Transformer copper scrap and old motor windings can be sold for good money in the Eastern Province. Whole units are paid as copper-bearing scrap. Separated, clean winding copper pays more. We collect from factories and workshops in Dammam, Jubail and Al Ahsa. Call 0573057098 for today’s rate.
What Counts as Transformer Copper Scrap
Many machines have copper wound inside them. This copper is called the winding. It is the part that makes the machine work, and it is also the part with the most scrap value.
- Transformers: distribution transformers, control transformers, small panel transformers and welding transformers.
- Electric motors: from pumps, fans, conveyors, mixers and machine tools.
- Generators and alternators: old gen sets and alternator heads.
- Compressors: from chillers and large AC units. The motor inside has copper windings.
- Pumps: water pumps and process pumps with built-in motors.
All of these are “copper-bearing” scrap. That means they hold copper, but the copper is mixed with steel, iron and other parts. This affects the price, as we explain below.
Copper vs Aluminium Windings: How to Tell
Not every winding is copper. Some transformers and motors use aluminium wire to save cost. Aluminium windings are worth much less. Here is how to check.
Look at the colour under the varnish
Windings are coated with a thin varnish. It can be red, brown, green or clear. Look at a cut end or a scratched spot. Copper shows a reddish orange colour. Aluminium shows a silver grey colour.
Feel the weight
Copper is about three times heavier than aluminium for the same size. Two motors of the same size can feel very different. The heavier one is more likely to have copper windings.
Do a small scratch test
On a disconnected and dead unit, lightly scratch one winding end with a file or knife. Fresh copper is pink orange. Fresh aluminium is bright silver and soft.
A magnet will not help on the winding
Neither copper nor aluminium sticks to a magnet. A magnet will stick to the steel core and the case, so it does not tell you anything about the winding itself.
Not sure? Send us a clear photo of a cut or scratched winding end on WhatsApp. We can usually tell from the photo. For more on the two metals, see our post on copper scrap grades.
Why Whole Units Pay Less Than Separated Copper
When you sell a whole motor or transformer, you sell copper, steel, iron and sometimes aluminium all in one piece. The buyer must take it apart later. So whole units are paid at a lower “copper-bearing” level.
When the winding copper is taken out and cleaned, it is sold as copper only. That pays more per kilo, because the buyer gets pure metal.
Taking units apart needs tools, time and safe handling. For a few small motors, it is often not worth it. For a large batch, it may be.
Also keep in mind that the steel case and core still have value as metal scrap.
Transformer Copper Scrap Value Table
We do not post fixed prices. The copper price changes every day with the LME copper market and the local market. This table shows how items compare.
| Item | Typical metals inside | Value level (whole) | Value level (dismantled copper) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution transformer (drained) | Copper or aluminium winding, steel core, steel tank | Medium | High |
| Control and panel transformer | Copper winding, steel core | Medium | High |
| Welding transformer | Copper or aluminium winding, steel | Medium | High |
| Electric motor | Copper winding, steel, cast iron or aluminium case | Lower to Medium | High |
| Generator or alternator | Copper winding, steel, iron | Medium | High |
| Compressor | Copper motor winding, steel shell | Lower | High |
| Aluminium-wound unit | Aluminium winding, steel | Lower | Medium (aluminium) |
Clean winding copper is usually graded like No.1 or No.2 copper, depending on varnish and how clean it is. Send photos and the rough count of units for a real quote.
Oil-Filled Transformers: Safety First
Many distribution transformers are filled with oil. This oil cools the unit. It is also hazardous waste.
- Do not drain it yourself. The oil must be drained and handled by qualified people using the right equipment.
- Do not pour oil on the ground or into drains. It pollutes soil and water.
- Do not cut or open a unit that still has oil inside.
- Make sure the unit is fully disconnected by a qualified electrician before anyone moves it.
Tell us when you first contact us if your transformer still has oil. We will talk about the safe way forward before any pickup.
A warning about very old units
Some very old transformers and capacitors may contain PCB oil. PCB is a toxic chemical that was used in older electrical equipment. These units must be handled only by licensed specialists. If you have a very old unit with no clear label, do not open it. Let a specialist check it first.
Preparing Factory Loads of Motor and Transformer Scrap
Factories and workshops often have many old motors and transformers at once. Good preparation makes pickup faster and pricing clearer.
- Group by type. Keep transformers, motors, compressors and pumps in separate areas.
- Keep copper and aluminium units apart if you know which is which.
- Remove loose rubbish like wood pallets, plastic covers and cable ties.
- Drain oil and fluids first, but only through qualified people.
- Make a simple list. Write the number of units and rough sizes. Photos of name plates help a lot.
- Plan access. Large units may need a forklift or crane. Tell us what lifting gear is on site.
If your factory makes this kind of scrap often, a regular pickup plan may suit you. Read about our industrial scrap contract option. Call 0573057098 to discuss your load.
Documents for Company Assets
Old transformers and motors are often company assets. Before you sell them, it is good practice to have the right paper trail.
- Get internal approval to dispose of the assets.
- Keep a list of items sold, with weights and the agreed rates.
- Ask for a written receipt at pickup for your records.
- For large utility or site equipment, we may ask about the source. Sellers should own what they sell. This helps keep trade honest and stops theft.
Pickup Areas for Motor and Transformer Copper Scrap
We are based in Dammam, including Dammam 2nd Industrial City. This is where many of our factory clients are. We also collect across the Eastern Province:
- Dammam 2nd Industrial City: factories, workshops and warehouses.
- Jubail: industrial sites and support workshops.
- Al Ahsa, Al Hufuf and Mubarraz: farms with pumps, workshops and factories.
- Khobar, Qatif and Abqaiq: buildings, workshops and service yards.
Selling transformer copper scrap with us is simple. You send photos. We visit and check the units. We weigh on a digital scale in front of you and pay at collection. Many sites also have old cable to clear. We buy that too, including armoured cable scrap and items listed on our wire and cable scrap page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is transformer copper scrap worth?
It depends on the daily copper price, the size of the unit and whether the winding is copper or aluminium. Whole units are paid at a copper-bearing level. Dismantled clean copper pays more. We do not post fixed prices, so send photos for today’s rate.
Is it better to sell a motor whole or take it apart?
For a few small motors, selling whole is usually easier and safer. For a large batch, taking out the copper may give you more money. It takes tools, time and safe work. We can help you compare both options before you decide.
How can I tell if a motor has copper windings?
Look at a cut or scratched winding end. Copper is reddish orange and aluminium is silver grey. Copper is also much heavier. A magnet will not help, as neither metal sticks to it. Send us a photo if you are not sure.
Do you buy oil-filled transformers?
Yes, but the oil must be drained and handled by qualified people first. Transformer oil is hazardous waste. Never drain it yourself or pour it out. Tell us about the oil when you first contact us, and we will discuss the safe next step.
What is PCB and why does it matter?
PCB is a toxic chemical once used in oil for some older transformers and capacitors. Units with PCB need special handling by licensed specialists. If you have a very old unit with no clear label, do not open it. Have it checked first.
Do you buy AC compressors for their copper?
Yes. Compressors have a copper motor winding inside. A technician should recover any refrigerant gas before the compressor is removed from the system. After that, we can buy the compressor whole as copper-bearing scrap. We also buy whole scrap AC units.
Can you collect from Jubail and Al Ahsa?
Yes. We collect from Jubail, Al Ahsa, Al Hufuf, Mubarraz and across the Eastern Province. Our base is in Dammam, including the 2nd Industrial City. For large loads, we plan the vehicle and lifting needs with you before the visit.
What records should I keep for company scrap?
Keep your internal approval, a list of the items sold, the weights recorded on the scale and the agreed rates. Ask for a written receipt at pickup. Clear records help your accounts team. For large site equipment, we may also ask about the source of the items.
Sell Your Old Transformers and Motors
Old motors and transformers sitting in your yard hold real copper value. Send photos, get today’s rate and book a pickup. We weigh in front of you and pay at collection.
Call: 0573057098
WhatsApp: 0573057098
Or send your details through our contact page.