Why Canned Catalytic Converters Derive Better Value While Selling

In the precious metal recycling industry, a small choice can make a big difference in your returns — whether you sell your catalytic converters "canned" (intact in their original casing) or "decanned" (loose ceramic/metallic core removed). Many sellers don't realise that canned catalytic converters often command higher prices. At Urban PGM, we've seen this repeatedly, and it's not just about convenience. Here's why keeping your converters intact can boost your earnings.

What is a “Canned” Catalytic Converter?

A canned catalytic converter is a complete unit, exactly as it came from your vehicle, with its ceramic or metallic monolith still enclosed in the original metal casing. A decanned converter, on the other hand, has had this core removed before sale. While both can be recycled for Platinum Group Metals (PGMs), buyers often value canned units more for identification, trust, and compliance reasons.

Canned - Intact Unit

Decanned - Core Only

Why Buyers Prefer Canned Converters

Accurate Identification & Grading

Intact converters allow serial number scanning and PGM content verification, ensuring fair and accurate pricing.

Higher Trust & Transparency

Sealed casings protect against tampering, contamination, and loss of valuable PGMs.

Lower Handling & Processing Risk

Casing safeguards the monolith during transport, reducing damage and weight loss.

The Pricing Advantage

Premium buyers like Urban PGM use real-time global PGM market rates for pricing.

With a canned unit:

The original part code can be scanned instantly.
Market-based value is applied without guesswork.
Sellers often earn 5-15% more compared to equivalent loose material.

Canned vs Decanned - Payout Difference

Canned

Decanned

+15%

CannedEarn 5-15% More

DecannedLower payout due to missing identification

When Decanning Might Make Sense

While canned is generally better, there are some cases where decanning is practical:

Large volumes processed in-house for refining.
International shipping weight needs to be reduced.
Contracts based on refining payments rather than catalogue pricing.

In these cases, ensure secure packaging, dust recovery systems, and proper assay documentation to prevent value loss.

Decanning Use-Cases

In-house Volume

Weight Reduction

Refining Contracts

How Urban PGM Maximizes Your Value

Capacity

India's largest PGM recovery facility, processing up to 360,000 converters/year.

Technology

Proprietary Model-to-Code algorithm ensures instant, accurate pricing.

Flexibility

Accepts both canned and decanned materials, but rewards intact units with best payouts.

Speed

Same-day payments after inspection and PGM assay.

Sell Smart, Sell Canned

Urban PGM is India's most trusted and authorized PGM recycler. Contact us today for a real-time quote and turn your scrap into profit — responsibly and compliantly.

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