How much copper is contained in a ZIL refrigerator: detailed analysis and practical advice

• 🔌 Compressor (motor) —the most “copper” place. Here, copper is contained in the motor windings, tubes and contacts. The weight of copper in one compressor can reach 1.2–2.5 kg depending on the model.
• 🧊 Evaporator and condenser - copper tubes through which the refrigerant circulates. In older models, they are often not covered with protection, which makes removal easier.
• 🔧 Start relay and thermostat - contain copper contacts and windings, but their weight usually does not exceed 100-200 grams.
• ⚡ Electrical wiring - internal refrigerator wires may have copper cores, but their number is minimal.

The most valuable component is, of course, compressor. It uses copper not only in windings, but also in freon tubes. For example, in the model ZIL-KSh-260 the weight of copper in the compressor can reach 2–2.2 kg, while in later modifications (for example, ZIL-63P) this figure is slightly lower - about 1.5–1.8 kg.

No less important condenser and evaporator. In refrigerators ZIL they are often made of copper tubes with a diameter of 6–8 mm. The length of the tubes in the condenser can reach 10–15 meters, and in the evaporator - 5–8 meters. With a wall thickness of 0.8–1 mm, this provides additional 0.5–1 kg of copper.

Table: The amount of copper in popular ZIL models

To make it easier for you to navigate, we have compiled a table with the approximate copper content in the most common refrigerator models ZIL. The data is based on analysis of real copies and may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and modification.

As can be seen from the table, the most “copper” models are the early ZIL-62 i ZIL-KSh-260. Their copper content can reach 3.5 kg, which makes them especially attractive for scrap metal. However, do not forget that in later models (for example ZIL-Moskholod) the amount of copper was almost halved.

It is important to consider that the data provided is maximum possible weight. In practice, some of the copper may be oxidized, painted, or alloyed with other metals (for example, at solder joints). In addition, in some models, the condenser tubes are partially replaced with aluminum, which reduces the overall weight of copper.

How to properly extract copper from ZIL refrigerator: step-by-step instructions

If you decide to dismantle the copper yourself, it is important to do it carefully and safely. Improper disassembly can lead to injury, freon leakage or damage to valuable parts. Below we will provide step-by-step instructions, but remember: if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a specialist.

Unplug the refrigerator at least 24 hours in advance

Prepare tools: wire cutters, hacksaw, pliers, screwdrivers

Wear protective gloves and goggles

Organize a ventilated space (freon is toxic!)

Prepare containers for sorting metals-->

Step 1: Removing the compressor

The compressor is located at the bottom of the refrigerator at the back. To remove it:

1. Unscrew the mounting bolts (usually 3-4 pieces).
2. Carefully disconnect the tubes going to the compressor. You can bite them with wire cutters or cut them off with a hacksaw.
3. Disconnect the electrical contacts (memorize or take a photo of the connection diagram if you plan to use the compressor in the future).

There is copper wire windinginside the compressor. To remove it, you will need to disassemble the case. This is a difficult task since the compressor is sealed and filled with oil. Most often, it is handed over entirely - professionals will sort it out at the collection points.

Step 2: Removing the condenser and evaporator

Condenser (grid at the back of the refrigerator) and evaporator (inside the freezer) consist of copper tubes. To dismantle them:

1. Remove the back cover of the refrigerator (it is secured with latches or screws).
2. Break the tubes at the joints. Be careful - freon may remain inside!
3. Remove the tubes, being careful not to damage them (the longer the pieces, the higher the return price).

In the evaporator, the tubes are often soldered to aluminum plates. They can be separated by heating with a soldering iron, but this is a labor-intensive process.

Step 3: Removing copper from the relay and thermostat

The start relay and thermostat contain some copper, but this can also be removed:

1. Remove the relay cover (usually it is attached to latches).
2. Remove the copper contacts and winding.
3. In the thermostat, the copper is in a coil - it can be removed by disassembling the case.

The weight of copper here is small, but if you disassemble several refrigerators, it adds up.

How much can you earn on copper from a ZIL refrigerator in 2026?

The price of copper at collection points varies depending on the region, the purity of the metal and the current exchange rate. At the time of writing (2026), average prices in Russia look like this:

• 💰 Pure copper (wire, tubes without impurities) — 600–800 rub/kg
• 🔧 Copper insulated or soldered — 400–600 rub/kg
• ♻️ Scrap compressors (with copper inside) — 200–350 rub/kg

Based on these prices, let's calculate the potential income from the refrigerator ZIL-KSh-260, which contains about 3 kg of copper:

• Compressor (2 kg) - if handed over as scrap: 2 × 300 = 600 rub.
• Tubes (1 kg) - pure copper: 1 × 700 = 700 rub.
• Relay and thermostat (0.2 kg) - copper with impurities: 0.2 × 500 = 100 rubles.

Total: ~1400 rubles from one refrigerator. If we take into account that in some models there is more copper (for example, up to 3.5 kg), income can reach ZIL-62 up to 3.5 kg), income can reach 1800–2000 rub.

However, do not forget about the costs:

1. Transportation of the refrigerator (if it is not in place).
2. Tools (pliers, hacksaw, soldering iron).
3. Time - disassembling one refrigerator takes 2–4 hours.

If you have access to several refrigerators, the benefits become more obvious. For example, when dismantling 5 refrigerators ZIL-KSh-260 you can get up to 7–10 kg of copperwhich will bring 5000–7000 rub.

Dangers and risks when removing copper from a refrigerator

Disassembling a refrigerator is not only a potential profit, but also health and safety risks. Here are the main hazards you need to be aware of:

• ☠️ Freon - refrigerant that can remain in the system even when the refrigerator is turned off. When inhaled, it causes dizziness, nausea, and in high concentrations, suffocation. You only need to work in a ventilated area!
• ⚡ Residual voltage - even after disconnecting from the network, capacitors can retain a charge. Touching the contacts may result in electric shock.
• 🔥 Fire hazard — when cutting tubes, a spark may occur that will ignite residual oil or freon.
• 🩹 Injuries —sharp metal edges, flying fragments when cutting, eye damage.

Especially dangerous Freon R12which was used in older models ZIL. Not only is it toxic, but it also destroys the ozone layer. If there is a leak, it must not be inhaled, and the room must be ventilated for at least 30 minutes. In modern scrap metal collection points, they may refuse to accept refrigerators with unremoved freon - this is a violation of environmental standards.

Another nuance - oil in the compressor. It may be contaminated with copper particles and other metals. When disassembling the compressor, oil may leak out, so prepare a container to collect it in advance. It must be disposed of separately, as it is classified as hazardous waste.

Alternative ways to use the ZIL refrigerator: sale, repair, remodeling

Before disassembling the refrigerator for copper, think about whether you can get more benefit from it in other ways. Soviet ZILs are still in demand, and sometimes they can be sold entirely for more than the cost of the copper inside.

• 💵 Sale of a working refrigerator - on bulletin boards (Avito, Yula) old ones ZIL sell for 3,000–10,000 rubles in depending on the condition. Even a non-working, but intact refrigerator can be sold for 1000–3000 rubles.
• 🔧 Repair and resale —if the problem is in the compressor or thermostat, replacing them can cost 2000–4000 rubles, but you can sell a repaired refrigerator for 8,000–15,000 rubles.
• ♻️ Alteration for other needs - from refrigerators ZIL they make smokehouses, safes, tool cabinets. Such homemade products are in demand among hunters and summer residents.
• 🎨 Vintage design —some models (for example, ZIL-KSh-260 with chrome handles) are bought for retro interiors. The price can reach 15,000–20,000 rubles.

If you still decide to disassemble the refrigerator, consider selling individual parts:

1. Compressor - in demand among craftsmen for repairing refrigerators (price 1000-3000 rubles).
2. Door seals - they are bought for restoration (200-500 rubles per set).
3. Thermostat - a working one can be sold for 300-800 rubles.
4. Shelves and drawers - used in garages and workshops (100–300 rubles per piece).

Thus, selling a refrigerator entirely or in parts can bring more profit than selling copper.

Legal aspects: is it possible legally hand over copper from refrigerators?

In Russia, the delivery of scrap metal is regulated by law, and there are several nuances that are important to know:

• 📄 Passport data — when handing over large quantities of copper (more than 50 kg), collection points may require a passport. This is due to the fight against illegal trafficking of non-ferrous metals.
• ♻️ Environmental standards — if you hand over a refrigerator with freon, the collection point must have a license for hazardous waste disposal. Otherwise, you may be refused.
• 🚛 Transportation - transportation of large-sized scrap (for example, an entire refrigerator) may require special documents if the weight exceeds 1 ton.

Particular attention is required pay freon. According to Federal Law No. 89-FZ "On Production and Consumption Waste", the disposal of refrigerators with refrigerants must be carried out by licensed organizations. If you release freon into the atmosphere yourself, this may be regarded as violation of environmental legislation and result in a fine of up to 2000 rubles (for individuals).

To avoid problems:

1. Check with the collection point whether they accept refrigerators with freon.
2. If not, find a specialized recycling company.
3. Save receipts or acceptance certificates - they may be needed to confirm the legality of the transaction.

In some regions there are programs for recycling old equipment with additional payment. For example, when handing over a refrigerator, you can get 500–1000 rubles over the cost of scrap metal.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about copper in ZIL refrigerators