E-Scrap & Compressors Scrap Price Trends

over 30 days

In the latest period in the E-Scrap & Compressors category: , and .

Data source: live prices from 0 local yards (Chicago Heights, Illinois).
How Have Prices Moved Over the Last 52 Weeks?
Over the past year, the category average ranged from $0.00 to $0.00.
Apr '25Jul '25Oct '25Jan '26Today
Category Grades
The E-Scrap & Compressors category has 0 grades with current prices on file. No exchange data is configured for this category — prices shown are sourced directly from local yards.
Data Sources
Data source: live prices from 0 local yards Chicago Heights, Illinois.

Current E-Scrap & Compressors Scrap Prices in Chicago Heights by Grade

Local yards are currently offering between [sm_cat_low]/lb and [sm_cat_high]/lb for E-Scrap & Compressors. High-value recovery items like Automotive Alternators typically fetch [sm_metal_range]Automotive Alternators[/sm_metal_range], while standard Copper Electric Motors are moving for [sm_metal_range]Copper Electric Motors[/sm_metal_range]. Large appliance components like Sealed Unit Compressors (Appliance) are trading around [sm_metal_range]Sealed Unit Compressors (Appliance)[/sm_metal_range].

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Best Scrap Yards for E-Scrap & Compressors in Chicago Heights

No yards with tracked prices for E-Scrap & Compressors in Chicago Heights, Illinois yet

Local yards may still accept this metal — call ahead to confirm.

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E-Scrap & Compressor Load Value Estimator

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 in Chicago Heights, Illinois.

Select a metal above to calculate its value

Maximizing Returns on E-Scrap & Compressors in Chicago Heights

In the world of scrap, 'breakage' items like motors and compressors are where many peddlers lose money by not knowing their grades. The current range for this category in Chicago Heights spans from [sm_cat_low] to [sm_cat_high] per pound. While these aren't as high as clean copper, the weight adds up fast. Our data shows that Copper Electric Motors and Automotive Alternators remain the most sought-after items by regional processors due to their high recovery of non-ferrous metals.

Why Sorting Your Motors Matters

Not all motors are created equal. If you toss Aluminum & Dirty Motors into a gaylord box with premium copper units, don't be surprised when the yard pays you the lower rate for the whole load. This 'downgrading' can cost you upwards of $[sm_fomo_loss] on a single heavy load. Local yards in Chicago Heights are looking for the copper content, so being able to identify your Copper Transformers versus aluminum versions is the difference between a good day and a great one.

Yard Pro Tip: When dealing with Sealed Unit Compressors (Appliance), never cut them open yourself unless you have the proper EPA certifications for refrigerant recovery. Most yards want them sealed and intact; if they see a jagged torch cut, they may refuse the load entirely due to environmental liability.

E-Scrap Prep & Sorting Guide

  • Automotive Scrap: Keep Automotive Starters and AC compressors separate. These often go to specialized core buyers rather than the shredder, resulting in a better price.
  • Electric Motors: Remove any attached pumps, pulleys, or heavy steel brackets. You want to sell the motor, not the junk steel attached to it.
  • Transformers: Large Copper Transformers are a goldmine, but check the weight. If they have heavy steel mounting frames, some yards will knock the price down to 'Mixed Motors' grade.
  • E-Scrap Power Supplies:Light Ballasts & Power Supplies are often graded as a mid-tier electronic scrap. Ensure ballasts are marked 'No PCBs' or yards in Chicago Heights might reject them on sight.

Market Insights

The Mechanics of E-Scrap & Compressor Pricing

Prices for E-Scrap & Compressors in Chicago Heights, IL are highly sensitive to both the copper and steel markets. Since most of these items are 'breakage' scrap—meaning they require industrial shredding or manual teardown to recover the internal metals—the prices reflect the labor involved. Local yards track the [sm_exchange_name] closely, but your actual payout is determined by the yield percentage. If a motor is 15% copper by weight, expect the price to move in tandem with copper futures minus a significant processing spread of approximately [sm_spread_pct].

Pro Tips for Better Scale Payouts

  • Cut the Cords: Don't leave long power leads on your motors; cut them off and sell them as insulated copper wire for a higher per-pound rate.
  • Drain Your Fluids: Many yards will reject or deduct weight from Scrap Engines & Transmissions if they are dripping oil or coolant.
  • The Magnet Test: Transformers with copper windings are worth significantly more than aluminum ones. Scratch the wire—if it’s silver inside, it’s aluminum.
  • Separate AC Units: Ensure Automotive AC Compressors are separated from steel compressors to secure the premium aluminum-case pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are 'Sealed Units' in the scrap world?

Sealed units are the compressors found in refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners. They consist of a thick steel shell housing a high-quality electric motor. Because they are difficult to process, yards pay a flat 'Sealed Unit' rate.

Are alternators and starters worth more than regular motors?

Yes, usually. Automotive Alternators contain a high density of copper and specialized components. Many buyers offer a premium over standard electric motors because of their higher recovery value.

Do yards pay more for large engines?

For Scrap Engines & Transmissions, weight is your friend, but purity is your enemy. An engine with the transmission and all accessories (alternator, starter) still attached might be bought as a 'Complete Auto Engine' grade, which is often a better deal than stripping it to the bare block.