Removed a DPF From Your Truck? How to Recycle It Properly in Sydney

The DPF is out. Perhaps you have a clogged workshop and opted for a service overhaul instead, or you might need a workshop in Blacktown because it’s time for your vehicle’s fleet to be serviced. Now it’s in the corner of the shed, and you’re asking yourselves if it is worth anything, if it can fit in the skip, and what on earth people buy these for.

Fair questions. Australia’s recycled steel Sydney companies process such cars every week, converting them from a scrap heap into steel and, in a number of instances, valuable metal. The key is that there is significant variation in value, and what you do next will impact the price and your compliance with the rules.

The following is an explanation of how it works.

The short answer to this question is NO BINNING! Usually, DPF can be recycled after it has been removed, and many contain some precious metal content. The value varies according to the coating, dimensions, quality, and market rates on the day, so please request a quote from a recycler before you sell. Until its use, keep it dry and intact, keeping records as to its source.

What is a DPF and why does the recycler have an interest in it?

The diesel particulate filter (DPF) is designed to keep soot particles from escaping in the exhaust of diesel engines. The ceramic that is found inside the steel housing is typically cordierite or silicon carbide. That honeycomb is in many DPFs coated with precious metals (usually one or more of the platinum group) that aid in burning the trapped soot.

There are two points of concern for recyclers. The body itself is a very basic steel substructure. The ceramic core can be treated to get precious metals.

The coating of each DPF varies. Some have significant amounts while others have small amounts. This is the primary reason for the huge price differential between two identical-looking DPFs.

A DPF isn’t the same as a catalytic converter, either. Some diesel trucks come fitted with both, and they are evaluated independently. If both catalytic converter removal has been done, you may inquire about catalytic converter recycling in the same call.

What factors can impact the scrap DPF price?

You’ll have to see the part to get an honest estimate. The easier they are to recognize, the better it will be for a recycler to see:

• Precious metal content. Depending on the type and loading of the coating (manufacturer and model dependent).
• Size and type. A larger truck DPF is a different story from that of a light diesel ute.
• Condition. When the unit is intact, it’s easier to evaluate and understand. If cracked, melted, or crushed, they may be worth less than if whole or may not be obtainable and valuable.
• Steel housing. Provides foundation scrap value, and this is typically the non-dominant part of the issue.
• Market prices. Metal prices are constantly changing, and a quote indicates the price for the day the quote is provided.
• Quantity. Ten units of a workshop are different work than one DPF.

Include photos, the unit part no. stamped on the unit, and the make, model, and year of the truck. Helps the recyclers accurately estimate your item for the service you are obtaining and prevents an unnecessary trip. General rates can also be verified on the current scrap metal prices page, but this is not enough; a DPF will have to be done on an individual basis. See the latest scrap DPF prices for a feel of the range.

A brief explanation of the rules

It’s okay to recycle an offered DPF. When operating a registered diesel truck without a working DPF is another story. It is normally an offense (in Australia) to remove or alter equipment supplied to control emissions from a road vehicle, and thus penalties may apply.

This post is going to be conducted on DPFs that have been removed due to need, failure, damage, or end of life (EoL). If your truck still requires a license to operate legally, you should get a replacement truck that is compliant and a professional truck clean. Before doing anything, ask your workshop, or the NSW EPA if in doubt.

Recycle a DPF Sydney Step by Step

• See if it can be cleaned; if so. “Blocked” does not necessarily imply “finished.” A specialist clean may extend a DPF’s life, and the expense of a replacement if needed.
• Handle it carefully. Do not open it up to inspect the contents. Gloves and a dust mask are recommended when the unit becomes damaged; avoid getting the unit wet, and breakage may result in fine dust.
• Collect the details. Make, model, and Year of the trucks, part number, photos, and number of units.
• Have the contractor provide a written estimate. This would include questions such as what is used to measure the value, what they will be paid in return, and whether they require ID or proof of origin for the part.
• Arrange drop-off/collection. Metal Max Recyclers recycles throughout greater Sydney and will collect on the same day or next day from most locations or drop off in Merrylands yard.
• Keep your paperwork. Please keep the receipt, the quote, and the workshop invoice in case the DPF needs to be replaced.

Take bigger risks to sell DPF options.

• Licensed recycler: Content on yes/no checklist, written quote, receipt provided as required, serious details or photos sent first. Assessed based on content of yes/no checklist, written quote, proper receipt provided if required (please send details or photos first)
• Prestige seller or private buyer may be appropriate for a one-piece single unit. No-shows / low offers/scams/buyers who have not verified the part.
• Buyers that only accept cash, with no questions asked. “No questions” buyer that will only buy the parts you have in cash without wasting paper.
• Bin or skip: Nothing – waste a recyclable part – contravene waste rules

Things to avoid and be cautious about:

Mistakes people make

• Removing the DPF to “inspect all the metal in it.”
• To sell without a written receipt and quote.
• Laying aside the workshop bill
• Holding out for a price spike. The price of precious metals is unpredictable and fluctuating, and none of us can say whether we can 'call it reliably '.

Red flags

• No quick and easy way to buy the property.
• Provides a written estimate of charges for work done.
• Changes in this quote at pickup
• It is unclear how they pay
• Didn’t inquire about where DPF had come from
• Lastly, won’t disclose that they are licensed.
• The need to decide on the fly

A good recycler will have answers ready for all these questions.

Choose the right air horn for workshops, fleets and tradies.

Consistent collection can save lots of handling with regular extraction of DPFs. Customers can find out how it works with Metal Max Recyclers scrap metal pickup Sydney service by reaching out to any businesses and/or property managers from Western Sydney, Inner West and beyond.