How Much Are Electric Motors Worth at the Scrap Yard in 2026?
"I have about 15 electric motors from a factory — different sizes, some big industrial ones. What are they worth and is it better to sell them whole or crack them open?"
Whole electric motors sell for $0.15–$0.35/lb. A 50-lb industrial motor is worth $7.50–$17.50 whole. BUT — if you crack open a large motor (50+ lbs), the copper windings inside are Copper #2 at $3.00+/lb. A 50-lb motor might have 8–12 lbs of copper inside, worth $24–$36. For large motors, cracking pays. For small motors under 20 lbs, sell whole.
Electric motors are one of the most common industrial scrap items — and one of the most misunderstood. The value depends entirely on size, whether you crack them open, and who you sell to. Here's the complete breakdown.
Whole Motor Prices by Size
Small motors (under 10 lbs): $0.15–$0.25/lb whole. Medium motors (10–50 lbs): $0.20–$0.30/lb whole. Large industrial motors (50–500 lbs): $0.25–$0.35/lb whole. Very large motors (500+ lbs): sometimes worth more as used/rebuilt equipment — check before scrapping.
When to Crack Open a Motor
Cracking a motor is worth it when the copper recovery value exceeds the whole motor price plus your labor cost. Large industrial motors (50+ lbs) typically have copper windings worth 15–25% of the motor's total weight. At $3.00/lb for Copper #2, a 100-lb motor with 20 lbs of copper yields $60 in copper vs $25–$35 whole. The math works for large motors. For small motors under 20 lbs, the copper content is too low to justify the labor.
How to Identify Copper-Wound vs. Aluminum-Wound Motors
Most industrial motors are copper-wound. Smaller appliance motors (fans, pumps under 1 HP) are sometimes aluminum-wound. To check without cracking it open: copper-wound motors are heavier for their size. If you can see the winding ends through the ventilation slots, copper windings are reddish-orange; aluminum windings are silver-gray.
Commercial Motor Buyback
For lots of 10+ motors or large industrial motors over 100 lbs, ScrapMetalBuyers.com offers commercial pickup and pays above standard yard rates. We handle the sorting, weighing, and payment on-site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do scrap yards pay for electric motors?
Most yards pay $0.15–$0.35/lb for whole electric motors. Large industrial motors may get a premium. ScrapMetalBuyers.com pays above-market rates for commercial quantities.
Is it worth cracking open electric motors for copper?
For motors over 50 lbs, yes — the copper windings are worth $3.00+/lb as Copper #2. For motors under 20 lbs, the copper content is usually too low to justify the labor.
How much copper is in an electric motor?
Typically 15–25% of the motor's total weight for industrial motors. A 100-lb motor has approximately 15–25 lbs of copper windings.
Do you buy electric motors?
Yes. We buy electric motors in any quantity. Commercial lots (10+ motors) qualify for free pickup. Call (754) 310-2984.