you need to check around at different yards. I cut the ends off all my power/extension cords and throw them in a bucket. The yard I go to pays me as #1 insulated every time, and that's after they inspect the buckets. Never a word about being anything less. Recently been getting $1.40-$1.50 for #1 insulated, so your investment is well worth it even if you don't strip them. Motors are $0.25 per pound.