Skip to main content

Drone Parts Recycling & Recovery

Not every part of a retired drone is waste. REFPV recovers, tests, and refurbishes working components — extending the useful life of motors, cameras, and electronics while recycling everything else responsibly.

Recovery Before Recycling

The most sustainable path for any product is to extend its useful life. A brushless motor that still meets factory specifications should not be shredded for scrap metal. A camera module with a perfect sensor should not sit in a landfill. REFPV prioritizes component recovery and refurbishment before material recycling.

Every drone we receive is carefully disassembled by trained technicians. Each component is individually assessed, tested, and graded. Parts that pass our rigorous quality standards are refurbished, warranted, and made available as affordable replacements. Parts that do not meet specifications are routed to the appropriate material recycling stream.

This approach delivers triple value: it reduces demand for new manufacturing, it provides affordable replacement parts to the drone community, and it ensures maximum resource recovery from every unit we process.

What Parts We Recover

Motors

Brushless motors from DJI, T-Motor, BrotherHobby, and all manufacturers. Each motor is bench-tested for RPM consistency, current draw, vibration levels, and bearing wear before certification.

Cameras & Gimbals

Hasselblad, DJI, Sony, and GoPro camera modules. Gimbal assemblies are tested for calibration, stabilization accuracy, and motor responsiveness. Lens quality is verified with resolution charts.

Flight Controllers

DJI, Betaflight, ArduPilot, and PX4-based controllers. Firmware is verified, sensors are calibrated, and all I/O ports are tested. Controllers with secure boot are wiped and re-provisioned.

ESCs & Power Systems

Electronic speed controllers, power distribution boards, and BECs. Tested under load for output accuracy, thermal performance, and signal response time.

Radio & GPS Modules

GPS/GNSS receivers, radio transmitters, FPV video transmitters, and receivers. Tested for signal strength, frequency accuracy, and range performance.

Airframe Components

Carbon fiber arms, landing gear, canopies, and structural components. Inspected for cracks, delamination, and structural integrity using visual and flex testing methods.

The Refurbishment Process

01

Disassembly

Drones are carefully taken apart by trained technicians using proper tools and ESD protection. Every component is catalogued and tagged with a unique tracking ID.

02

Testing & Grading

Each component undergoes multi-point testing against original manufacturer specifications. Parts are graded A (like-new), B (good), or C (functional with wear).

03

Refurbishment

Grade A and B parts are cleaned, re-lubricated (motors), re-calibrated (cameras, sensors), and firmware-verified. Cosmetic defects are noted but do not affect certification.

04

Certification & Warranty

Certified refurbished parts receive a 90-day warranty. Each part ships with a test report showing performance metrics. Buyers know exactly what they are getting.

When Parts Cannot Be Refurbished

Components that do not pass our testing standards are routed to specialized recycling partners based on material type. Nothing goes to landfill.

Circuit Boards

Precious metal recovery

Aluminum

Metal smelting & reuse

Carbon Fiber

Composite recycling

Copper Wiring

Copper refining

Plastics

Resin-sorted recycling

Drone Parts Recycling FAQ

What drone parts can be recovered and refurbished?+
Motors (brushless and brushed), cameras and gimbals, electronic speed controllers (ESCs), flight controllers, GPS modules, radio receivers, VTX units, FPV cameras, propellers in good condition, landing gear, airframe components, and chargers. Each component is individually tested against manufacturer specifications before being approved for refurbishment.
Do I get paid for drone parts that are refurbished?+
Yes, for parts that pass our testing and are approved for refurbishment, we offer a revenue share or credit toward future recycling services. The value depends on the component type, condition, and current market demand. DJI gimbal cameras, Skydio cameras, and high-end brushless motors tend to have the highest recovery value. You receive an itemized assessment after intake.
What happens to parts that cannot be refurbished?+
Components that fail our testing standards are routed to material recycling. Circuit boards go to certified e-waste processors for precious metal recovery (gold, silver, palladium). Aluminum and steel components are melted and recycled. Plastic housings are sorted by resin type for recycling. Carbon fiber frames are processed by specialized composite recyclers. Nothing goes to landfill.
How do you test recovered drone parts?+
Every component goes through a multi-stage testing process. Motors are bench-tested for RPM, current draw, vibration, and bearing condition. Cameras are checked for sensor quality, lens clarity, and gimbal calibration. ESCs are tested for output accuracy and thermal performance under load. Flight controllers undergo firmware verification and sensor calibration checks. Only parts that meet or exceed 90% of original specifications are approved for refurbishment.
Can I buy refurbished drone parts from REFPV?+
Yes. Tested and certified refurbished parts are available through our parts marketplace. Every refurbished component comes with a 90-day warranty and has been tested to meet original manufacturer specifications. This is a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to buying new replacement parts.

Find Drone Recycling Near You

REFPV offers drone parts recycling and recovery services across the United States. Find a location near you.

CaliforniaTexasFloridaNew YorkIllinoisPennsylvaniaOhioGeorgiaNorth CarolinaMichigan
View all US locations →

Get Value from Your Old Drones

Working parts are recovered and refurbished. Everything else is recycled responsibly. Earn credit or revenue share on refurbished components.

Get a Free Quote