All Components
How to Recycle Electronic Speed Controllers
ESCs regulate power delivery from the battery to each motor. Available as individual units or 4-in-1 stacks. Run firmware like BLHeli_S, BLHeli_32, or AM32.
Safety Warnings
- Capacitors on ESCs can hold charge — discharge before handling
- Never short circuit ESC pads — can cause component failure and heat
- Handle PCBs by edges to avoid static damage to MOSFETs
Preparation Steps
- 1Disconnect battery and wait 30 seconds for capacitors to discharge
- 2Desolder motor wires and battery leads
- 3Remove from frame stack (unscrew standoff nuts)
- 4Keep rubber grommets and hardware with the ESC
- 5Note firmware version (BLHeli_S / BLHeli_32 / AM32) if known
Materials Recovered
| Material | Weight | Recovery Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Copper (traces, pads) | 8-15g | 90% |
| Silicon (MOSFETs, MCU) | 1-2g | 85% |
| Aluminum (capacitors) | 2-4g | 90% |
| Tin/Lead (solder) | 1-2g | 80% |
Environmental Impact
0.6 kg per ESC
CO₂ Avoided
25 liters per ESC
Water Saved
35g per ESC
Waste Diverted
What Electronic Speed Controllers Are Worth
| Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Excellent | $8-$30 |
| Good | $5-$20 |
| Fair | $3-$12 |
| Parts Only | $1-$5 (material value) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept individual ESCs or only 4-in-1?
Both. Individual ESCs, 4-in-1 boards, and ESC+FC combo stacks are all accepted. 4-in-1 ESCs typically have higher resale value due to demand.
Is a burned ESC worth recycling?
Yes. Even a burned ESC contains recoverable copper, aluminum, and silicon. If individual MOSFETs are blown but the MCU works, the board may even be repairable.
What ESC firmware is most valuable?
BLHeli_32 and AM32 ESCs command higher resale prices due to their advanced features. BLHeli_S ESCs are still accepted and have material value even if resale is lower.