Thursday, September 8, 2016

Understanding The Recycling Of Scrap Oxygen Sensors

By Harold Evans


Almost every modern vehicle has an O2 sensor as part of an emission control mechanism installed in the catalytic converter. This device plays a crucial role of balancing the air-fuel ratio to achieve optimal performance. Because it's a consumable, the oxygen sensor will wear with use, eventually needing replacement. When this is done, the scrap oxygen sensors can be recycled to reclaim some of the materials.

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.

The recycling process is one that involves quite a lot of resources. Still, various companies are now committed towards pursuing efficient recycling of items like old O2 sensors. Besides investing in what's required for the process, they've also developed a few public awareness programs to enlighten motorists. They also provide communication channels through which people interested in recycling could reach them.

The typical path to recycling will start with a search to uncover the various recycling programs run by the companies. One then has to sign up on their choice of program and obtain a shipping label in their mail. Alternatively, you can get in touch with a regional recycling plant and inquire if they accept such items. Usually, most companies will require that the devices be collected and put in padded shipping packages onto which the mailing label is attached.

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.

Different programs will have their own unique method of calculating payment. The elements commonly used to determine value include type, age and size of sensors sent. These are then considered in light of the prevailing state of demand for platinum. Because all these elements tend to change from time to time, the amount one can get for their shipment will also vary.

In a nutshell, there are a handful of opportunities waiting to be exploited as far as scrap O2 sensors are concerned. Colleting old units and selling them presents a viable avenue through which you could venture into recycling as a business venture. And it doesn't have to involve lots of effort; you could simply keep worn-out units after replacement instead of discarding them.

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.




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