Every catalytic converter contains precious metals worth ₹300-₹30,000. When recycled properly, these materials can be recovered and reused, reducing environmental impact and creating economic value.
There are millions of cars on the road and each one is potentially a source of air pollution. To solve those problems, cities and governments create clean air laws and many laws have been enacted that restrict the amount of pollution that cars can produce.
To help reduce emissions further, they have deployed an interesting device called a Catalytic Converter, which treats the exhaust before it leaves the car and removes a lot of pollution.
A catalytic converter is an exhaust control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from internal combustion engines into less toxic pollutants by catalysing a redox reaction.
Most modern cars are equipped with three-way converters. "Three ways" refers to the three regulated emissions it helps to reduce: Carbon Monoxide, VOCs and NOx molecules.
The converter uses two different types of catalysts: a reduction catalyst and an oxidization catalyst. Both types consist of ceramic structure coated with metal catalysts usually platinum, rhodium and/or palladium. The idea is to create a structure that exposes the maximum surface area of catalyst to exhaust system while also minimizing the amount of catalyst required (they are very expensive).
There are two main types of structure used in catalytic converters: Honeycomb and ceramic beads.
Used in automobiles, electrical generators, forklifts, mining equipment, trucks, buses, locomotives, motorcycles and ships.
In India, catalytic converters are also called "Dholaki" and as "Silencer" in layman language.
Catalytic converter recycling offers multiple benefits for the environment, economy, and society
Prevent hazardous materials from entering landfills and reduce environmental contamination
Recover valuable metals (Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium) and reduce the need for virgin mining
Support India's 2070 Carbon Neutral Goals through responsible recycling practices
Ensure proper handling of hazardous waste as per Indian environmental regulations
Generate income from what would otherwise be waste material
Contribute to a sustainable circular economy model for critical metals
Want to know more about best practices and how to identify genuine converters? Learn what's not a catalytic converter.
Learn to identify authentic converters with proper markings and structure.
Silencer/Muffler - Often confused with catalytic converters, but silencers only reduce noise and don't contain precious metals.
of cars contain catalytic converters
Precious metals: Pt, Pd, Rh
Value per converter
Classified as hazardous waste