Catalytic Converter Scrap Prices in Canada
The catalytic converter is often the single most valuable part of a scrap car — and most people never mention it when negotiating. Here's what yours is worth and how to use that in your favour.
OEM (original)
$80–$200
Ontario — per unit
Aftermarket
$20–$50
Ontario — per unit
Missing / stolen
−$80–$150
Impact on total offer
Why catalytic converters have scrap value
A catalytic converter processes your engine's exhaust gases before they leave the tailpipe. Inside the honeycomb ceramic core are trace amounts of platinum, palladium, and rhodium — precious metals that act as catalysts. These metals are worth thousands of dollars per troy ounce on commodity markets.
An OEM catalytic converter from a full-size truck or SUV can contain $150–$300 worth of precious metals. Aftermarket replacement cats use far less precious metal content, which is why they pay much less at scrap yards.
Catalytic converter value by vehicle type
OEM values — Ontario prices. Larger vehicles have larger converters with more precious metal content.
| Vehicle | Cat value |
|---|---|
| Small car (Civic, Corolla, Elantra) | $80–$120 |
| Midsize car (Camry, Accord, Fusion) | $100–$150 |
| Full-size car (Charger, Crown Vic) | $120–$175 |
| Compact SUV (CR-V, RAV4, Escape) | $110–$160 |
| Full-size pickup (F-150, Silverado, RAM) | $150–$200 |
| Full-size SUV (Tahoe, Expedition) | $150–$200 |
| Aftermarket replacement (any vehicle) | $20–$50 |
| Missing / stolen (any vehicle) | $0 |
Catalytic converter prices by province
Regional market differences affect what yards will pay.
| Province | OEM cat | Aftermarket cat |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $80–$200 | $20–$50 |
| British Columbia | $85–$210 | $22–$55 |
| Alberta | $75–$190 | $18–$45 |
| Manitoba | $75–$185 | $18–$45 |
| Quebec | $80–$195 | $20–$50 |
| Saskatchewan | $70–$180 | $16–$42 |
| Nova Scotia | $75–$185 | $18–$45 |
How to use your cat converter in negotiation
Most people never mention their catalytic converter when calling a yard. Yards know the cat value — they factor it into their offer either way. When you mention it first, you signal that you know what your car is worth, which tends to result in a better offer.
Say: "The catalytic converter is original OEM — I know that's worth around $150 on its own. I'm factoring that into what I'm looking to get."
Frequently asked questions
How much is a catalytic converter worth at a scrap yard in Canada?
An OEM (original factory) catalytic converter is worth $80–$200 CAD at Canadian scrap yards depending on vehicle size. Trucks and full-size SUVs are at the top of that range. Aftermarket replacement cats are worth $20–$50. A missing catalytic converter adds nothing and reduces your overall offer.
Why is the catalytic converter so valuable?
Catalytic converters contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium — precious metals used to process exhaust emissions. These metals trade at thousands of dollars per troy ounce. A single OEM cat from a full-size truck can contain $150–$300 worth of precious metals at current commodity prices.
How do I know if my catalytic converter is OEM or aftermarket?
Check your vehicle's service history. If you've never had a catalytic converter replaced and the car hasn't been in a major accident, it's almost certainly OEM. You can also look at the cat itself — OEM units typically have manufacturer markings and are welded directly to the exhaust system. Aftermarket units often have visible clamps or different finish quality.
Does a stolen catalytic converter hurt my scrap value?
Yes — losing the cat reduces your scrap offer by $80–$150. However, the steel weight of the vehicle still drives the majority of scrap value. A full-size truck without a catalytic converter is still worth $350–$700 depending on province and condition.
Will a scrap yard tell me how much they're paying for the catalytic converter?
Most won't volunteer the breakdown — they quote a total price for the vehicle. If you ask, some will tell you. The more useful approach is to calculate the cat value yourself and include it in your negotiation: "The OEM cat is worth about $150 — I'm pricing that into what I accept."
Is it legal to sell a catalytic converter separately in Canada?
Yes, it's legal to remove and sell your catalytic converter separately before scrapping the rest of the car. Many specialized buyers purchase cats separately and can pay more than a general scrap yard. However, removing it first means the scrap yard will deduct the cat value from their offer for the remaining vehicle.
Why do catalytic converter prices vary by province?
Precious metal content is fixed regardless of province, but regional supply and demand affects what yards will pay. BC and Ontario tend to have the most competitive markets. Saskatchewan and Manitoba tend to pay slightly less due to fewer buyers and higher transport costs to processors.
Related
See what your full car is worth
Free estimate — includes catalytic converter value based on your vehicle.
Get Free Estimate →