Catalytic Converters, DPFs & DOCs We Buy
Western Automotive Cores buys catalytic converters and qualifying emissions-control material from individuals, automotive businesses, and commercial suppliers. The purchasing or processing option available depends on material type, condition, ownership documentation, and volume.
Accepted Material
We buy catalytic converters and qualifying emissions-control material from individuals, automotive businesses, and commercial suppliers throughout Southern Nevada.
Passenger Vehicle Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters from cars, SUVs, vans, and light-duty trucks.
Heavy-Duty and Diesel Units
Qualifying catalytic converters from commercial trucks, diesel vehicles, and heavy equipment.
Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF)
DPFs from qualifying diesel vehicles and equipment.
Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC)
DOCs from qualifying diesel vehicles, trucks, and equipment.
Commercial Lots
Mixed catalytic converter lots from repair shops, dismantlers, salvage yards, automotive recyclers, core buyers, and other qualified commercial suppliers.
How Commercial Assay Processing Works
For qualifying commercial lots, the assay process determines the precious-metal content of the processed material and forms the basis of a documented settlement. Individual and small-volume converters are evaluated and quoted separately according to converter identification and current market conditions.
Material Is Received & Documented
Your converters are weighed, catalogued, and assigned a lot number. Every piece is tracked from intake through settlement.
Processing & Sampling
The ceramic substrate is separated and prepared into a representative sample for laboratory analysis.
Lab Analysis
The sample is analyzed through the refinery's laboratory process to determine the exact concentration of platinum, palladium, and rhodium in your material.
Settlement Calculation
Your payout is calculated from the lab results: recovered weight × metal concentration × current market price, minus processing fees. You receive documented results, not a verbal estimate.
Payment
Settlement is issued based on the documented assay. You know exactly what was recovered and how your payment was calculated.
What Affects Your Payout
Several factors determine what your material is worth. Understanding them helps you set realistic expectations before you come in.
Vehicle Make & Model
Different manufacturers load their converters with different PGM concentrations. Some vehicle applications, including Toyota Prius converters, can contain significantly higher precious metal concentrations than standard converters. Make and model are the biggest single predictor of value.
Converter Type & Position
Front converters (closer to the engine) typically carry higher metal loads than rear converters. Manifold converters on some vehicles are particularly valuable.
Current Precious Metal Prices
Platinum, palladium, and rhodium prices change with global commodity markets. Individual converters are quoted using current market conditions, while qualifying commercial lots are settled according to agreed pricing terms and documented refinery assay results.
Condition of the Substrate
A cracked, melted, or contaminated substrate yields less recoverable metal. Converters that have been 'rattled out' (substrate removed) have no value. We document condition at intake.
Lot Size
Larger commercial lots allow for more representative sampling, which improves assay accuracy and typically results in better payouts. Individual pieces are quoted at market rate — assay processing is for commercial volumes only.
Commercial Converter Volume?
Two Purchasing Options
Acceptance and value depend on the converter type, identifying information, internal material condition, ownership documentation, and current market conditions. Contact us before delivering damaged, opened, incomplete, or unidentified units.
Sell by the Piece
A straightforward option for individuals, automotive shops, and sellers who want a quicker transaction without waiting for refinery processing.
Sell My ConverterThe Metals Inside Your Converter
Catalytic converters contain platinum group metals (PGMs) — the same metals used in industrial and high-technology applications. These are what give your converter its value.
Platinum (Pt)
The primary catalyst in most converters. Platinum oxidizes carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons into CO₂ and water. It's one of the rarest and most valuable metals on earth.
Palladium (Pd)
One of the primary precious metals recovered from gasoline catalytic converters, particularly in vehicles made after the mid-1990s.
Rhodium (Rh)
Present in smaller quantities but extremely valuable. Rhodium reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) and is one of the rarest metals recovered from catalytic converters.
Also at Our Facility
No Charge
Computer & E-Waste Recycling
Drop off computers, laptops, monitors, servers, and other electronics for responsible recycling. Individuals and businesses welcome.
Learn More →No Charge
Hard Drive Destruction
We physically destroy hard drives so data can't be recovered. Free for individuals and businesses. Certificates of Destruction available.
Learn More →Questions About Your Material?
Call us with the type and approximate quantity of material you have. We will help identify the appropriate purchasing or processing option.