Are People Still Stealing Catalytic Converters?

Several years ago, you might remember stories hitting every newspaper, news blog, and even local news channels about a rash of catalytic converter thefts that were plaguing Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

However, little has been mentioned as of late, and it has people wondering if thieves are still out and about stealing catalytic converters in the Lower Mainland. Because the volume of thefts that were taking place was overwhelming. Moreover, Vancouverites were faced with extremely high bills to replace their catalytic converters after they were stolen.

More Cash For Scrap is a professional scrap car removal company that has been buying scrap cars across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley since 2005. We only use recycling and responsible scrap car removal processes. This includes ethical and legitimate recycling practices of all catalytic converters.

Catalytic Converter Thefts Are Down in Metro Vancouver

Despite the fact that the number of catalytic converter thefts in Metro Vancouver was massive, according to the statistics in late 2024 and early 2025, catalytic converter thefts are down. Additionally, the projected number of thefts are also quite low.

This is due in part to the attention drawn to these thefts by local news channels, social media, and even podcasts. However, there are also other factors involved with the decreasing number of catalytic converter thefts in British Columbia.

In 2022, approximately $356,000 worth of catalytic converters were reported as recycled across North America (not just Canada). However, between 2023 and 2024, that number jumped to an astonishing 4 million. And across Metro Vancouver alone, almost 8,000 catalytic converters were reported as stolen during this time.

Unlike some scrap car removal companies in the Lower Mainland, More Cash For Scrap buys scrap vehicles with or without the catalytic converter. We follow all BC rules and regulations while scrapping all vehicles, especially when they still have the original catalytic converter on it.

What Are the Regulations to Recycle a Catalytic Converter?

The provincial government implemented new regulations to help deter thieves from cashing in on stolen catalytic converters throughout the Lower Mainland. These measures have helped to reduce the crime spree that started a little over 3 years ago (before it really made headlines).

BC Catalytic Converter Recycling Regulations Involve:

• Providing valid BC photo identification with your current address on it
• Providing the registration number or VIN to the vehicle that it came off of
• Dealers keeping up-to-date records of ANY transaction involving a catalytic converter
• Police accessing any metal recyclers records pertaining to catalytic converter submissions
• ID numbers have also now been etched into many newer catalytic converters
• Thanks to the above rules and regulations, fewer catalytic converters are being stolen in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

At More Cash For Scrap, we recycle any and all scrap vehicles, regardless of whether or not they still have the catalytic converter on it. Some scrap car buyers won’t take vehicles without the cat. However, at More Cash For Scrap, we provide scrap car removal for ALL vehicles!

Why Do People Steal Catalytic Converters?

A catalytic converter is something very few people even knew existed on their vehicle prior to the thefts in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Because for those of us who aren’t that car-savvy, we only become aware of a vehicle part once something goes wrong with it.

That includes when a car part gets stolen right from our vehicle while it’s parked at our home. Once Lower Mainland residents started seeing a pattern of catalytic converter thefts across the region, they started asking why thieves even want to steal catalytic converters to begin with.

Catalytic converters have a high scrap value because of the precious metals contained within them. The metals in particular that skyrocket their value are rhodium, platinum, and palladium. Platinum is a valuable precious metal that is used in various medical devices, for high-end jewelry, and a variety of aerospace applications.

Why Are the Metals in Catalytic Converters So Valuable?

The metals that are contained within a catalytic converter, as mentioned earlier, are very valuable. And although their value has dropped over the past couple of years, there is still considerable value remaining.

The three main metals that are contained within catalytic converters are Rhodium, Platinum, and Palladium. And they are used widely across a variety of platforms, with different and important applications. Which is why they are so sought-after.

What is Rhodium Used for Today?

• Electronics
• Various automotive uses
• Jewelry
• Medical devices and production
• Heat resistant applications

What is Platinum Used for Today?

• Jewelry
• Medical applications
• Electronics
• The production of fertilizers
• The production of turbine parts and industrial engines

What is Palladium Used for Today?

• Electronics
• Dentistry
• Jewelry
• Watchmaking
• Diabetic blood glucose strips
• Surgical instruments

Why Are Catalytic Converters So Expensive to Replace?

Catalytic converters are something that is not typically inexpensive to replace on a car. There isn’t much labour involved in replacing a catalytic converter. However, your car is virtually undrivable without one. Which is part of why automakers have put such a hefty price on the valuable part.

Furthermore, the part itself is comprised of precious metals that once used to fetch a pretty penny at scrap car recycling plants, auto wreckers, and various salvage yards. And because of the value of the precious metals that are contained within the catalytic converter, it makes them quite expensive to replace.

Additionally, the demand for this replacement car part went up drastically when the rash of thefts made media headlines in Metro Vancouver. So, naturally, the companies that make these parts chose to capitalize on the supply and demand of these parts.

Also, there are various recycling challenges now, thanks to new regulations, so it’s even tougher to recycle this part further down the road. This increases the cost to replace them because producing new resources is always more expensive than reusing old ones.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Catalytic Converter?

Every vehicle’s catalytic converter has a different value, because each catalytic converter is different, depending on the type of vehicle that you drive. Nevertheless, no matter what you’re driving, you can expect a big bill at the mechanic’s when replacing your catalytic converter.

When it comes to catalytic converters, there really isn’t an “average” cost to replace them. Because it will entirely depend on the type of vehicle that you have. Typically, though, the price to replace the catalytic converter ranges anywhere from $200 – $2500. And that’s just for the catalytic converter itself.

There are labour costs on top of that, which range from $80 to $400. Plus, there could be additional costs for associated parts that may need to be replaced, if any were damaged when yours was being stolen or failed.

This is why so many people choose to scrap their aging vehicle when a catalytic converter replacement is on the horizon. And in the Lower Mainland, they trust the scrap car removal services of More Cash For Scrap.

Cash for Cars without Catalytic Converters

Some scrap car removal companies in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley won’t buy vehicles without the catalytic converter. Because many of the junk vehicles that get purchases, are too old to be put back on the road. Thus, the only real value remains within any usable parts, and of course, the catalytic converter.

However, at More Cash For Scrap, we buy vehicles in absolutely any condition, whether they are complete or not. If your vehicle has been parted out, is missing the catalytic converter, has severe collision damage, or anything in between, you can sell it to us.

Our scrap car removal team provides free towing from anywhere in the Lower Mainland. Moreover, because many of our team members live in the areas we service, we can usually facilitate same day scrap car removal.

What Types of Vehicles Do We Buy in Vancouver?

If you’re thinking of recycling an older scrap automobile of any kind, talk to More Cash For Scrap. We are the experts when it comes to recycling cars for cash. That’s why Vancouverites always choose our junk car removal services over any other.

We Are Always Looking to Buy:

• Scrap cars
• Junky old trucks
• Old SUV’s and crossovers
• Buses
• Vans, minivans, cube vans, and camper vans
• Foreign cars or vintage scrap cars
• 1-ton work trucks
• Collision cars
• ICBC write-offs
• Vehicles that have been sitting too long
• Vehicles without keys, wheels, or registration
• Out of province vehicles that have failed inspection
• Any unwanted vehicle for ANY reason!

Even if your vehicle is from out of the province or out of the country, and has failed its BC vehicle inspection, we’ll buy it! If you can find a way to destroy it, we’ll find a way to scrap it. And all while paying MORE cash for scrap cars than the other guys.

Scrap Your Car for MORE Cash Today at More Cash For Scrap!

Getting rid of any old, unwanted, or damaged vehicle is easy when you choose the scrap car removal services of More Cash For Scrap. Because we are transparent when it comes to what we offer. Furthermore, we never ever charge for towing.

Our scrap car removal specialists work 7 days a week, from 7:00 AM-11:00 PM. We also operate on most statutory holidays. All in an effort to provide reliable scrap car removal in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

If you’ve been thinking about selling a vehicle, with or without the catalytic converter, think More Cash For Scrap. We almost always offer MORE cash for scrap cars than the other guys. Plus, we provide MORE customer service and MORE flexible scrap car removal times. We simply offer MORE!