By Harold Evans


Most car manufacturers nowadays include devices that control emissions in their exhaust units. One of the components of this mechanism is the catalytic converter which effectively reduces the impact of the waste gases. Here, an oxygen sensor is installed to keep the air to fuel ratio at an optimum level. These units become dysfunctional with age and use. After the eventual replacement, scrap oxygen sensors could be sent to recyclers for recovery of certain components.

Oxygen sensors contain a tiny amount of platinum that acts as an efficient catalyst thanks to its non-oxidizing properties. Additionally, it's also resistant to corrosion. Of late, the demand for platinum has sharply risen as concerns over the environmental footprint left by its mining continue to grow. Recycling worn out oxygen sensors has hence become viable from both financial and ecological standpoints.

Various companies in the recycling sector have heavily invested in the infrastructure, facilities and equipment needed to efficiently extract platinum from worn-out O2 sensors. They've also come up with programs tailored to raise awareness on the value of recycling among the motoring public. You could get in touch with one of these companies and ask them for directions on how to package and deliver old units for recycling.

People interested in getting into such programs can start by first searching for a suitable option available in their area. Generally, one is required to log into a website and sign up for the program. If you're accepted, the firm will send you a shipping label via mail. This label is meant to be used to ship the package containing the items back to the company. But if this appears to be too much of a hassle, you could instead opt to use local recycling plants.

If your offer gets accepted, you will receive payment for the items you sent in a pre-disclosed form. And in most cases, you will be required to use priority boxes, with the devices enclosed in tough plastic bags. This then needs to be taped to reinforce security and placed in a box whose surfaces are also sealed.

Because each program will be unique, you can expect varying amounts of money for your old sensors. Typically, a program will judge according to age, type, size as well as the prevailing market price of the precious metals. Because all these variables tend to fluctuate with time, the average offer price will largely reflect the salvageable value.

That said, you could start a small business by collecting worn out O2 sensors and selling them to recyclers for some money. Whether you're junking your old motor or simply need to replace a worn-out unit, this venture could help you generate some extra cash without taking up too much effort. However, it should be remembered that some of the materials contained in such items pose health risks for humans. As such, only an experienced professional would be well-equipped to safely recover the precious metals.

In a world where natural resources continue diminishing with time, the relevance of recycling has increasingly risen. By handing worn out O2 sensors to a professional recycler, you'll be playing your part in helping efforts made towards achieving sustainability. And because the salvaging process involves significant resources and expertise, only such companies have the capacity to safely recover the materials.




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