ISRI Code : NA

What is Power Supplies Scrap?

Power supplies scrap refers to end-of-life electronic power units—mainly from desktop computers, servers, printers, and other devices—removed for bulk recycling. They typically contain:

  • Aluminum or steel cases/housings

  • Copper wires and low-grade PCBs

  • Transformers, capacitors, and inductors

  • Heat sinks (aluminum/copper)

  • PCBs (often low-grade—less gold/precious metal than RAM or CPUs)

Educational Value & Industry Insights

Commodities Inside Power Supplies

  • Copper wire (modest but highest single-value content)

  • Aluminum case/heat sinks

  • Iron/steel from transformer cores

  • Some PCBs for further recovery

  • A trace of precious metals in circuitry

Why Recycle Power Supplies?

  • Environmental Benefit: Reduces landfill, prevents leaching of heavy metals, displaces demand for new mining.

  • Business Benefit: Scaled recycling turns a complex waste stream into profit (especially in large IT, industrial, or data center clearouts).

  • Critical Materials: Recovers copper and aluminum essential for new electronics and green infrastructure.

How Are Prices Determined?

  • Market Metals Prices: High copper or aluminum = stronger pricing.

  • Grade & Condition: “Untested” whole power supplies pay less than sorted copper, wire, or extruded heatsinks.

  • Purity & Volume: Large, clean batches valued higher; disassembly produces separated, higher-value components.

  • Geography: Regional demand, export opportunities, and processing costs affect local offer.

Monitor live Electronics Scrap Prices and Scrap Yard Prices for up-to-date offers.

Business Playbook: Where to Buy & Sell

If You Want to Sell

If You Want to Buy

Large-quantity deals?
Negotiate volume contracts for pickup and grading with certified e-waste handlers (often listed or linked from ScrapMonster B2B).

ScrapMonster Value-Add & News Integration

Recycling Benefits: Environment, Circular Economy & Commerce

  • Saves Energy: Recycling aluminum or copper requires ~90% less energy than virgin production.

  • Pollution Prevention: Removes lead, mercury, and other toxics before they reach land or water.

  • Sustains Growth: Supplies raw material for new electronics, car parts, and green energy infrastructure.

  • Boosts Local Business: Many small yards and processors employ green jobs and feed the global circular supply chain.

 

Fun Facts: Power Supply Scrap Edition

  • Universal Source: Every PC sold since the 1980s has a recyclable power supply; global data center upgrades fuel the scrap stream.

  • “Urban Mining”: The copper in 1,000 recycled PSUs can wire an entire small home.

  • Global Impact: Millions of pounds of metal and e-waste diverted from landfill through responsible PSU recycling every year.

  • Tech History: The “switching” power supply in computers pioneered the compact, lightweight adapters used in everything from laptops to electric vehicles today.

Conclusion: Opportunity for Business & Planet

Power supplies scrap is at the crossroads of business value, environmental stewardship, and materials recovery. Whether managing an e-waste operation, clearing out an IT center, or selling small batches, using ScrapMonster’s pricing, market, and trade tools ensures maximum return, compliance, and impact.

For deals, analytics, market leads, and best practices—make ScrapMonster.com your portal to the world of electronics recycling.

Updated October 2025 | ScrapMonster Inc. | © 2009–2025 – All rights reserved