How To Effectively Recycle Scrap Oxygen Sensors

All modern cars come with an oxygen sensor as part of a system installed in the exhaust piping to control emissions. It is usually located in the catalytic converter, and plays an integral role in reducing toxic gases emitted by the exhaust. This sensor needs to be replaced whenever it becomes worn out because it can affect engine performance. If you have no idea of how to dispose scrap oxygen sensors, you'd be glad to know that there's substantial value in recycling.

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.

You may then receive a card or check for the value of the sent units. Most programs recommend priority mail boxes, with the items enclosed in a strong plastic bag. This should be taped securely before it's placed in the box. All surfaces on the box should be sealed sufficiently to avoid spillage.

Recycling programs will vary greatly across different firms. Generally, your package will be examined to view the age, size and type of items you've sent. These factors, along with current market price of platinum, will determine how much you'll receive as payment. And due to the fluctuating nature of all these variables, you can expect the amount to vary accordingly.

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.

Recycling is becoming more and more relevant in a world having to deal with the rarity of some raw materials. Selling such items to recyclers therefore goes towards boosting efforts currently being made to achieve sustainability. By selling your units to such a firm, you'll be facilitating safe recovery of the precious metals besides making some extra cash.