May 20, 2025
Why Catalytic Converter Recycling Still Makes Strategic Sense
Rising metal values, smarter logistics, and faster turnarounds are reshaping the future of converter recycling.
In today’s uncertain market, catalytic converter operations often take a back seat. Faced with declining volumes and volatile pricing, many recyclers are shifting focus elsewhere.
But that could be a costly oversight. Despite the noise, catalytic converter recycling remains a profitable and strategic revenue stream—particularly when approached with the right data and partnerships.
Here are three compelling reasons to revisit and reinvest in your converter program.
1. Precious Metal Values Continue to Drive Profitable Returns
It’s a common misconception that converter recycling has lost its profitability. However, historical pricing data for platinum, palladium, and rhodium from 2017 to 2023 tells a different story.
Platinum:
2017 average: ~$949/oz
2023 average: ~$961/oz
Despite fluctuations, the overall trend reflects stability and long-term growth.
Palladium:
2017 average: ~$1,019/oz
Peaked at ~$2,397 in 2021
2023 average: ~$1,393
Prices remain substantially higher than in 2017, even after market corrections.
Rhodium:
2017 average: ~$1,012/oz
Peaked at ~$18,074 in 2021
2023 average: ~$6,054
This sixfold increase underscores rhodium’s continued relevance and value in converter units.
2. Supplemental Revenue is Crucial in a Tight Market
With consolidation and cost pressures mounting, generating incremental revenue streams can be the difference between stagnation and strategic growth.
Catalytic converters offer that opportunity—provided your process is efficient.
Success begins with a processing partner who enables agility:
Low lot minimums to allow frequent shipments
Fast payments to free up working capital
Streamlined logistics to reduce operational complexity
In today’s climate, every additional revenue source matters. Converter recycling can play a significant role in reinforcing your bottom line and funding further investment in core operations.
3. The Right Processor Can Accelerate Business Growth
Choosing the right processing partner goes beyond transactional benefits—it directly impacts your ability to scale. A modern, responsive processor provides:
Flexible Lot Requirements
For example, Shivmani Recycling accepts as few as 100 OEM converters, allowing businesses to take advantage of pricing movements more frequently and with less risk.
Fast Turnaround
While industry-standard turnaround can exceed 60 days, Shivmani Recycling consistently delivers results within 10–15 business days.
Final Thoughts
Catalytic converter recycling is not a relic of the past—it’s a quietly resilient revenue stream with long-term value.
Yes, the market is complex. But the underlying fundamentals—strong metal prices, rising unit values, and smarter processing solutions—point to one thing: opportunity.
For businesses looking to maximize profit, improve cash flow, and stay competitive, giving your converter operations the attention they deserve is a strategic move, not a gamble.
In today’s uncertain market, catalytic converter operations often take a back seat. Faced with declining volumes and volatile pricing, many recyclers are shifting focus elsewhere.
But that could be a costly oversight. Despite the noise, catalytic converter recycling remains a profitable and strategic revenue stream—particularly when approached with the right data and partnerships.
Here are three compelling reasons to revisit and reinvest in your converter program.
1. Precious Metal Values Continue to Drive Profitable Returns
It’s a common misconception that converter recycling has lost its profitability. However, historical pricing data for platinum, palladium, and rhodium from 2017 to 2023 tells a different story.
Platinum:
2017 average: ~$949/oz
2023 average: ~$961/oz
Despite fluctuations, the overall trend reflects stability and long-term growth.
Palladium:
2017 average: ~$1,019/oz
Peaked at ~$2,397 in 2021
2023 average: ~$1,393
Prices remain substantially higher than in 2017, even after market corrections.
Rhodium:
2017 average: ~$1,012/oz
Peaked at ~$18,074 in 2021
2023 average: ~$6,054
This sixfold increase underscores rhodium’s continued relevance and value in converter units.
2. Supplemental Revenue is Crucial in a Tight Market
With consolidation and cost pressures mounting, generating incremental revenue streams can be the difference between stagnation and strategic growth.
Catalytic converters offer that opportunity—provided your process is efficient.
Success begins with a processing partner who enables agility:
Low lot minimums to allow frequent shipments
Fast payments to free up working capital
Streamlined logistics to reduce operational complexity
In today’s climate, every additional revenue source matters. Converter recycling can play a significant role in reinforcing your bottom line and funding further investment in core operations.
3. The Right Processor Can Accelerate Business Growth
Choosing the right processing partner goes beyond transactional benefits—it directly impacts your ability to scale. A modern, responsive processor provides:
Flexible Lot Requirements
For example, Shivmani Recycling accepts as few as 100 OEM converters, allowing businesses to take advantage of pricing movements more frequently and with less risk.
Fast Turnaround
While industry-standard turnaround can exceed 60 days, Shivmani Recycling consistently delivers results within 10–15 business days.
Final Thoughts
Catalytic converter recycling is not a relic of the past—it’s a quietly resilient revenue stream with long-term value.
Yes, the market is complex. But the underlying fundamentals—strong metal prices, rising unit values, and smarter processing solutions—point to one thing: opportunity.
For businesses looking to maximize profit, improve cash flow, and stay competitive, giving your converter operations the attention they deserve is a strategic move, not a gamble.
