The failure of an old refrigerator or the need to replace it always poses the owner with the question: what to do with bulky equipment? People often think that the easiest way is to take the unit to a landfill, but this not only harms the environment, but also violates legal regulations for the disposal of electrical equipment.
The most valuable part of a refrigeration unit is its heart - compressor. It is this unit that is of interest to collection points for non-ferrous and ferrous metals, as well as to specialized repair shops. Knowing where to hand over a refrigerator compressor, you can not only free up space in the garage, but also receive a small financial compensation for handing over scrap.
In this article we will analyze in detail all possible options for recycling the motor, consider current prices on the market recyclable materials and give advice on how to safely remove the unit. Understanding the value of the components of your old equipment will allow you to act intelligently and profitably.
The value of a compressor as a secondary raw material
To understand why there is a demand for compressors, it is necessary to consider their internal structure. The hermetically sealed casing housing the motor-compressor is made of durable sheet steel. This is already ferrous scrap metalwhich is readily accepted at any collection point.
However, the real value is hidden inside. The windings of the electric motor are made of copper or aluminum, and in some modern models rare earth metals may also be found in the magnets. It is the content of non-ferrous metals that makes the dismantling and delivery of these units economically feasible for processors.
The cost of delivery depends on the form in which you hand over the unit: entirely or disassembled. Reception points that accept equipment “as is” usually price it at the minimum price of ferrous metal, since they take on the risks and labor costs of further cutting.
If you open the casing yourself and remove the copper winding, the price per kilogram of such raw materials will increase several times. However, even when assembled, the old motor LG or Atlant represents a liquid product for the metallurgical industry.
Main places for receiving compressors
The first and most obvious option is specialized points for collecting scrap metal. Such organizations work daily and are ready to accept any amount of ferrous and non-ferrous metal. They evaluate the weight and purity of the metal, paying out funds immediately after weighing.
The second option is private workshops for repairing household appliances. Craftsmen often look for working compressors used ones to restore clients' refrigerators. If your motor is in good working order or can be repaired, it can be bought for a much higher price than just for scrap.
There are also large retail chains that launch programs for recycling old equipment when purchasing new ones. In this case, you hand over the entire refrigerator, and the store takes care of the logistics and transfer of the unit for processing to partners.
⚠️ Attention: Not all collection points are ready to work with individuals or accept small volumes (1-2 pieces). Large databases are often focused on wholesalers, so before your trip, be sure to check the terms of reception by phone.
Online ad platforms are worth mentioning separately. By posting an advertisement for the sale of a compressor, you can find private craftsmen or service center owners who need just such a unit for a specific refrigerator model.
How to prepare a compressor for delivery
Before taking the motor to the collection point, it must be properly dismantled. This will not only make transportation easier, but will also protect you during loading. First of all, you need to completely de-energize the refrigerator and disconnect it from the network.
Next, you should carefully disconnect the copper tubes going to the condenser and evaporator. Special tools are used for this, but at home they often use a hacksaw or wire cutters. The main thing is not to damage other parts of the refrigerator if you plan to hand over them separately.
☑️ Preparing the compressor for delivery
An important step is removing the oil. Inside the compressor there is technical oil, which is classified as hazardous waste. When handing over for scrap, it is advisable to pour it into a separate container and hand it over to a special collection point for used oils, so as not to pollute the environment.
If you hand over the entire compressor, many collection points can make a discount on the weight due to the presence of liquid in it. Therefore, a dry and clean unit will cost more. It is also worth removing the plastic casing and starting equipment if they are not valuable to the processor.
Disassembling the compressor to increase the price
For those who want to maximize profits, the issue of disassembly becomes relevant. Opening the sealed casing requires certain skills and tools, since it is welded in a circle. However, it is inside that the most expensive component is located - copper winding.
The disassembly process begins with sawing the case. After opening, you will see a stator with copper wire wound on it and a rotor. The copper must be separated from the steel plates. This is a labor-intensive process, but the price of purified copper (M1, M2) significantly exceeds the cost of ferrous metal.
You can also find small amounts of aluminum and steel of different grades inside the compressor. Sorting metals allows you to hand over each type separately, which in total gives more income than handing over mixed scrap.
Is the game worth the candle?
Disassembling one compressor can take from 30 to 60 minutes and requires an angle grinder, a hammer and a chisel. If you only have one motor, it makes more economic sense to trade it in entirely. Disassembly makes sense if you have a batch of 10 or more pieces or if you are already engaged in professional electronics processing.
When working with an angle grinder, be sure to use personal protective equipment: goggles and gloves. Metal shavings and sparks can cause injury to eyes or skin. In addition, pressure or refrigerant vapor may remain inside, so be careful when making the first cut.
Factors influencing the cost of reception
The price that you will be offered at the reception point is not fixed and depends on many factors. First of all, this is the current exchange price of metals, which can fluctuate daily depending on world quotations.
The second important factor is the volume of the batch. When handing over several tens of kilograms of scrap, you can count on a wholesale price that is always higher than the retail price. Reception points are interested in large volumes and are ready to make discounts for quantity.
The third factor is the purity of the metal. A compressor that is free of dirt, oil, plastic and rubber will be rated higher. The presence of foreign impurities forces receivers to underestimate the weight or category of scrap.
Below is a table with approximate prices, which may vary depending on the region and the specific receiving company.
| Type of raw materials | Condition | Approximate price (RUB/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Black scrap | Compressor assembly | 15 - 25 |
| Non-ferrous scrap | Copper (winding) | 550 - 650 |
| Aluminum | Tubes and parts | 60 - 90 |
| Electrical steel | Stator plates | 20 - 30 |
⚠️ Attention: The prices indicated are average and may vary. Always check the exact cost directly at the collection point at the time of delivery, since tariffs depend on market conditions.
Legal aspects and ecology
The delivery of compressors for scrap is completely legal and is even encouraged by the state as part of the resource recycling program. However
When you independently saw the tubes or housing, freon escapes into the atmosphere. Although the volumes of gas from a single household refrigerator are small, massive illegal disposal creates serious environmental problems. Large processing plants have gas capture systems.
The legislation of the Russian Federation does not prohibit individuals from scrapping household appliances, but obliges them to do this through licensed organizations if we are talking about commercial volumes. For an ordinary citizen, it is enough to hand over the motor to an official collection point.
When choosing a delivery location, give preference to companies that have the appropriate licenses to work with scrap ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This is a guarantee that your old compressor will end up in a recycling plant and not in an illegal dump. oil? Danfoss or Secop will end up in a recycling plant rather than an illegal dump.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I return a compressor if it is full of oil?
Yes, you can, but the price will be lower. Receivers deduct the weight of the liquid or charge a fee for its disposal. It is better to drain the oil yourself before handing it over.
Do you need a passport to scrap a compressor?
For one-time delivery of small volumes (up to 100-200 kg), a passport is usually not required. However, large scrap metal depots may request a document to issue an invoice to exclude stolen metal.
How much does the average refrigerator compressor weigh?
The weight of a household compressor varies from 8 to 12 kilograms depending on the model and power. Industrial units can weigh significantly more.
Will they accept a compressor if the copper tubes are cut?
Yes, they will. The presence or absence of copper tubes affects the classification of scrap, but is not grounds for refusal. The main thing is the absence of toxic substances and radiation.
Where to find the nearest collection point?
Use maps (Yandex, Google) for the query “scrap metal collection point” or “purchase of non-ferrous metal”. Pay attention to the reviews and operating mode.