How much copper is in an automatic washing machine?

Each washing machine has an estimated service life. With intensive, daily use, the machine's lifespan is approximately 8 years; with less frequent and gentle use, it's 15 years. Furthermore, washing machines are becoming more functional and modern each year, so even with normal operation, the machine may sometimes need to be replaced.

What should you do with an old washing machine that's become unnecessary due to a breakdown or obsolescence? You can simply toss it to a landfill, but for homeowners, this isn't an option. The machine can be disassembled, some parts kept, some sold, and the rest recycled. Let's find out how much copper can be found in a washing machine.

Looking for copper in an old washing machine

First, I'd like to point out that the machine contains a small amount of copper. Therefore, before disassembling the appliance, weigh the time investment against the potential profit. Companies that buy ferrous and non-ferrous metals offer around $3.60 per kilogram of copper. Inside the electric motor, you can find between 0.7 kg and 1.2 kg of copper wire, meaning that disassembling the motor will net you about $2.50–$4. Besides the engine, copper can be found in cables and microcircuits, but there is very little of it in these elements.

If you look closely, you can find gold particles in the washing machine's components, but they're so small that it's impossible to extract the precious metal at home. Once you have a rough idea of ​​how much you can earn by recycling copper wire, you should decide whether it's profitable to dismantle the washing machine or whether it's preferable to recycle it entirely.

What's the best way to sell your broken equipment?

The ideal solution is to sell your washing machine as individual parts rather than scrap metal. This option is suitable if you have a fairly popular model and the main system components, such as the drain pump, motor, main control module, and others, are still intact. You can remove the components yourself and resell them to specialists who repair and restore washing machines..

If you don't have the time to dismantle your washing machine, you can use the services of specialized companies that buy and remove old washing machines. Depending on the model and condition of your machine, resellers can offer you prices of $5 or more. The advantages of this method of selling washing machines are obvious:

• reselling the washing machine for spare parts will be more profitable than trading it in for scrap metal;
• personal time and energy are saved, since the main work is shifted onto the shoulders of others;
• You won't have to drag the car up and down the floors yourself – the resellers you call will do everything themselves.

So, instead of searching long and hard for copper in the engine, you can simply sell the car for parts. This method might even be more profitable.

Alternative uses for an old sewing machine

We suggest considering all possible ways to dispose of unwanted equipment. There are many options. Some sales options provide the owner with income, while others, on the contrary, involve additional costs. Here's how you can "free yourself" from your vending machine.

• Dispose of the appliance properly. Household appliances are taken to a separate landfill, after being finely shredded using a special machine. This method is unprofitable, as the transport and recycling fees for the washing machine cost approximately $20.
• Place an ad for sale on a classifieds website or in a newspaper. This method is suitable if the car is in good working order. By listing it for a reasonable price, around $15–$20, you can be sure that many people will respond.
• Take it to a home appliance store. Many major retailers occasionally run exciting "trade your old appliances for new" promotions. By taking your unwanted washing machine to the store, you'll receive a good discount on a new appliance. This can be the most cost-effective option.

The most resourceful and savvy owners can transform a washing machine into useful household items. You can give a "second life" to a car drum by making a water filter, a grill, a barbecue oven, or a small concrete mixer out of it. The electric motor can be used for homemade wind generator, lawn mowers, wood splitters, grain crushers and more.

Disassembling a washing machine and constructing useful devices from its parts requires a lot of free time. You'll also need a knack for repairing the parts, as restoring them isn't easy. However, don't underestimate the potential of washing machine components.

   

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