How much copper is in a washing machine motor?

How much copper is in a washing machine motor? After purchasing a new washing machine, you can simply throw away the old one, or you can use it for profit. Some parts can be kept as spare parts, some sold, and others, like the motor, can be scrapped. To determine how much profit you'll make, you need to determine how much copper is in the washing machine motor.

Is it worth wasting your time?

It's worth mentioning right away that it's unlikely you'll get rich by salvaging copper from your washing machine. Before you embark on this endeavor, decide for yourself whether it's worth your time and effort.

It's best to recycle copper at locations that accept both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. On average, it sells for $3.60 per kilogram. Electric motors contain approximately 1 kg of copper, plus or minus 300 grams. By disassembling the motor, you'll earn around $2.50–$4. Copper and even gold are also contained in other CM parts (wires or electronic components), but in extremely small quantities.

What to do with the rest of the machine parts?

In fact, you won't get much from trading in a washing machine for scrap metal, but selling the main parts, if they're still fully functional, can bring in a decent profit. Parts like the control module, motor, and drain pump are in high demand among washing machine repair specialists, so you can remove them yourself and sell them together or separately.

Furthermore, if you don't have time to disassemble your washing machine, sort through the components, and search for copper, you can contact companies that not only buy entire units but also remove them themselves. This service can cost you from $5, which offers several obvious advantages.

This is obviously more profitable than handing over copper from the engine to a scrap metal dealer.
Other people do the main work for you, which saves time and energy.
If you live on a high floor, the unit will also be lowered by representatives of the reseller company, and given the weight of the washing machine, this is another advantage.

Obviously, searching for metal in washing machine components, then selling it for scrap metal and disposing of what's left of the washing machine is a less profitable and more energy-intensive procedure than simply selling the parts of the unit.

Popular ways to get rid of an old washing machine

There are many ways to dispose of unwanted old equipment, but some can be truly profitable, while others will only lead to losses for the owner. Therefore, it is important to consider all options and understand the rationale behind each.

"Proper" disposal. This procedure involves shredding and compacting the device using a special device, followed by its removal to a landfill. The waste material is then recycled and used in the manufacture of other products. This method is extremely popular among resource conservationists.

Please note: While this method is effective, it does come with a cost, as you'll need to pay for the shipping and handling of the unit, which totals approximately $20.

Due to the high cost of new units, demand for serviceable used models remains high. By posting an ad for a nominal price (around 3,000, for example), you can be sure to be surprised by the number of people interested in buying your washing machine. And while placing an ad in a newspaper or on a site like Avito costs money (it's free, even without promotion), this investment usually pays off handsomely if you set a reasonable price.
One of the most profitable ways is to take part in a major plumbing supply store's "Recycle your old appliances for a new one" promotion. By recycling your old appliance at the store, you can get a good discount on any other type of appliance.

Another way to get rid of an old household appliance is not to throw it away, but to give it a new life. With the right skills and desire, a washing machine can be adapted into a variety of useful household items. You can find online tutorials on how to turn an old drum into a barbecue, a canning sterilizer, a feather plucking machine, and use the motor to invent various machines, a forage cutter, an electric saw, and even a range hood.

So, if you have some free time and a desire to tinker, you can transform an old washing machine into a new technological marvel. If you don't feel like doing anything, there are plenty of other ways to profitably repurpose your old household appliance.