Price trends for e-scrap and compressors by grade

over the last 6 months

In the last 6 months in the E-Scrap & Compressors category: price is up for 4 grades, price is steady for 2 grades, and price is down for 3 grades.

How Have Prices Moved Over the Last 52 Weeks?
Over the past year, the category average ranged from $0.20 to $0.30.
Aug '25Nov '25Feb '26May '26Today
How Yard Prices Track the Exchange (COMEX)
Average discount to the exchange for this category: ~94.3% (-$5.14/ lb). Based on 9 grades with exchange data. Normal range for this category: 90%–99%.
✓ All 9 grades are within normal market range

E-Scrap & Compressors scrap prices by grade in the US

Sealed unit compressors are priced on their copper motor content; e-scrap value depends heavily on precious metal content. Click any grade to get a detailed price chart, market analysis, and a list of yards currently paying the most.

Automotive Starters Based on 3 yards
Avg. Price:$0.50/ lbRange: $0.45 – $0.55/ lb
Trend for 90 days: -3.3%
View Details
+11.1% / 6 mo.
Copper Transformers Based on 3 yards
Avg. Price:$0.50/ lbRange: $0.45 – $0.55/ lb
Trend for 6 mo.: +11.1%
View Details
+7.2% / 30 days
Automotive Alternators Based on 4 yards
Avg. Price:$0.47/ lbRange: $0.38 – $0.55/ lb
Trend for 30 days: +7.2%
View Details
+10.0% / 30 days
Copper Electric Motors Based on 5 yards
Avg. Price:$0.38/ lbRange: $0.30 – $0.45/ lb
Trend for 30 days: +10.0%
View Details
Avg. Price:$0.32/ lbRange: $0.28 – $0.35/ lb
Trend for 90 days: -10.8%
View Details
+15.4% / 6 mo.
Automotive AC Compressors Based on 2 yards
Avg. Price:$0.30/ lbRange: $0.25 – $0.35/ lb
Trend for 6 mo.: +15.4%
View Details
Avg. Price:$0.14/ lbRange: $0.11 – $0.16/ lb
Trend for 90 days: -12.5%
View Details
Aluminum & Dirty Motors Based on 1 yard
Avg. Price:$0.10/ lbRange: $0.10 – $0.10/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Avg. Price:$0.08/ lbRange: $0.08 – $0.08/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details

Scrap yards paying the most for e-scrap and compressors in the US

Live prices from local scrap yards across the U.S.. Compare offers and find the buyer paying the most.

💼 Scrap yard owners: Post your buy prices and get more customers
By price
By date
Updated yesterday

Stuff Recycling

Winchester, Kentucky5 grades on price list
Electric Motors (No Attachments)
$0.30/ lb
Sealed Units
$0.25/ lb
Alternators
$0.55/ lb|🠇 $0.05 (8%)
Starters
$0.45/ lb
Auto Compressor
$0.35/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (17%)
Updated yesterday

Western Oklahoma Metal Recycling LLC

Weatherford, Oklahoma4 grades on price list
Big Motor
$0.25/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (25%)
Compressors
$0.28/ lb|🠅 $0.08 (40%)
Alternators
$0.45/ lb|🠅 $0.25 (125%)
Aluminum Nose Starter
$0.25/ lb|🠇 $0.20 (44%)
Updated yesterday

McCoy Iron & Metal

Springfield, Missouri4 grades on price list
Dirty Motors
$0.10/ lb
Compressors
$0.20/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (33%)
Alternators
$0.50/ lb|🠅 $0.20 (67%)
Starters
$0.35/ lb|🠅 $0.10 (40%)
Updated 8/22/2026

Brenner Recycling

Hazleton, Pennsylvania1 grade on price list
Copper Electric Motors
$0.45/ lb|🠅 $0.15 (50%)
Updated 8/18/2026

Just Scrap It

Mulberry, Florida1 grade on price list
AC COMPRESSOR/ ALT/STARTERS
$0.38/ lb|🠇 $0.12 (24%)
Updated 8/10/2026

Three Rivers Iron Metal

Fairmont, West Virginia5 grades on price list
Electric Motors
$0.30/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (20%)
Compressors (From Appliances)
$0.10/ lb
Alternators
$0.40/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (14%)
Starters-Mixed
$0.40/ lb|🠅 $0.10 (33%)
Ballasts
$0.10/ lb

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Price chart: e-scrap and compressors grades and COMEX Copper exchange data

The chart shows average yard buyout rates and COMEX Copper exchange data for your selected e-scrap and compressors grade. When the exchange moves up and local yard prices lag, they typically follow within a few trading days — a signal to hold if you can. When both lines drop, sell now before yards update their offers downward. Switch grades using the selector above the chart.

Calculate the value of your e-scrap and compressors lot

Selling a mixed load? Pick the grades below — a weight field appears after you select at least one grade, then the calculator estimates your haul's value from current average prices across the U.S..

Select a metal above to estimate value

Compare e-scrap and compressors grades and their value

Compressor and motor copper content tracks COMEX Copper. E-scrap (circuit boards, CPUs) has a separate precious-metal-based valuation. Identifying your material correctly before selling is the single most effective step to maximize your payout.

GradeExchange (100%)Yard Price (per lb)Grade Quality
Scrap Engines & Transmissions $1.47/ lb LME$0.14/ lb
High Grade9%
Automotive Starters $6.58/ lb COMEX$0.50/ lb
High Grade8%
Copper Transformers $6.58/ lb COMEX$0.50/ lb
High Grade8%
Automotive Alternators $6.58/ lb COMEX$0.47/ lb
High Grade7%
Aluminum & Dirty Motors $1.47/ lb LME$0.10/ lb
High Grade7%
Copper Electric Motors $6.58/ lb COMEX$0.38/ lb
Mid Grade6%
Sealed Unit Compressors (Appliance) $6.58/ lb COMEX$0.32/ lb
Mid Grade5%
Automotive AC Compressors $6.58/ lb COMEX$0.30/ lb
Mid Grade5%
Light Ballasts & Power Supplies $6.58/ lb COMEX$0.08/ lb
Low Grade1%

📊 What determines the value of e-scrap and compressors:

  • Sealed unit compressors (appliance): Refrigerator and AC compressors — priced on their copper winding content. AC compressors pay more than refrigerator units.
  • Automotive AC compressors: Separate grade; aluminum housing means lower copper yield but still a solid per-unit price at most yards.
  • E-scrap boards: Circuit boards contain gold, silver, and palladium. Require specialty e-recyclers — general scrap yards may not pay the full precious-metal value.
  • Power supplies & light ballasts: Contain copper transformers and aluminum. Priced as a mixed lot; separate if copper transformers are intact.
💡 Tip: Don't mix PC boards with motors or compressors — e-scrap with precious metals needs a separate e-recycler for the best return.