Electric Motors

Scrap an Electric Motor for Copper

Everything with an electric motor, from a vacuum cleaner to a computer, can be collected for scrap recycling or salvaged for the copper content. Copper is one of the most valuable scrap metals there is, and you’ll always find top prices for this metal when you head in to any scrap yard.

Worth Dismantling?

Most electric motors are not worth dismantling for scrap. The copper content is usually not a high enough grade to justify the time it would take to separate from the other parts of the motor. Most scrap yards, including Scrap Stop, offer a price for electric motors, so that you don’t have to worry about dismantling at all. This price changes based on your region and over time but the current price for electric motors is around 20 cents per pound*. With heavier electric motors that have copper parts, this can add up quickly.

Insulated Wire with Electric Motors

Many motors will have insulated copper wire connected to them, which can be cut off and even stripped if the wire under the insulation is worth it. If the insulation is hiding #1 bare bright copper wire, for example, you could get a couple dollars or more per pound. Keep in mind that the better the copper is, the higher the price, so you determine whether it’s worth your time to strip any parts. If you have more than several dozen motors, it may very well be worthwhile to dismantle them all for the better quality copper inside.

Get the Best Electric Motors Prices at Scrap Stop

We offer a hassle-free system for recycling all your copper. Bring in your electric motors and any other copper scrap for fair prices and a quick process. You’ll be in and out with money in your pocket in no time.

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