Scrap Palladium Value Calculator
Current palladium spot price: Unavailable
Scrap Palladium Value Calculator
Common Scrap Palladium Items
| Item | Purity | Typical Weight | Scrap Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalytic Converter | Varies | 6g | — |
| Dental Alloy Crown | .800 | 3g | — |
| Electronic Components | .950 | 1g | — |
| Palladium Ring (950) | .950 | 6g | — |
Palladium in Catalytic Converters and Electronics
Palladium is one of the most valuable platinum group metals and is primarily recovered from automotive catalytic converters, dental alloys, and electronic waste. Modern gasoline-powered vehicles use palladium-heavy catalytic converters, with some containing 4–8 grams of palladium per unit.
Scrap Value = Weight (troy oz) × Purity × Spot Price
Electronic waste (e-waste) is an emerging source of palladium recovery. Palladium is used in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), connectors, and circuit board plating. While individual components contain very small amounts, large-scale e-waste recycling can yield meaningful quantities. Professional assaying is essential for accurate valuation.
Dental palladium alloys typically contain 40–80% palladium. A dental crown weighing 3 grams at 80% purity contains about 0.0772 troy ounces of pure palladium, worth approximately calculated above at current spot per troy ounce. Dental refiners typically pay 90–97% of the contained metal value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scrap Palladium
How much palladium is in a catalytic converter?
Most gasoline catalytic converters contain 2 to 8 grams of palladium, though the exact amount varies by vehicle make, model, and year. Newer vehicles with stricter emissions standards tend to have higher palladium content. Professional assaying is the only way to determine the exact palladium content of a specific converter.
Which cars have the most palladium in their converters?
Larger gasoline-powered vehicles such as trucks and SUVs generally have more palladium in their catalytic converters due to higher exhaust volumes. Hybrid vehicles also use palladium-rich converters because their engines run at lower temperatures. Specific models from Ford, Toyota, and Honda are known for higher PGM content.
Can I sell a catalytic converter for palladium?
Yes, but you must be able to prove legal ownership, as catalytic converter theft is a serious problem and many states require documentation. Licensed auto recyclers and PGM refiners will buy converters with proof of ownership. Prices are based on professional assay results of the platinum group metal content.
How is palladium recovered from electronics?
Palladium is found in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), connector plating, and some circuit board components. Recovery involves chemical dissolution or smelting processes performed by specialized e-waste refiners. Individual electronic components contain very small amounts, so large quantities are needed for economical recovery.
What do dental palladium refiners pay?
Dental palladium refiners typically pay 90–97% of the contained metal value for dental alloy scrap. Dental crowns and bridges contain 40–80% palladium by weight, making them a valuable source of scrap. Most dental refiners provide free assay kits and insured shipping for sending in material.
How do I find a reputable PGM refiner?
Look for refiners accredited by the International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI) or members of industry trade associations. Check online reviews, request references, and ask about their assay methods and turnaround times. Reputable refiners provide transparent assay reports and allow you to witness or verify the testing process.