What can be scrapped from an old refrigerator: analysis details

An old refrigerator is not just bulky garbage, but a potential source of income. Its design contains hidden kilograms non-ferrous and ferrous metalsthat collection points are ready to buy at favorable rates. But not all parts are equally valuable: a mientras compressor can bring up to 1500–2000 rubles (depending on the model and weight of copper), plastic shelves or sealing rubber, at best, will be recycled.

In this article we will look What parts of the refrigerator are accepted for scrap metalhow to dismantle them correctly, and what to pay attention to so as not to run into a fine for improper disposal. We will also reveal the secrets of how to squeeze maximum profit from old equipment, even if it has not been working for a long time.

What metals are contained in the refrigerator and how much they cost

The refrigerator is a real “mine” for the scrap metal dealer. In its design you can find:

• 🔹 Copper —the most valuable metal. Contained in the compressor, evaporator and condenser tubes, electric motor.
• 🔹 Aluminium - used in radiators, some models of evaporators, compressor housing.
• 🔹 Ferrous metal (steel, cast iron) - housing, shelves, doors, fasteners.
• 🔹 Brass —in some models of old refrigerators (for example, ZIL or Minsk) is found in tubes.

Prices for scrap metal vary depending on the region and point of collection, but in 2026 the estimated tariffs are as follows:

For example, in the compressor of an average refrigerator (Atlant or Samsung) there can be up to 1–1.5 kg of copper - this is 900–1200 rubles at current prices. And if you disassemble the entire unit, the total income will be 2000–5000 rubles, depending on the model and weight.

Top 5 most valuable parts of a refrigerator for rent

Not all parts of the refrigerator are equally beneficial. Here are the five most “money” componentswhich you should pay attention to first:

1. Compressor —the “heart” of the refrigerator, containing copper in the winding and aluminum in the housing. The weight of copper here can reach 1–1.5 kg, and the total weight of the part is 10–15 kg.
2. Evaporator and capacitor - copper or aluminum tubes located behind or inside the refrigerator. In older models, the tubes are often brass.
3. Fan motor (in models with No Frost) - contains copper in the winding.
4. Radiator (in some models) - aluminum or copper, weighs up to 2–3 kg.
5. Door hinges and fasteners - often made of steel or brass, the weight is small, but there are a lot of them.

But what to hand over unprofitable:

• ❌ Plastic shelves and drawers - they are accepted only as recyclable materials at a symbolic price (5-10 ₽/kg).
• ❌ Sealing rubber - cannot be recycled into scrap metal.
• ❌ Glass shelves - they can be handed over separately as glass containers, but not as scrap metal.

How to properly disassemble the refrigerator before handing over

Disassembling the refrigerator for scrap metal requires care and compliance with safety precautions. Here step-by-step instructions:

1. Unplug it and let the refrigerator sit 24 hoursto defrost.
2. Remove the doors —they are attached to hinges that can be unscrewed with a wrench. The hinges are often made of brass or steel.
3. Remove the compressor:
   • Disconnect the pipes leading to the compressor. (use a pipe cutter or grinder).
   • Unscrew the fastening bolts (usually 4 pieces).
   • Call a specialist if you are not confident in your abilities - there may be freon left in the compressor!

Remove the evaporator and condenser —they are located at the back of the refrigerator. The tubes can be cut off. grinder.

Disassemble the housing on steel sheets (doors, walls).

To work you will need tools:

• 🔧 Nuts keys (on 10, 12, 14).
• 🔧 Pipe cutter or grinder with a cutting wheel.
• 🔧 Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead).
• 🔧 Pliers and wire cutters.

Unplugged the refrigerator from the mains|Prepared the tools|Put on protective gloves and glasses|Checked for the presence of freon (if the refrigerator is working)|Organized a place for sorting parts-->

⚠️ Attention! There may remain freon a substance hazardous to health and the environment in the compressor and pipes. If the refrigerator is still working or has been turned off recently, do not cut into the pipes with an angle grinder — first bleed off the gas (it’s better to entrust this to a specialist).

How to prepare parts for delivery: cleaning and sorting

Scrap metal collection points do not accept dirty or rusty parts - they will have to be cleaned. Here's what you need to do:

• 🧹 Compressor - remove the oil (it may leak during transportation). dirt.
• 🧹 Evaporator/condenser tubes —cut off plastic or rubber seals, clean rust with a wire brush.
• 🧹 Steel body sheets —remove paint (if any peels off) and rust.
• 🧹 Aluminum parts - wash with water and detergent to remove grease and dirt.

Sort metals by type:

• 🟢 Copper — tubes, compressor winding.
• ⚪ Aluminium — radiators, compressor housing.
• ⚫ Ferrous metal — housing, shelves, hinges.
• 🟡 Brass —tubes in older models.

Some collection points removed up to 10-15% of the price, if the parts are unsorted or dirty. For example, a compressor with residual oil can be accepted for 20-30% cheaper.

Where to donate scrap metal from a refrigerator: choosing a collection point

Not all collection points work with refrigerators. Here's what to look for when choosing:

• 📍 Specialization - look for points that accept household appliances or non-ferrous scrap metal.
• 💰 Prices - compare tariffs for copper and aluminum in 3-4 points of your city.
• 🚛 Export - some companies offer free dismantling and removal a refrigerator (but the price for the metal may be lowered).
• 📄 Documents — when delivering a large shipment (from 50 kg), they may require a passport.

Where to look collection points:

• 🔍 Yandex.Maps or 2GIS - upon request “reception of scrap metal”.
• 🔍 Avito or Yula — advertisements for the repurchase of household appliances are often placed there.
• 🔍 Groups in VK/Telegram —for example, “Scrap metal [your city].”

⚠️ Attention! Some unscrupulous collection points underestimate the weight on scales or accept copper as brass (the difference in price is up to 200 ₽/kg). To avoid deception:

• Weigh the parts on your own before the trip.
• Demand show tariffs before weighing.
• If possible, hand over the metal in presence witness.

How to check the honesty of the scales at the reception point?

Ask to weigh one item separately on your scales and on their scales. If the difference is more than 5%, this is a reason to be wary. You can also take with you a weight of known weight (for example, 5 kg) and ask to weigh it.

How much you can earn from dismantling a refrigerator: real numbers

Income from selling a refrigerator for scrap metal depends on:

• 🏷️ Brands and models — in Soviet refrigerators (ZIL-63, Minsk-15) there is more copper than in modern ones.
• ⚖️ Weight of parts — compressor from Atlant weighs 10–12 kg, and from Samsung — 8–10 kg.
• 📍 Region —in Moscow and St. Petersburg prices 10–20% higher than in small cities.

Approximate calculation for a refrigerator Samsung RL-40 (2010 year of manufacture):

In reality, the amount may differ, but on average you can get from one refrigerator 3000–5000 rubles. If you have several old units, it is more profitable to hand them over wholesale —some points give a bonus for heavy weight.

Legal nuances: is it possible to hand over a refrigerator for scrap metal It is legal

Releasing a refrigerator for scrap is not prohibited by law, but there are several important points:

• 📜 Disposal fee —since 2012, Russia has had a law on the recycling of household appliances. If the refrigerator is sold as scrap metal and not as equipment for disposal, no fee is charged.
• 🚮 Freon - if there is refrigerant left in the system, it dispose of according to the rules (you cannot bleed it off yourself!). Some collection points are licensed to work with freon.
• 📋 Documents - when delivering a large batch (from 100 kg), a purchase and sale agreement may be required.

⚠️ Attention! If you hand over the refrigerator as household appliances for recycling (and not as scrap metal), some companies may pay you bonus for proper recycling (from 500 to 2000 ₽ depending on the program). Check this in advance!

It is also worth remembering that:

• 🚫 You cannot throw the refrigerator in a landfill is a violation of the law on waste (fine up to 2000 ₽ for individuals).
• 🚫 You cannot burn a refrigerator - when burned, freon releases toxic substances.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about selling refrigerators for scrap

Is it possible to hand over the entire refrigerator without disassembling it?

Yes, but that's less profitable. Reception points will evaluate it as ferrous metal (15–30 RUR/kg), although there is valuable copper inside. A disassembled refrigerator will bring 3–5 times more.

How much copper is in a refrigerator compressor Atlant?

In compressors Atlant (models MXM-170, MX-280) contains about 0.8–1.2 kg of copper (in the motor winding) and 0.3–0.5 kg aluminum (housing). The exact weight depends on the year of manufacture.

What to do if Is there any freon left in the refrigerator?

Freon cannot be released into the atmosphere! Options:

1. Contact a service center - they will bleed the gas for 500–1000 ₽.
2. Find a collection point with a license to dispose of freon (usually such companies themselves come out for dismantling).
3. If the refrigerator does not worked several years, the freon could have already evaporated.

Where in the refrigerator Samsung No Frost is the most copper?

In models with No Frost copper contains:

• In compressor (0.7–1 kg).
• In evaporator tubes (more 0.5–0.8 kg).
• In fan motor (0.1–0.2 kg).

Also check capacitor (rear grill) - in some models it is copper.

Is it possible to make money by selling plastic from the refrigerator?

Plastic from the refrigerator (ABS or polystyrene) are accepted as recyclable materials, but the price is low - 5–15 ₽/kg. It is more profitable to recycle it free of charge if the metal collection point does not accept plastic.