What Are Alternators & Starters?

Alternators and starters are essential components found in cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and many other types of vehicles. The alternator generates electricity to charge the battery and power the vehicle's electrical systems, while the starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over during ignition.

When these components wear out or fail, they are commonly replaced, making them a valuable source of recyclable metal.

What Makes Them Valuable?

Alternators and starters contain a combination of recyclable materials, including copper, steel, and aluminum. Inside each unit are copper windings that are highly valued by scrap yards, along with durable metal housings and other recoverable components.

Because they typically contain a higher concentration of copper than many standard electric motors, alternators and starters often command a higher scrap value.

What Can Be Recycled?

Both complete alternators and starters are accepted for recycling. In addition, copper windings and cores that have already been removed from these components are also valuable recyclable materials.

Keeping components separated from other scrap metals and free of unnecessary contaminants can help maximize their value.

Why Recycle Alternators & Starters?

Recycling alternators and starters allows valuable metals to be recovered and reused in the manufacture of new products. Copper, steel, and aluminum can all be processed and recycled, reducing the need for raw material extraction and helping conserve natural resources.

• Recovers valuable copper, steel, and aluminum.
• Reduces landfill waste and supports sustainable recycling.
• Conserves natural resources by reusing existing metals.
• Provides value from worn or obsolete automotive components.

Whether they come from passenger vehicles, commercial fleets, or marine equipment, alternators and starters remain an excellent source of recyclable metal.