What Makes Electric Motors Valuable as Scrap?
Let’s break down why scrap yards want your old electric motors and what makes them worth money，
The Valuable Parts Inside:
- Copper
- The most valuable part
- Found in the windings
- Current prices range from $2-4 per pound
- Makes up about 10-20% of motor weight
- Aluminum
- Found in housings and end bells
- Less valuable than copper
- Current prices around $0.50-1.00 per pound
- Steel
- Makes up the frame and shaft
- Lower value but high volume
- Current prices about $0.10-0.20 per pound
- Other Materials
- Brass bearings
- Rare earth magnets (in newer motors)
- Circuit boards in some modern motors
Understanding Motor Classifications:
- Clean Electric Motors: Complete units without oil or contamination
- Dirty Electric Motors: Oil-filled or contaminated units
- Motor Chunks: Partially dismantled motors
- Copper Windings: Pure copper removed from motors
Where to Sell Scrap Motors
Local Scrap Yards
Most cities have multiple scrap yards that buy electric motors. Here are some major chains and their locations:
- Schnitzer Steel
- Located across the USA
- Website: www.schnitzersteel.com
- Call ahead for current prices
- Locations in major cities like:
- Portland: 12005 N Burgard Way
- Oakland: 1101 Embarcadero West
- Boston: 100 Everett Ave
- SA Recycling
- Multiple locations in western USA
- Website: www.sarecycling.com
- Good prices for bulk quantities
- Major locations:
- Los Angeles: 2411 North Alameda St
- Phoenix: 3640 E Illini St
- Las Vegas: 1701 Western Ave
- Independent Local Yards
- Often offer better prices than chains
- Build relationships for better deals
- Search “scrap metal recycling near me”
- Check reviews and prices first
Online Marketplaces
- eBay
- List working and non-working motors
- Reach worldwide buyers
- Higher prices for specialty motors
- Good for rare or antique motors
- Craigslist
- Local buyers
- No shipping required
- Cash transactions
- Post in “Materials” or “For Sale” sections
- Facebook Marketplace
- Easy to use
- Local buyers
- Good for bulk sales
- Quick responses
Industrial Recyclers
- Industrial Scrap Specialists:
- CMC Recycling
- Website: www.cmcrecycling.com
- Locations nationwide
- Specializes in industrial equipment
- Sims Metal Management
- Website: www.simsmm.com
- Global locations
- Handles large volumes
- Electric Motor Rebuilders:
- Often buy salvageable motors
- Pay premium for certain brands
- Look for local rebuilding shops
- Check industrial directories
How to Prepare Motors for Sale
Cleaning and Sorting
- Basic Cleaning:
- Remove external dirt and debris
- Wipe off oil and grease
- Separate by size and type
- Remove non-motor parts
- Sorting Categories:
- Small motors (under 5 pounds)
- Medium motors (5-50 pounds)
- Large industrial motors (over 50 pounds)
- Special types (servo, stepper motors)
- Organization Tips:
- Use sturdy containers
- Label different types
- Keep dry and covered
- Stack safely for transport
Dismantling (Optional)
Only dismantle if you know what you’re doing:
- Safety First:
- Wear safety glasses
- Use proper tools
- Work in ventilated area
- Handle sharp edges carefully
- Basic Steps:
- Remove end bells
- Extract armature
- Strip copper windings
- Separate materials
- When to Dismantle:
- Higher copper prices
- Have proper tools
- Know the process
- Time available
Maximizing Your Profits
Price Research
- Check Current Prices:
- www.scrapmonster.com
- www.recyclingtoday.com
- Local scrap yard websites
- Online metal exchanges
- Compare Buyers:
- Get multiple quotes
- Consider transport costs
- Factor in preparation time
- Look for volume bonuses
- Timing Considerations:
- Metal prices fluctuate
- Seasonal variations
- Market demand changes
- Transportation costs
Best Practices
- Building Relationships:
- Regular sales to same buyer
- Honest dealings
- Clean, sorted materials
- Reliable delivery
- Volume Collection:
- Partner with repair shops
- Contact industrial plants
- Check appliance stores
- Network with electricians
- Transportation:
- Use appropriate vehicles
- Secure loads properly
- Consider delivery costs
- Combine trips for efficiency
Tips for Success
- Documentation:
- Keep receipts
- Track prices
- Record sources
- Document expenses
- Business Development:
- Create business cards
- Make professional contacts
- Join recycling associations
- Develop regular customers
- Growing Your Operation:
- Reinvest profits
- Expand collection area
- Add processing equipment
- Hire help when needed
Legal Considerations
- Business Requirements:
- Check local regulations
- Get necessary permits
- Register if required
- Keep proper records
- Environmental Rules:
- Proper disposal methods
- Hazardous material handling
- Storage requirements
- Spill prevention
- Transportation Laws:
- Vehicle requirements
- Weight limits
- Secure load regulations
- Insurance needs
Remember these key points for success:
- Always prioritize safety
- Build good relationships
- Keep materials organized
- Stay informed about prices
- Maintain proper documentation
- Focus on quality service
- Grow systematically
Starting in scrap motor recycling can be profitable with the right approach. Begin small, learn the market, and expand as you gain experience. Focus on building reliable relationships with suppliers and buyers, and always maintain professional business practices.
