Red Fox Blog

DPF Recycling Articles, Guides and News

Red Fox Celebrates a Decade of Recycling Leadership and Sustainability

on May 9, 2023

Red Fox Resources®, a leading recycler of precious metals from the heavy-duty transportation and industrial sectors, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Our company was founded in 2013 in Oakland, CA to help truck and bus owners with responsible disposal and recycling of end-of-life emission control parts. Our expertise with regulations, emission control technology, and the heavy-duty truck and bus business positioned Red Fox to bring precious metals recycling to an emerging market segment.

PGM recycling at a wood paneling plant in Upper Midwest

PGM Recycling for RCO Replacement at Wood Paneling Plant [Case Study]

on March 2, 2023

As with any manufacturing facility, equipment and/or entire plants eventually become obsolete, requiring upgrades, replacement, or decommissioning. This often means the dismantling or demolition of facilities that include equipment containing high-value platinum group metals (PGM). This case study features a project where high-value industrial catalyst materials containing PGM were recycled in lieu of disposing of them as simple scrap material.

The Ultimate Guide to Catalyst Recycling for Natural Gas Fleets

on June 27, 2022

No doubt about it, natural gas powered trucks and buses are a proven and reliable alternative to diesel-powered equipment in 2022. With well over 10 years of dependable service, more and more fleets across the U.S. are expanding and investing in sustainable, renewable and near zero-emission transportation solutions powered by natural gas (CNG, LNG and RNG).

As natural gas-powered fleets mature and add more vehicles, recycling the precious metals found in their emission control equipment (three-way catalysts or TWC) should become a priority for fleet maintenance managers, parts managers, and sustainability leaders. Not only is recycling a potential revenue stream, but fleets running natural gas have shown a commitment to sustainability, they should also close that loop with a robust recycling program.

volvo-trucks-partners-with-red-fox-resources

Volvo and Mack Trucks Extend Partnership with Red Fox Resources

on April 1, 2022

Extended Emission Parts Recycling Program Provides Sustainability and Revenue Opportunity for Volvo and Mack Truck Dealers

Oakland, CA, April 1, 2022 – Red Fox Resources® is pleased to announce the extension of its partnership with Volvo and Mack Trucks North America to provide Volvo and Mack truck dealers with a program to recycle used emission control parts. This program allows Volvo and Mack dealers to recycle scrap emission cores, such as diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs). Red Fox Resources purchases scrap/used emission control systems from the dealer and reclaims the catalyst material for re-use.

Industrial catalyst recycling for manufacturing plants

Industrial Catalyst Recycling Following Wood Plant Closure [Case Study]

on March 15, 2022

As with any manufacturing facility, entire plants and/or equipment eventually become obsolete requiring replacement or in some cases plant closures. This often means the dismantling or demolition of facilities that include equipment containing high-value platinum group metals (PGM). This case study features an example project where recycled industrial catalyst material recovered significant revenue to the plant owner compared to paying for the disposal of scrap material.

How to Recycle DPFs and DOCs from Pickup Trucks

on March 4, 2022

We constantly get questions on how to recycle Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOCs) from individual diesel-powered pickup trucks. Whether you have one or hundreds, this article and video should help you find reputable recyclers.

Across the U.S., local scrap yards and recyclers work with individuals to buy and recycle single DPFs and DOCs from pickup trucks.

Toll refining scrap DPF and DOC material

Catalytic Converter Recycler Benefits from Toll Refining Diesel Material [Case Study]

on October 29, 2021

More and more Catalytic Converter Recyclers are starting to realize that processing material from diesel trucks is having a negative effect on their core business. Alternatively, they’re utilizing a specialized third-party toll refining partner to process their diesel material and finding it’s a cost-effective and profitable option to processing it on their own. This case study features seven (7) toll refining projects handled by Red Fox Resources® on behalf of a Catalytic Converter Recycler based in the Western United States.

Mike Apple Joins Red Fox Leadership Team

on September 7, 2021

Red Fox Resources® is pleased to announce that Mike Apple has joined the company as Vice President of Business Development and Operations – East. In his new role, Mike will manage the Red Fox business activities in the Eastern part of the United States, establishing and maintaining commercial relationships and managing key accounts in his region. He will also serve as a member of the executive management team as the company continues to grow and expand its capabilities.

Solving Refining Challenges for Catalytic Converter Recyclers

on August 11, 2021

With today’s high prices of Platinum Group Metals (PGM), the business of recycling scrap catalytic converters is thriving across the U.S. That said, catalytic converter recyclers are also facing a variety of challenges when it comes to the smelting/refining aspect of their businesses. This article outlines some great solutions to help catalytic converter recyclers streamline their process while maximizing profits.

6 Ways National Fleets Can Benefit from DPF, DOC and Catalyst Recycling

on June 10, 2021

Whether you’re a large national fleet, leasing company, or dealer group, it might be time to leverage your size and capture the income from recycling scrap emission parts. With a range of potential benefits, more and more large regional and national fleets are taking a closer look and implementing centralized recycling programs for diesel particulate filters (DPFs), diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs,) and three-way catalysts (TWCs).

Red Fox has developed customized recycling programs for many of the Top 100 Fleets to manage the scrap from emission control parts. These fleets have seen steady revenue generation and sustainability benefits through their programs.

Outlined below are details of the types of fleets that can leverage a customized recycling program and the primary value they are seeing.

Understanding Scrap Values of Catalysts from Gas Compression Engines

on May 25, 2021

Natural gas is one of the largest sources of energy production in the United States. In the U.S. alone, there are just under 500,000 active wells producing natural gas. With over 100 billion cubic feet of natural gas flowing from wells every day, natural gas fired engines play a big role in the compression and transmission process.

Most natural gas-fired reciprocating engines are used in the natural gas industry at pipeline compressor and storage stations and at gas processing plants. These engines are used to provide mechanical shaft power for compressors and pumps. At pipeline compressor stations, engines are used to help move natural gas from station to station. At storage

What’s the Scrap Value of DPFs

on March 10, 2021

Since 2007, new heavy-duty on-road diesel trucks sold in North America included diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) to comply with the emissions mandates of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In total, this now means well over 3 million DPFs and DOCs are on the road needing regular maintenance, cleaning, or replacement due to end-of-life failure or damage.

Frequently asked questions on SCR systems and recycling

on October 3, 2020

One of the most common questions we receive these days is, “Do you guys recycle SCR systems?” While our answer is generally no, this is a complex topic in which we’d like to provide some clarity in a quick FAQ about SCR systems and how manage their disposal at the end of their useful life.

Customer Profile: Diesel Emissions Service

on August 5, 2019

An important element of the ongoing efforts of Red Fox Resources to educate the heavy-duty truck, bus and equipment industry on the virtues of recycling aftertreatment, is to provide a “customer profile” of a Red Fox customer. Customer profiles allow similar companies in the heavy-duty space understand what types of companies are recycling and how simple the process can be. We’re proud that our first customer profile is of Diesel Emissions Service (DES). Headquartered in Redding, CA with locations throughout North America, DES is an industry leader in sales and service of diesel aftertreatment.

Customer Profile: Diesel Emissions Services (DES)

Headquarters: Redding, CA

Website: https://dieselemissionsservice.com/

How DPF Recycling Fits With Zero Waste Programs

on October 22, 2018

Red Fox Resources… A Stepping Stone to a Zero Waste Future

With the cost of waste disposal rising (up over 25% in the last 10 years), scrap metal prices hovering between $.10 and $.25 per pound and subject to the unknowns of international tariffs, now is as good of a time as any to consider a zero waste initiative through Red Fox Resources.

What is Zero Waste?

Zero waste is a system-wide waste management approach that is intended to change the way waste streams are managed as raw materials are made into final products. These products are then sold, used, and ultimately reach the end of their useful life. Zero Waste focuses on the restructuring of production, distribution, and recovery system to reduce waste at all stages of a product’s life.

CARBs New PSIP Opacity Limits and DPF Disposal

on September 19, 2018

As part of Red Fox Resources’ mission, we strive to provide informative resources for our customers and partners. To that end, as regulations are changed or newly adopted, we do our best to keep you informed. The following updates are relevant to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP) program, specifically new PSIP opacity limits.

Previously, the PSIP regulation required that diesel truck and bus fleet owners conduct annual smoke opacity inspections of their vehicles and repair those with excessive smoke emissions to ensure compliance.

As of May 25, 2018, CARB adopted changes to the current PSIP that requires California-based truck and bus fleets with two or more heavy-duty diesel vehicles to conduct annual smoke opacity self-inspections for all their vehicles. During these required inspections, a smoke opacity meter is used to measure and document the opacity readings for each vehicle in their fleet.

Platinum Hits 14-year Low Impacting Recycled DPF Values

on July 24, 2018

When discussing the values of scrap DPFs and DOCs it’s important to understand the big picture. The presence of Platinum Group Metals (PGM) in diesel particulate filters (DPFs), diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) and three-way catalysts drives the recycled or scrap values of these parts. As explained in our previous article discussing the pricing of scrap DPFs and DOCs, engine manufacturers coat the substrates of DPFs and DOCs with varying levels of PGM (e.g. platinum) to provide a chemical reaction in the exhaust stream that enables engines to meet EPA regulated emission standards.

Mack Trucks and Red Fox Resources Form DPF Recycling Partnership

on February 2, 2018

Emission Parts Recycling Provides Revenue and Sustainability Opportunity for Mack Truck Dealers

Oakland, CA, February 2, 2018 – Red Fox Resources® is pleased to announce a partnership with Mack Trucks (North America) to provide Mack truck dealers with a program to recycle used emission control parts. This program allows Mack dealers to recycle scrap emission cores, such as diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs). Using fully compliant process, Red Fox Resources purchases scrap/used emission control systems from the dealer and reclaims the catalyst material for re-use.

Volvo Trucks North America Partners with Red Fox Resources

on January 30, 2018

Emission Parts Recycling Provides Sustainability and Revenue Opportunity for Volvo Truck Dealers

Oakland, CA, January 30, 2018 – Red Fox Resources® is pleased to announce a partnership with Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) to provide Volvo truck dealers with a program to recycle used emission control parts. This program allows Volvo dealers to recycle scrap emission cores, such as diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs). Red Fox Resources purchases scrap/used emission control systems from the dealer and reclaims the catalyst material for re-use.

Understanding DPF Cleaning Practices in 2017

on October 22, 2017

For most heavy-duty truck and bus fleet operators, DPF cleaning has become a routine part of regular fleet maintenance. DPFs are unique in that they require periodic service, are prone to failure, and are expensive to replace.

With DPF cleaning comes a set of standard questions about the different procedures, what’s most effective, what’s least expensive and how do we minimize downtime?

This article will attempt to answer these common questions and give you a better understanding of DPF cleaning in 2017.

Why is DPF cleaning required?

A DPF physically traps and collects diesel soot and ash particles from diesel engine exhaust. While most of the trapped soot (organic matter) is burned off during periodic filter regeneration, metal oxide “ash” (inorganic matter) particles are not burned off. Ash is the inorganic material from lube oil and wear metals. It comes from the engine and is left behind after thermal filter regeneration. Over time, the unburned ash particles and soot will plug the filter unless the filter is periodically cleaned.