Copper and Metal Recovery from Electric Motors

T & T Iron and Metals recycles electric motors for contractors and industrial operators from East Dubuque IL, Savanna IL, and Monticello IA.

When a pump motor burns out or an HVAC blower fails, you are left with a heavy unit that is mostly steel and copper wrapped in insulation. T & T Iron and Metals accepts electric motors of all sizes at our East Dubuque IL, Savanna IL, and Monticello IA facilities, where they are weighed and processed to reclaim copper windings, aluminum housings, and ferrous steel. You drop off the motor during business hours, and the team handles the breakdown so you do not have to cut or dismantle anything yourself.

The service is used by HVAC contractors, industrial maintenance crews, and equipment demolition teams across Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. You receive payment based on the motor weight and copper content, with pricing adjusted for whether the motor is intact or already disassembled. Motors are processed at our local facilities, and the copper and steel are sold to manufacturers who melt and reuse the materials in new products.

If you need to recycle motors from a job site or facility upgrade, contact T & T Iron and Metals at any of our East Dubuque IL, Savanna IL, or Monticello IA locations to confirm what sizes are accepted and how pricing is determined.

How motors are weighed and broken down for material recovery

You deliver the motor to any of our East Dubuque IL, Savanna IL, or Monticello IA facilities, where it is placed on a certified scale and weighed with any attached brackets or housings included. The staff record the motor type and condition, and you receive a price quote based on the weight and estimated copper percentage. If you bring multiple motors from a commercial cleanout, the team can process them as a single load and provide one consolidated payment.

After drop-off, the motor is disassembled using cutting tools and presses that separate the copper windings from the steel casing and aluminum end caps. You will notice that the motor no longer takes up space in your truck or shop, and the copper you delivered is cleaned and prepared for smelting within days. The steel housing is sorted with other ferrous scrap and sent to a regional mill, while the copper is sold to wire and pipe manufacturers.

This service accepts motors from appliances, industrial equipment, pool pumps, compressors, and ventilation systems. It does not include pickup or motor removal from installed equipment, so you must deliver the unit yourself. Motors with oil leaks or damaged windings are still accepted, but you should drain any remaining fluids before transport if the casing is cracked or open.

Details contractors ask about before recycling motors

Contractors and facility managers often want to know how pricing differs between motor types, whether disassembly increases value, and what preparation is needed before delivery.

What types of electric motors can I recycle at the facility?
You can recycle motors from HVAC systems, industrial machinery, appliances, pool equipment, and power tools. The facility accepts single-phase and three-phase motors in any condition, as long as they contain copper windings and metal casings.
How is the value of an electric motor determined?
Your motor is weighed at any of our East Dubuque IL, Savanna IL, or Monticello IA facilities, and pricing is based on total weight and the percentage of copper inside. Motors with visible copper windings or aluminum housings typically receive higher rates than sealed or oil-filled units.
What should I do to prepare a motor before I bring it in?
You should remove any attached belts, pulleys, or mounting hardware that is not part of the motor casing. If the motor contains oil or coolant, drain it into a sealed container before loading it into your vehicle to avoid leaks during transport.
Why do contractors choose to recycle motors instead of discarding them?
Motors contain high-value copper and aluminum that fetch better returns than mixed scrap, and recycling keeps heavy units out of landfills where they take up space and corrode. T & T Iron and Metals provides accurate weighing and fair pricing, which makes recycling a practical choice for job site cleanups.
When can I drop off electric motors at our locations?
Our East Dubuque IL, Savanna IL, and Monticello IA facilities are open weekdays during standard business hours and offers limited weekend availability. If you are bringing a large load from an industrial demolition project, it helps to call ahead so the team can allocate space and equipment for unloading.

T & T Iron and Metals has been processing electric motors across the tri-state region for years from our East Dubuque IL, Savanna IL, and Monticello IA locations, and their team understands how to handle everything from small appliance motors to industrial units weighing hundreds of pounds. If you have motors ready to recycle and want accurate weighing and straightforward pricing, get in touch to confirm current rates and operating hours before you make the trip.