Owners of broken household appliances often think about recycling them not just as getting rid of junk, but as an opportunity to benefit from the materials contained inside. The question of where copper is located in an old refrigerator becomes especially relevant when preparing the unit for delivery to a collection point for non-ferrous metals. Understanding the design of the refrigeration circuit allows you not only to correctly assess the potential income, but also to safely dismantle valuable components without damaging them in the process.
The bulk of this valuable non-ferrous metal is hidden in the heat exchange systems and electrical part of the compressor. Unlike modern models, where manufacturers are increasingly replacing tubes with aluminum alloys, in Soviet and early post-Soviet technology predominantly pure red copper was used. Thermal conductivity this material makes it ideal for effective heat removal, which explains its widespread use in older units of the brand ZIL, Biryusa or Saratov.
Before you start disassembling, you must clearly understand that extracting metal requires certain technical skills and compliance with safety measures. A refrigerant circulates inside the system, which can be flammable or toxic, and the process of cutting pipes requires caution. The highest concentration of copper is observed in the windings of the compressor electric motor and in the condenser tubes located on the rear wall.
Compressor: the main source of non-ferrous metal
The heart of any refrigerator is the compressor, and it is in this unit that a significant part of the valuable resources is concentrated. Inside the sealed casing there is an electric motor, the stator of which is wound from copper wire. In older models, the weight of this winding can reach several hundred grams, and sometimes more than a kilogram, which makes dismantling the compressor an economically justifiable step.
To access the contents, you must carefully open the steel case using an angle grinder or a hacksaw. It is important not to damage the internal winding, since contamination with chips or oil reduces the cost of scrap. Stator winding represents dense bundles of wire, which, after being removed from a set of core plates, can be returned as electrical copper.
⚠️ Attention: Inside the compressor there is compressor oil. When opening the casing, it may leak out, so carry out work outside or lay down an absorbent rag so as not to stain the floor and clothes.
In addition to the winding itself, copper is contained in the output and inlet pipes, which are welded to the body. Although their weight is small, they are also valuable scrap. In some models of compressors, especially those made in Italy, even elements of the valve group may be copper, but their removal requires complete disassembly of the mechanism, which is not always advisable.
How much copper is in an average compressor?
Depending on the power and year of manufacture, the weight of pure copper in the windings of an old compressor varies from 0.3 to 1.2 kg. In modern aggregators, this figure is often lower due to the use of aluminum.
Condenser and evaporator: where to look for tubes
The second most important source of non-ferrous metal is the heat exchange circuit, consisting of a condenser and evaporator. In older refrigerators, the condenser, located on the rear outer wall, is almost always made of copper tubes with or without welded steel fins. This is a "black" radiator that is easy to identify visually.
The evaporator, located inside the freezer or behind the rear panel of the refrigerator compartment, can also be copper, although in later models it was often made of aluminum. To determine the material, you can lightly clean the surface: copper has a characteristic reddish-red color, in contrast to silver aluminum. PipelinesThe connecting these nodes are also of interest to the scrap collector.
The process of dismantling pipes requires care. They are often glued to the back wall with asphalt mastic or secured with staples. When tearing the tubes away from the walls, it is important not to bend them excessively, as this will complicate further cleaning and sorting. To disconnect from the compressor, the tubes are cut or sawed, since they are welded.
Differences between Soviet and modern models
When evaluating an old refrigerator, it is critical to understand in what era it was produced. Soviet industry did not save on non-ferrous metals, therefore, in units produced until the 1990s, the copper content was as high as possible. Modern manufacturers, seeking to reduce the cost of construction, are actively introducing aluminum, which is much cheaper and lighter, but inferior in durability and thermal conductivity.
The table below shows a comparison of the copper content in refrigerators of different generations, which will help you assess the prospects for disassembling a particular instance:
| Characteristics | Soviet models (up to 1990) | Models of the 90s - 2000s | Modern refrigerators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condenser tube material | Copper (100%) | Copper / Steel coated | Aluminium / Steel |
| Compressor winding | Copper | Copper | Copper / Aluminum |
| Weight of non-ferrous metal | High (up to 2-3 kg) | Medium (1-1.5 kg) | Low (less than 1 kg) |
| Difficulty of extraction | High (required disassembly) | Medium | Low (little metal) |
It is worth noting that during the transition period (late 80s - early 90s) some factories began to experiment with materials. Therefore, even on an apparently old refrigerator Indesit or Atlant there may be an aluminum evaporator. Always check the material mechanically or with a magnet, although a magnet does not act the same on copper and aluminum (both are not magnetic, but aluminum is lighter).
Technology for safe disassembly of the refrigerator
The copper extraction process begins with preparing the workplace and tools. You will need wire cutters, a hacksaw, pliers, gloves to protect your hands, and possibly safety glasses. Before starting work, the refrigerator must be unplugged from the network for at least a day so that the refrigerant has time to dissipate or condense, although in older models careful puncture of the tubes is often practiced.
The first step is always to dismantle the compressor. It is attached to the frame with four bolts or studs with rubber shock absorbers. After disconnecting the electrical wires and tubes, the unit is removed. Next comes the stage of separating the heat exchanger. The condenser tubes are bitten off at the base, and the coil itself is carefully torn off from the back wall.
To increase the price of scrap, it is recommended to carry out primary sorting. Copper should be cleaned of insulation (if there is any on the wires), solder and other metals. Grade metal directly affects the final amount you receive at the collection point. Pure "electronic" or "burnt" is valued much higher than mixed scrap.
☑️ Checklist before disassembly
Environmental aspects and disposal leftovers
When dismantling an old refrigerator for the sake of copper, we must not forget about environmental safety. The remaining casing, plastic decor and, most importantly, insulating foam (polyurethane foam) require proper disposal. Simply throwing them in the nearest container is not the best solution, as some components may be harmful to the environment.
Particular attention should be paid to the refrigerant. Older refrigerators often used R12 freon, which destroys the ozone layer. Although its quantity in a household appliance is small, it is not recommended to release it into the atmosphere unless necessary. Modern refrigerants (R600a) are explosive, requiring special care when cutting pipes.
⚠️ Warning: Never burn wire or winding insulation to clean copper in residential areas. When insulation burns, toxic substances are released that are dangerous to human health and nature.
After extracting valuable metals, it is best to hand over the remaining “skeleton” of the refrigerator in its entirety to a specialized organization for recycling household appliances. This ensures that ferrous metal and plastic are recycled properly, and you receive additional, albeit small, compensation for the weight of ferrous scrap.
Economic feasibility and final conclusions
Is the game worth the candle? If you have one old refrigerator, the mined copper may not be worth the cost of tools and time spent disassembling it. However, if we are talking about a batch of 5-10 units of equipment accumulated at a dacha or in a garage cooperative, then the total weight of non-ferrous metal can amount to a significant amount.
In addition, self-disassembly allows you to weed out truly valuable components that can be sold separately as spare parts or recyclables of a higher category. Understanding where copper is located turns the chaotic dismantling of iron into a structured process of resource extraction.
In conclusion, searching for copper in an old refrigerator is a fascinating, albeit labor-intensive process that requires knowledge of the equipment. The main "gold veins" are located inside the compressor and in the rear radiator tubes. By following safety precautions and correctly sorting metal, you can effectively manage the resources of old equipment.
What to do with aluminum?
Aluminum is also accepted at scrap metal points, but its price is lower. Do not mix it with copper when weighing, so as not to underestimate the cost of the main batch.
Approximately how many kilograms of copper can be obtained from one old refrigerator?
From a Soviet refrigerator you can extract from 1 to 2.5 kg of copper, depending on the model and condition of the compressor. Of modern models, the output rarely exceeds 0.5-0.8 kg, since the tubes are often made of steel or aluminum.
Is it dangerous to open the compressor yourself?
Yes, this requires caution. There may be oil under pressure and freon residues inside. Work should be carried out in a well-ventilated area, away from open fire, using safety glasses and gloves.
How to distinguish a copper tube from an aluminum one?
Copper has a characteristic reddish-red color when cut and is not magnetic. Aluminum is silver, much lighter and also non-magnetic. The steel will be magnetic. You can make a small file or a scratch in an inconspicuous place.
Will copper be accepted for scrap if it contains solder residues?
They will accept it, but will be valued at a lower price, as a “mix” or second category. For maximum profit, it is recommended to clean copper from tin, steel and insulation.