Instructions
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1
Locate the catalytic converter
First of all you need to find where the catalytic converter is placed. Many automobiles, especially those which are manufactured after 1980s, have catalytic converters installed in them. These converters are attached to your automobiles with help of clamps or flanges. Remember that a catalytic converter has both an outlet and an inlet attached. -
2
Remove the clamps
Next you need to remove the clamps attached to the catalytic converter of your automobile. The steps taking to removing the clamps may differ depending on the location you are living. In case you are living in cold areas or more exposure to road salts will deteriorate the flanges. Thus torch may be required to remove the clamps and flanges as it will heat them. Nut splitters, penetrating oil and few other methods can also be used in order to remove the catalytic converter. -
3
Detach air hose
You need to remove the air hose which goes from the converter to other places. You need to remove a clamp or flange subassembly for detaching the air hose. -
4
Contact muffler shops
You need to pay a visit to local muffler shops and check that whether these shops recycle catalytic converters. -
5
Visit salvage lots and auto parts stores
You can check out salvage lots and auto parts stores in order to find out catalytic converter recycling places. Some of these stores may even want to buy your catalytic converter. Thus you can get money for them. -
6
Cut the catalytic converter
In case the catalytic converter recycler accepts metal pieces only then you can cut your catalytic converter with a saw in order to separate the honeycomb substrate or beads. Many recycler accept the catalytic converter as whole and you can donate call them to pick it up. -
7
Recycle the casing
If catalytic converter recycler accepts part of the catalytic converter then you can always send the remaining metal in scrap recyclers. Many of these scrap metal recyclers will accept the casing of the catalytic converter. -
8
Sell online
You can even sell your catalytic converter in online buying and selling websites such as Ebay. You can determine the price by checking prices of other people’s catalytic converters.
