The issue of searching for non-ferrous metals in household appliances is becoming increasingly relevant, especially when it comes to recycling old equipment. Many owners of rare Soviet-made models or simply worn-out units are thinking about selling them for scrap. However, unlike washing machines or air conditioners, refrigerator is not the richest source of copper, and understanding its structure is critical before starting disassembly.
The main difficulty is that the copper in this household appliance is distributed unevenly and is often hidden inside sealed units. If you are planning to dismantle in order to obtain non-ferrous metal, you need to have a clear idea of where exactly to look for a valuable resource so as not to waste time disassembling the steel case.
It is important to immediately note that the amount of copper depends on the year of manufacture and model of the device. In modern units, manufacturers often replace non-ferrous metals with aluminum or steel in pursuit of savings, while in old Soviet models material intensity it was significantly higher. Let's look in detail at which nodes this precious metal is hidden and whether the game is worth the candle.
Main sources of copper in the design of a refrigerator
The first and most obvious place to look for copper is compressor. It is in this node that the bulk of the non-ferrous metal available for extraction is concentrated. The compressor is a sealed pump motor, and there is electrical copper inside its windings. However, you can’t just get to it - complete disassembly of the compressor housing is required, which is a labor-intensive and dangerous process.
The second important source is heat exchangers. In older models, especially Soviet-made ones (for example ZIL, Saratov, Biryusa early series), the evaporator and condenser were often made of copper tubes. In more modern units produced after the 90s, copper in heat exchangers is almost completely replaced by aluminum or steel with anti-corrosion coating. Therefore, the presence of a copper coil is a lottery, depending on the age of the equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Internal The evaporator tubes in older refrigerators may be filled with refrigerant (freon) and oil. If the seal is damaged, gas is released, which requires ventilation of the room.
The third, less significant source is connecting wires and control cables. Although their overall weight is low, the copper content of the insulation is quite high. The wires go from the thermostat to the compressor, and are also present in the systems No Frost (if they are in the old model), powering fans and defrosting heating elements.
Detailed structure of the compressor: where exactly to look
If you have made a firm decision to extract copper from the compressor, you need to understand its internal structure. The body is a sealed steel can, inside of which there is an electric motor and a piston group. The main value is stator windingmade of copper wire. The weight of this winding in household compressors varies from 300 to 600 grams, less often reaching a kilogram in industrial models.
In addition to the winding, the compressor contains copper elements in the form of supply tubes. Usually these are two or three pieces of tube with a diameter of 6-8 mm that extend out. They serve to circulate the refrigerant. Unlike the steel body, these tubes are easily cut off and sold as a separate category of scrap - mix or glossif they are clean.
It is worth considering that extracting copper from the windings requires burning of insulation or mechanical burning, which is environmentally unsafe and is often prohibited by law. Scrap metal collection points usually accept entire compressors at the price of ferrous metal or with a small premium, but do not separate them for you.
The secret of the winding weight
The weight of the copper winding directly depends on the power of the compressor. Low-power household models (100-150 W) contain less copper than powerful two-compressor units.
Heat exchangers: evaporator and condenser
The refrigerant circulation system is of greatest value to the scrap dealer if it is made of copper. In older "crying" refrigerators, the evaporator was often an aluminum panel with copper tubes glued on, or an all-copper coil located inside the freezer. The material can be determined by the color of the cut and the absence of magnetic properties.
The capacitor located at the rear of the unit was also often made from copper tubes with welded steel fins in Soviet times (sheet-tube capacitors). Visually, they look like a black grille on the back of the refrigerator. If the tubes are not covered with black enamel or varnish, but have a characteristic reddish shine in the cleaned area, you are in luck. The weight of copper in such a grid can be from 0.5 to 1.5 kg.
In systems No Frost the situation is more complicated. It uses evaporators hidden behind a plastic panel inside the freezer. They are almost always aluminum. Copper can only be found there in the tubes supplying freon to the evaporator, but their length is minimal. Disassembling such systems for copper is not economically feasible due to labor intensity and low product yield.
Table: Comparison of copper content in different units
For the convenience of assessing the potential profit from disassembly, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the summary table. The data is averaged and depends on the specific model and year of manufacture of your refrigeration equipment.
| Refrigerator unit | Type of metal | Approximate weight (kg) | Difficulty of removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor winding | Copper | 0.3 - 0.7 | High (requires opening) |
| Condenser tubes (rear grille) | Copper/Steel | 0.5 - 1.2 | Medium (requires an angle grinder) |
| Evaporator tubes (inside) | Aluminium/Copper | 0.2 - 0.8 | High (disassembling the housing) |
| Electric wiring | Copper | 0.1 - 0.3 | Low (wire cutters) |
As can be seen from the table, the main gain in weight comes from the “compressor + capacitor” combination. However, if your unit has steel tubing (as is often the case with 90s and 2000s models), then only the motor windings are of value. In such cases, it is easier to hand over the entire unit as ferrous metal scrapwithout wasting effort on disassembly.
Tools and safety precautions during disassembly
The process of cutting an old refrigerator requires a serious approach and the availability of special tools. You will need cable cutters, a hacksaw or, more efficiently, an angle grinder. Also, pliers, screwdrivers and a hammer will not be superfluous. It is better to carry out work outside or in a well-ventilated garage, as the process may release dust from the insulation and oil residues.
Pay special attention to safety. The compressor is under pressure, and although in older models it may have already been relieved, the risk of technical oil splashing remains. In addition, when cutting a steel frame, sparks and sharp metal edges may occur. Be sure to use safety glasses and gloves.
☑️ Preparing to disassemble the refrigerator
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to heat the sealed tubes of the cooling system with an open fire without preliminary calcination or drilling. Freon residues mixed with air can be explosive or toxic when burned.
Economic feasibility and scrap delivery
Is the game worth the candle? If you look at an old refrigerator as a source of quick profit, then the answer is ambiguous. The total copper output from one unit rarely exceeds 1-2 kilograms. At current market prices for scrap, the income will be the equivalent of several lunches. The bulk of the weight is the steel of the body and insulation (polyurethane foam), which are much cheaper.
On the other hand, if you have accumulated a “hill” of 10-20 old units, then their joint recycling can become a full-fledged income. In this case, it makes sense to purchase or rent a more powerful tool to speed up the process. It is also important to sort the metal correctly: copper separately, aluminum separately, steel separately. Mixed scrap (mix) is assessed by receivers at the lowest price.
Do not forget about the environmental aspect. Polyurethane foam, used as insulation, and refrigerants are harmful to the environment. By taking your refrigerator to specialized recycling centers, you often pay for its removal, but ensure that hazardous components are properly recycled. If your goal is only copper, make sure that the remaining parts will also be melted down and not thrown into the forest.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Approximately how much does copper cost from one old refrigerator?
The cost depends on current prices for scrap and the weight of the extracted metal. On average, from one Soviet refrigerator you can get copper worth an amount equivalent to the cost of 2-3 liters of gasoline, if you count only pure copper from the windings and tubes. The steel case will add an insignificant amount to this amount.
Is it possible to return the entire refrigerator without disassembling it?
Yes, many scrap metal collection points accept entire household appliances. However, in this case, it will be valued as scrap ferrous metals (steel), and the cost will be 3-4 times lower than if you sold copper and aluminum separately. Disassembly makes sense for large volumes.
Is it harmful to burn insulation from wires to obtain copper?
Yes, it is extremely harmful. When PVC insulation is burned, dioxins and other toxic substances are released that are hazardous to breathing and the environment. In addition, burnt copper loses in price, as receivers reduce the cost per “burnt”. It is better to use a mechanical stripping method.
Where else is there copper in household appliances?
The most copper is in electric motors (washing machines, vacuum cleaners), transformers, microwave ovens (magnetron and transformer) and, of course, in air conditioners. An air conditioner can contain up to 1-2 kg of copper only in heat exchangers.