Are you ready to start collecting catalytic converters and sending them to Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners to be recycled?

Great. Because you will need to collect 500 or more catalytic converters before shipping them.

Where am I going to store all those catalytic converters before I send them for recycling?

That’s a good question. Before we tackle it, we would like to share one piece of good news. It is the fact that used cat converters – even ones that are four, five or more years old – are inert. Unlike other automotive parts like engines and transmissions, they contain no oil and do not represent a fire hazard. And because they do not emit fumes or smell too bad, you can store them near your home.

Now that you know the good news, here are some storage options to consider . . .

• Consider using a self-storage facility that is located near your home or business. You can drive up and easily add converters to your growing batch. 
• Store them in shipping containers. If you do, you can simply ship your converters. You can easily find a variety of large, strong shipping/storage bins for sale online. If you are storing your catalytic converters in a place where the floor becomes wet, avoid using cardboard containers and select plastic ones instead, or put cardboard containers on pallets.
• You can store them in your garage or outbuilding too. Even though cat converters do not emit fumes, we would recommend storing them in detached buildings, not in garages that part of your home. Your family will probably be happier. 
• You can pile them up outdoors and cover them with a tarp. We list this option last because it is our least favourite. Even though your cat converters will not rust, a pile of them can become soggy, which makes the process of packing and shipping them unpleasant. And hey, getting the maximum dollar for recycling your catalytic converters should be a pleasant experience from start to finish, right?

HOW TO RECYCLE A CATALYTIC CONVERTER

• Even if you’re a whiz with cars, it’s probably not a good idea to try to remove the precious metals from the catalytic converter yourself. It’s a fairly complicated process—plus, it takes a particularly dangerous mixture of strong acids to remove the platinum.

• The easiest way to have your catalytic converter recycled is to take it to a recycling company. Simply bring in the fully assembled catalytic converter to the recycler and collect your cash—it’s that easy.