Are electric motors worth anything as scrap?

Yes. Motors contain copper windings inside a steel case, giving them solid mixed-metal value. Larger motors and quantities earn best.

Should I dismantle a motor for the copper?

Usually not. Sealed units take serious effort to open and the recovered copper rarely repays the hour. Send motors whole unless you enjoy the work.

Do you take motors from appliances?

Yes. Washing machine, dryer, pump, fan and tool motors are all accepted, loose or still inside the appliance.

Do you collect motors from workshops?

Yes. Single motors to full workshop clearances across Leeds, Wakefield, Bradford, Huddersfield and surrounding areas.

Home / Blog / Electric Motors

Are Electric Motors Worth Scrapping?

Copper windings in a steel case — solid mixed-metal value, but rarely worth opening up. Here is the maths.

26 September 2026 · By OJ Metal Recycling

The Short Answer

Yes — Send Them Whole

Every electric motor hides copper windings inside a steel or aluminium case, which gives even a dead motor genuine scrap value as a mixed-metal unit. Washers, dryers, pumps, fans, power tools, garage door openers — if it hummed, it counts. Bigger motors and bigger piles earn best, but even singles are worth adding to a load.

The temptation is to crack them open for the copper. Resist it below — the maths rarely works. Check guide prices or call 07793 020266.

To Open or Not

Should You Dismantle Motors?

Sealed units: don't bother

Modern sealed motors fight back — pressed cases, resin-coated windings, security screws. An hour of graft for a handful of copper rarely pays.

Open frames: maybe

Large old open-frame motors with bolted end caps and visible windings are the only ones where dismantling can pay — and only in quantity.

Appliance motors: leave in

Washer, dryer and pump motors are worth more with less effort left inside the appliance. We take the whole machine — see appliance removal.

FAQs

Motor FAQs

Are small motors worth anything?

Individually little — but a box of tool, fan and pump motors from a clear-out adds real weight to a load. Never bin them; pile them.

What about three-phase industrial motors?

Excellent scrap — heavy copper content in big frames. Factories and workshops should see our commercial service.

Do burnt-out motors still count?

Yes. Burnt windings lower the copper recovery but the steel case and remaining copper still carry value. Declare the condition when booking.

How do I get motors collected?

Send photos, approximate count and your postcode — single motors ride along with any load, piles get their own slot.

Keep Reading

Battery ValuesWhat dead batteries are worth.

What Is Worth Money?High-value metals ranked.

All Blog ArticlesTips, prices and collection advice.

Got Motors Piling Up?

Singles to workshop clearances — send the count and postcode.

Request a Collection Call 07793 020266

Call now 07793 020266