Published June 11, 2026 • ScrapMetalBuyers.com

How Much Are Electric Motors Worth at the Scrap Yard? (2026 Prices)

Electric motors are one of the most common and valuable items in the scrapping world. Whether you have a small appliance motor or a massive industrial motor, here's exactly what to expect and how to maximize your payout.

Electric Motor Scrap Prices (2026)

Motor prices vary based on size, type, and whether you sell whole or stripped:

• Whole Electric Motors (small, under 20 lbs): $0.15–$0.25/lb
• Whole Electric Motors (large, 20–100 lbs): $0.20–$0.35/lb
• Whole Industrial Motors (100+ lbs): $0.25–$0.40/lb
• Stripped Copper Windings (from motors): $3.20–$3.80/lb (Copper #2 grade)
• Aluminum Motor Housings: $0.50–$0.80/lb
• Steel Motor Housings: $0.05–$0.10/lb

What's Inside an Electric Motor?

Understanding the composition helps you decide whether to strip or sell whole:

• Copper windings (stator coils): 15–30% of total motor weight. This is the high-value component.
• Steel laminations (rotor and stator core): 40–60% of weight. Low value ferrous metal.
• Aluminum or cast iron housing: 20–30% of weight. Moderate value.
• Bearings, shaft, and hardware: Small percentage, mostly steel.

Should You Strip the Motor or Sell Whole?

Here's the math for a typical 50 lb industrial motor:

• Sold whole: $0.30/lb × 50 lbs = $15
• Stripped (approx. 12 lbs copper windings + 38 lbs steel/aluminum): ($3.50 × 12) + ($0.08 × 38) = $42 + $3 = $45

That's a $30 difference for 20–30 minutes of work on a large motor. For small motors (under 10 lbs), the math rarely works out — sell those whole.

How to Strip an Electric Motor

1. Remove the end caps (usually 4 bolts)
2. Pull out the rotor (the spinning shaft assembly)
3. The stator (the stationary part with the copper windings) remains in the housing
4. Use a hammer and chisel or angle grinder to cut the copper windings free from the steel laminations
5. Separate copper windings, steel laminations, and aluminum housing into separate piles

Where to Sell Industrial Motors for the Best Price

For large quantities of industrial motors (from plant shutdowns, equipment upgrades, or HVAC replacements), ScrapMetalBuyers.com offers above-market pricing and free pickup. We buy electric motors in any quantity — from single units to full truckloads. Call 954-488-0700 for a same-day quote.

FAQ

1. Do scrap yards buy electric motors?

Yes. Every scrap yard accepts electric motors. They're one of the most common items processed. Prices vary by yard, so calling ahead is worthwhile for large quantities.

2. Are sealed motors worth more or less than open motors?

Sealed motors (like submersible pump motors) are harder to strip and typically sell for the same whole-motor price. Open-frame motors are easier to strip and may be worth the extra effort.

3. What about servo motors and variable frequency drives?

Servo motors and VFDs contain valuable electronic components beyond just copper. Specialized buyers like ScrapMetalBuyers.com pay premium prices for these items.

4. Can I sell a lot of 50+ motors at once?

Absolutely. Large motor lots are ideal for ScrapMetalBuyers.com — we offer free pickup, competitive pricing, and same-day payment for bulk motor purchases.

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