Selling vs Recycling Your FPV Drone
Should you sell your used FPV drone or recycle it? Compare the financial return, environmental impact, and convenience of each option to make the best decision for your situation.
Sell
Pros
- Higher financial return for working drones
- Components continue being used (extends lifecycle)
- Supports the secondhand FPV market
- Quick payment through FPV Recycling
Cons
- Requires functional components for best value
- May need cleaning and preparation
- Market value decreases over time
Best for: Working drones and components in good-to-excellent condition
$30-$350 per drone (depending on condition and type)
Recycle
Pros
- Accepts any condition including non-functional
- Prevents hazardous e-waste from reaching landfills
- Recovers valuable materials (copper, lithium, rare earths)
- Free shipping — zero cost to you
Cons
- Lower financial return than selling working components
- Materials may be downcycled rather than reused as-is
Best for: Non-functional drones, degraded batteries, and end-of-life components
$0-$15 per drone (recycling value + free shipping)
Verdict by Scenario
Working drones have significant resale value. Selling keeps them in the ecosystem.
Individual components (motors, frames) may still be sellable. Non-salvageable parts should be recycled.
Damaged batteries have no resale value and are hazardous. Professional recycling is the only safe option.
Even older components have some market value. Sell before they become obsolete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell some parts and recycle the rest?
Yes — FPV Recycling evaluates each component individually. Working parts are refurbished and resold, while end-of-life parts are recycled. You get paid for the sellable components and the rest is recycled for free.
Is recycling actually better than throwing away?
Dramatically. FPV drones contain copper, lithium, neodymium, and other materials that contaminate soil and groundwater when landfilled. Recycling recovers 60-95% of these materials and prevents toxic contamination.