Sell Scrap Copper Transformers

Companies that have recently replaced their transformer, may now be wondering what to do with it. A transformer is an electrical device consisting of two or more coils of wire used to transfer electrical energy by means of a changing magnetic field. Transformers last between 30 to 50 years, so companies do not need to worry about this all the time. But when they do, it can seem like an impossible task. Companies that have scrap transformers may ask, “where can I sell scrap transformers?”

A good place to start your research may be the ISRI website. The Institute of Scrap Recycling, Inc. is the voice of the recycling industry promoting safe, economically sustainable, and environmentally responsible recycling. They do this through networking, advocacy, and education. They offer a searchable directory to help companies find the best recycling center closest to them.

Many companies do not realize the potential value of recycling transformers. In fact, working with a recycling center, like Interco, can actually help your business earn extra cash.

What Factors Influence the Price of Transformers?

When companies are looking to sell scrap transformers, the biggest factors affecting the selling value is the weight and whether it is contaminated. Usually, transformers arrive to the facility on pallets, but sometimes they come in dump trucks. No matter how they come to the facility, Interco pays for the net weight of the material. You calculate the net weight by deducing the tare weight from the gross weight.

If the material comes already separated, an expert will go through the bin to make sure there are no contaminants. Here is a list of contaminants:

Paper
Plastic
Solvents
Dirt

If there are contaminants, this severely affects the weight of the material and makes it harder to reintroduce the materials back into the manufacturing process. This will decrease the price of the material.

Why Is It Important to Sell Scrap Transformers?

It is important to sell scrap transformers instead of throwing them away because they contain toxic materials. When a transformer is running, it generates heat. If the coils are not protected, then they will melt. This can become extremely toxic because the coil is commonly made of copper. So, manufacturers use polychlorinated biphenyls. This is a manmade chemical that is an oily liquid. This chemical is resistant to extreme temperature and pressure, which makes it the perfect chemical to protect the coils.

If this chemical were to leak in a landfill, it would negatively affect the environment and the people living in the surrounding area. It could potentially leak into our water supply and cause extreme health problems. That is why the best way for companies to get rid of their transformers is to recycle them.

It is also important for companies to sell scrap transformers because if a company decides they are throwing it away, they will be missing out on a potential pay day.

The Process: Recycling Transformers

The process to recycle transformers should be performed using the following steps:

First, they remove the transformer from the device.
After it arrives at a facility, they test the equipment and oils for PCBs.
Then they process the oil and clean it to reuse.
They then disassemble the transformer and decide whether the parts will be disposed of or reused.
Then, they chop the coils, so they will be easy to melt and recycle.
They then recycle the tank as a whole.

Since scrap transformers contain toxic materials, it is important that the process is done in a controlled environment. Companies should work with a certified recycling center, like Interco, so they know that the recycler is using the best recycling practices out there.

About Interco

Interco is a global recycling company providing metals, computers and electronics recycling services to industrial, dealer, and government organizations throughout the western hemisphere. The facility has a 145,000 sqft. processing plant committed to the processing of computers, electronics, and batteries with the remainder of the indoor facility used for the processing of nonferrous industrial metals.

The facility has five buildings — approximately 400,000 square feet total — on more than 35 acres. The company facility has more than 20 inbound and outbound docks for receiving and shipping nonferrous scrap material as well as a railroad rail spur to load rail cars.

The company is within proximity to four major interstates (I-44, I-55, I-64, and I-70) while centrally located just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri in Madison, Illinois. The company offers a convenient delivery location as the facility is near four major interstates (I-44, I-55, I-64, and I-70) that intersect all of the Midwest and Central USA.