The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and its metal components often become an object of interest for those involved in the recycling or donation of non-ferrous metals. The question how many kilograms of copper are contained in the compressor is relevant both for repairmen and for owners of old equipment who want to get the most out of an unnecessary device. However, the answer is not so simple: the amount of copper depends on the model of the refrigerator, the type of compressor and even the year of manufacture.
In this article we will figure out, how much copper can be extracted from compressors of popular brands (Samsung, Indesit, Atlant, Stinol), how to extract it correctly without risk to health, and how much money you can get from scrapping. You will also find out what other valuable metals are hidden inside this unit and why you should not rush to disassemble the compressor without preparation.
Spoiler: on average, a household compressor contains from 0.8 to 2.5 kg of copper, but there are nuances that many are not aware of. For example, in inverter models there can be 30% less copper than in classic piston models. And if you plan to hand over the entire compressor, then its weight at the collection point is assessed differently - we’ll talk about that too.
Why is there copper in the refrigerator compressor and where is it located
Copper in the compressor performs two key functions:
- 🔌 Electric motor winding —copper wire (enameled) is wound around the stator, creating a magnetic field that drives the piston or rotor. It is this part that contains the lion's share of copper in the device.
- 🔄 Tubes and pipes — some models have copper tubes for refrigerant circulation (although in modern refrigerators they are often replaced with aluminum).
- 🔗 Connection contacts — terminals, wires and connectors can also be copper or copper-plated.
In piston compressors (the most common type in older refrigerators), the copper is concentrated in the stator and rotor windings. In inverter (brushless) models, the winding is thinner, and copper can be partially replaced with aluminum. In linear compressors (for example, in some LG models) there is even less copper - magnets and electronic components are used there.
It is important to understand that that not all copper is available for extraction. Some of the wire is hidden inside the varnish (insulation), and the tubes can be soldered or welded to other parts. In addition, there are other metals in the compressor:
- ⚙️ Steel - housing, piston, shaft.
- 🧲 Aluminium - radiators, some tubes.
- 🔋 Precious metals —electronic boards (if the compressor is inverter) may contain gold, silver, palladium (but in microscopic quantities).
How much copper is in compressors of different refrigerators: table by brand
The amount of copper depends on Compressor power, its type and year of manufacture. Below is a table with approximate data for popular brands. Please note that the weight may vary by ±15% depending on the specific model.
| Refrigerator brand | Compressor type | Power (W) | Copper weight (kg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant, Stinol, Biryusa | Porshnevoy | 120–150 | 1,2–1,8 | Old Soviet models can contain up to 2 kg of copper. |
| Indesit, Ariston, Beko | Porshneva | 100–130 | 0,9–1,4 | V models after 2015, copper is partially replaced by aluminum. |
| Samsung, LG (until 2020) | Inverter | 80–110 | 0,6–1,0 | Less copper due to compact winding. |
| Liebert, Danfoss (industrial) | Reciprocating/Scroll | 200–500 | 2,0–4,5 | In large compressors there is much more copper. |
| Whirlpool, Bosch (premium) | Linear/Inverter | 90–120 | 0,5–0,9 | Minimum amount of copper, a lot of electronics. |
Critical nuance: in compressors after 2022, copper is often replaced with aluminum or copper-aluminum alloys to reduce the cost of production. If your refrigerator is newer, check the winding with a magnet: aluminum is not magnetic, copper is not either, but it can be identified by color (reddish tint).
For an accurate calculation, you can use the formula:
Copper weight (kg) ≈ (Compressor power (W) × 0.01) ± 0.2For example, for a compressor Indesit with a power of 120 W: 120 × 0.01 = 1.2 kg (actual weight can be 1.0–1.4 kg).
How to extract copper from a compressor: step-by-step instructions
Disassembling a compressor is a labor-intensive and potentially dangerous. There may remain refrigerant (freon)inside, which, when heated, releases toxic gases, as well as oil under pressure. If you have never done this, it is better to take the compressor to a workshop or scrap metal collection point - professionals will sort it out there.
If you decide to extract the copper yourself, follow this algorithm:
Remove the compressor from the refrigerator (disconnect the tubes, unscrew the fasteners)
Keep it in the open air for 24 hours (to evaporate the remaining freon)
Prepare tools: grinder, pliers, screwdrivers, hammer
Wear safety glasses, gloves and a respirator (required!)
Put the compressor on a stable surface (preferably outside) -->
- Drain the oil. Turn the compressor over with the pipes down and let the oil drain into the prepared container. The oil can be handed over as waste or used for technical needs.
- Cut off the top cover. Carefully cut off the upper part of the housing (where the terminals are located) with a grinder. Do not cut deep - there is a winding inside!
- Remove the stator. After removing the cover you will see a cylinder with a winding. It must be carefully knocked out with a hammer through a wooden spacer so as not to damage the copper wire.
- Burn or clean the winding. The copper wire is varnished. To remove it:
- 🔥 Burning - the winding is placed on a metal sheet and set on fire (do it only on the street!). The varnish burns out, leaving pure copper.
- 🧴 Chemical cleaning - soaking in a solvent (acetone, white spirit) for 12–24 hours.
⚠️ Attention: When disassembling the compressor, it is absolutely forbidden to:
- 🔨 Hit the body with a hammer without protection - fragments can ricochet into your eyes.
- 🔥 Heat the compressor with a burner - the remaining freon can explode.
- 🚯 Pouring oil down the drain is an environmental violation.
If you are not confident in your skills, contact the collection point scrap metal - there they may pay an additional 10-20% of the cost of copper for disassembly.
What to do if the winding is soldered to the terminals?
If the wire is soldered to the contacts, it can be bitten off with side cutters or carefully melted with a soldering iron. Do not try to tear it off by force - you can break the winding and lose some of the copper.
How much can you earn on copper from a compressor in 2026
The price of scrap copper fluctuates depending on the region, demand and purity of the metal. At the time of writing (2026), the estimated prices in Russia are:
- 💰 Pure copper (wire without varnish) — 600–850 rub/kg.
- 💰 Copper in varnish (uncleaned winding) — 400–600 rub/kg.
- 💰 Compressor assembly — 150–300 rub/kg (depending on the copper content inside).
Calculation example for a compressor Atlant with 1.5 kg of copper:
- If you hand over the winding uncleaned:
1.5 kg × 500 rubles = 750 rubles. - If you clean and hand over pure copper:
1.5 kg × 750 rubles = 1125 rubles. - If you hand over the entire compressor (weight ~10 kg):
10 kg × 200 rubles = 2000 rub(but both steel and aluminum are taken into account here).
Is it more profitable to disassemble? Only if you have time and tools. In most cases, collection points will offer almost the same price for the complete compressor as they would for the recovered copper, but without the risk and hassle. However, if you have accumulated several compressors, cleaning the windings can bring +30–50% to your income.
⚠️ Attention: Scrap prices change monthly. Before delivery, check the current prices on the websites of local collection points (for example Vtorchermet, LomTsvetMet) or by phone. Some companies offer bonuses for large quantities (from 50 kg).
What other refrigerator parts contain copper
The compressor is not the only source of copper in the refrigerator. If you are recycling, pay attention to these components:
| Part | Copper content (kg) | Difficulty of extraction |
|---|---|---|
| Condenser (grid at the back) | 0,1–0,3 | Low (enough to bite off the tubes) |
| Evaporator (in the freezer) | 0,2–0,5 | Medium (needs to be defrosted and dismantled) |
| Thermostat and relay | 0,05–0,1 | Low (unsolder contacts) |
| Electronic unit (in inverter models) | 0.01–0.03 (gold, copper) | High (need to solder microcircuits) |
For example, in refrigerator Samsung RL-40 you can get:
- Compressor - 0.8 kg of copper.
- Condenser - 0.2 kg.
- Evaporator - 0.3 kg.
- Total: 1.3 kg of copper (about 1000 rubles at current prices).
However, not all parts are worth disassembling. For example, extracting copper from the evaporator requires complete defrosting and dismantling of the freezer, which takes several hours. Most often, it is more profitable to sell the entire refrigerator for scrap metal - they give 500-1500 rubles for it, depending on the weight and brand.
Myths and mistakes when extracting copper from a compressor
On the Internet you can find a lot of “tips” that in practice turn out to be either useless or dangerous. Let's look at the most common myths:
Myth 1: “There are 5–10 kg of copper in a compressor”
Reality: Even in industrial compressors there is rarely more than 3–4 kg of copper. In household refrigerators, the maximum is 2.5 kg (in old Soviet models). If they promise you “kilograms of copper,” they most likely mean the total weight of the compressor, including steel.
Myth 2: “You can quickly clean the winding by burning it in a barrel.”
Reality: When varnish burns, toxic gases are released (formaldehyde, phenol). Without a respirator and good ventilation, this is dangerous to health. In addition, if copper overheats, it will become covered with scale, and its price will fall.
Myth 3: “All compressors are the same - you can disassemble any one.”
Reality: In inverter compressors (for example, Samsung Digital Inverter), copper is hidden inside a sealed unit with electronic stuffing. It is almost impossible to disassemble it without special tools.
Myth 4: “Copper from the compressor is the cleanest and most expensive”
Reality: Copper from the windings is classified as grade M1 (technically pure), but its price is lower than that of copper rod or pipes. The most expensive copper is grade M00 (99.99% purity), which is not found in compressors.
Myth 5: “You can sell a compressor abroad - they give a premium for copper there 2 times more"
Reality: The export of scrap metal is strictly regulated. To export copper abroad, you need to fill out a declaration, pay duties and find a buyer. In 99% of cases, this is unprofitable for small batches.
Why do some collection points refuse to accept compressors?
There are two reasons:
1️⃣ Residues freon - by law, refrigerant recycling must take place at licensed enterprises.
2️⃣ Low copper content - if the compressor weighs 10 kg, and there is 0.5 kg of copper in it, then the remaining 9.5 kg is steel and aluminum, which are cheaper to recycle.
If you are refused, try another item or offer to disassemble the compressor on site for an additional fee fee.
Alternative ways to make money on an old refrigerator
If disassembling the compressor seems too troublesome, consider these options:
- 🔄 Sale of a working refrigerator - even old equipment can cost 3,000–10,000 rubles per Avito or Yule. Check if the compressor is working (it should hum and heat up).
- ♻️ Release for recycling with additional payment —some companies (for example, EcoService) pay 500–1500 rubles for removal of old equipment.
- 🔧 Sale of spare parts - working compressors, thermostats and door seals are bought by repairmen. The price for a compressor in working condition is 1500–4000 rubles.
- 🎨 Handmade and art objects - original things are made from refrigerator cases: bar counters, cabinets, even grills. On Etsy such products are sold for 10,000–50,000 rubles.
Example: refrigerator ZIL-63 (Soviet model) you can:
- Disassemble for copper - ~1500 rubles.
- Sell entirely to a collector - 5000-8000 rubles.
- Convert into a retro bar - 15000-25000 rubles.
If you are choosing between disassembly and sale, evaluate:
- ⏳ Time - disassembly will take 3-5 hours.
- 💰 Income - selling working equipment is usually more profitable.
- 🛠️ Skills - without experience can be damaged winding and lose some of the copper.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about copper in compressors
Is it possible to remove copper from a compressor without a grinder?
Yes, but it will take more time. Alternative methods:
- Disassemble the compressor, carefully sawing off the cover with a hacksaw.
- Use a drill with a brush attachment to clean the winding from varnish (without burning).
- Contact a workshop - some services offer disassembly for 20–30% of the cost of copper.
How to distinguish copper from aluminum in a winding?
Three ways:
- Color —reddish copper, silver aluminum.
- Weight —copper is heavier (density 8.9 g/cm³ versus 2.7 g/cm³ for aluminum).
- Conductivity —copper conducts current better (can be checked with a multimeter).
If in doubt, hold up a magnet - both metals are not magnetic, but copper is usually coated with varnish, which can stick slightly.
How much copper is in a compressor from an industrial refrigerator?
In industrial and commercial refrigerators (for example, Polair, Sanyo), the compressors are more powerful, therefore the copper more:
| Refrigerator type | Compressor power (W) | Copper weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Household freezer | 150–250 | 1,5–2,5 |
| Commercial display refrigerator | 300–600 | 2,5–4,0 |
| Industrial cooler (warehouse) | 800–1500 | 4,0–8,0 |
However, such compressors often weigh 20–50 kg, and their disassembly requires special equipment.
What to do if there is freon left in the compressor?
Freon in household refrigerators (R134a, R600a) is not flammable, but toxic when heated. To safely get rid of it:
- Leave the compressor outside for 1-2 days (the freon will evaporate on its own).
- Do not inhale the gas - it is heavier than air and accumulates below.
- Do not heat the compressor - at temperatures above 250°C, freon decomposes into toxic components.
On an industrial scale, freon is pumped out with a vacuum pump and disposed of at specialized enterprises.
Is it profitable to recycle copper from a compressor in 2026?
Yes, but with reservations:
- 💰 Profit —from one compressor you can get 500–1500 rubles (depending on the weight of copper and scrap prices).
- ⏱️ Time —disassembly takes 2–4 hours. If you count at the minimum wage (500 rubles for 3 hours), this is ~170 rubles/hour.
- ⚖️ Alternatives - selling a working refrigerator or selling it entirely for scrap is often more profitable.
Profitable, if:
- You have accumulated several compressors.
- You know how to quickly disassemble and clean the windings.
- In your region, there are high prices for copper (from 700 rubles/kg).