The question of how many kilograms of scrap can be obtained from an old refrigerator worries many owners of household appliances who have decided to update the kitchen or simply clean out the garage. The weight of the delivered metal directly affects the final revenue, so it is important to understand what exactly the body and internal components of the unit consist of. Modern models differ significantly from their Soviet counterparts not only in design, but also in the weight of the materials used.
Usually, the average weight of a standard two-chamber refrigerator ranges from 50 to 90 kilograms. However, you should not expect to sell the entire device for the price of non-ferrous metal, since the bulk of it is steel and plastic. To obtain maximum profit, you need to understand the design and be able to separate valuable components from ferrous metal.
In this article we will analyze in detail what metals are contained in household appliances, how to properly prepare the device for disposal and what to expect from collection points. Real yield of non-ferrous metals it often comes as a surprise to those who are faced with handing over large-sized equipment for the first time.
Total weight of the refrigerator and its effect on scrap yield
The first thing the owner encounters when weighing is the significant mass of the device. The heaviest ones are the old Soviet models, such as ZIL or Biryusa, whose weight can reach 100-110 kg due to thick walls and a massive compressor. Modern units are lighter due to the use of thinner steel and plastic elements, but even a compact model weighs at least 40 kg.
It is important to understand that when scrapped, the scales will show the total weight, but the calculation will be carried out according to different categories. Ferrous metal (housing) is cheap, while copper, aluminum and electric motor are priced significantly higher. That is why, before transportation to the collection point, preliminary sorting of materials is often carried out. Dimensions also play a role: two-chamber models with a system are usually heavier than single-chamber analogs due to the presence of additional fans and a more complex air circulation system. The weight of the empty case without internal filling is approximately 60-70% of the total weight of the device. sorting of materials.
Dimensions also play a role: two-chamber models with a system No Frost usually heavier than single-chamber counterparts due to the presence of additional fans and a more complex air circulation system. The weight of the empty case without internal filling is approximately 60-70% of the total weight of the device.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to extract the refrigerant yourself by piercing the tubes. Freon residues can be toxic or flammable, and its release into the atmosphere is prohibited by environmental legislation.
What the refrigerator consists of: detailed analysis of materials
Structurally, a household refrigerator is a complex sandwich of various materials. The basis is ferrous metalfrom which the outer and inner casings, as well as the doors, are made. Steel makes up the lion's share of the weight, but the smallest share of the final profit upon delivery.
Valuable resources are hidden inside the structure. The heat exchanger tubes (condenser and evaporator) can be made of copper or aluminum. In expensive and older models, copper is more common, in modern budget ones - aluminum or copper-plated steel. The compressor contains a winding made of non-ferrous metal (copper) and a steel casing.
Insulation deserves special attention. Between the walls there is polyurethane foam, which is not valuable for scrap metal, but makes access to internal parts difficult. Plastic shelves, drawers and control panels are also not accepted as metal and require separate disposal.
Why is there less copper in modern refrigerators?
Manufacturers are actively replacing copper with aluminum and steel to reduce costs. Aluminum is lighter and cheaper, but its thermal conductivity is slightly lower, and the scrap price is significantly lower than that of copper.
Non-ferrous metal in the refrigerator: where to look for copper and aluminum
Non-ferrous metal is of greatest interest to collection points. In a standard refrigerator, you can find copper in the form of tubes in the radiator grille located at the back and inside the compressor. The amount of copper varies from 0.5 to 1.5 kg depending on the model and year of manufacture.
Aluminum is found in the form of evaporator tubes (especially in models with the system No Frost) and sometimes as a material for radiators. The weight of aluminum parts can reach 2-3 kg. Aluminum is also used in some parts of the compressor engine, although copper winding predominates there.
Complete disassembly of the unit is often required to remove non-ferrous metal. The compressor is the most complex component: in order to get to the copper winding, it is necessary to saw through the steel casing, which is extremely difficult to do at home. Therefore, compressors are often sold entirely as an electric motor.
- 🔸 Copper: condenser tubes, compressor windings, supply hoses.
- 🔸 Aluminum: evaporator radiators, some types of tubes, injection molded parts.
- 🔸 Brass: rarely found, mainly in connecting fittings of older models.
⚠️ Attention: When handing over the compressor as an "electric motor", make sure that the oil has been removed from it. The presence of oil may reduce the category of scrap or require additional cleaning, for which money may be charged.
Weight of ferrous metal and structural elements
Ferrous metal is the main bulk filler of your refrigerator. The steel sheet from which the body is stamped weighs the most. Depending on the thickness of the walls (in older models they are thicker), ferrous metal accounts for from 30 to 50 kg of weight.
Refrigerator doors are also made of steel, but inside they may have voids or stiffeners. When disassembling, the doors are often removed first, as they interfere with access to the internal components and significantly complicate transportation. Hinges and fasteners also belong to black scrap.
It is worth noting that the painted surface (enamel or polymer coating) does not affect the category of scrap, but in large volumes it may require cleaning. For one refrigerator this does not matter, but when handing over a batch of equipment, the presence of paint is sometimes taken into account upon acceptance.
☑️ Preparation for delivery
Comparative table: scrap yield in different models
To better navigate the numbers, let's consider the approximate weight distribution for different types of refrigerators. The data is averaged, as manufacturers are constantly changing technologies and materials.
| Refrigerator type | Total weight (kg) | Ferrous metal (kg) | Non-ferrous metal (kg) | Other (plastic, glass) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soviet (single-chamber) | 90 - 100 | 65 - 75 | 3 - 5 (copper) | 10 - 15 |
| Modern (No Frost) | 60 - 75 | 40 - 50 | 1.5 - 3 (aluminium/copper) | 15 - 20 |
| Small (office/mini) | 30 - 40 | 20 - 25 | 0.5 - 1.5 | 5 - 8 |
| Side-by-Side (large) | 100 - 120 | 70 - 85 | 3 - 6 | 20 - 25 |
As can be seen from the table, The highest yield of valuable scrap (as a percentage of weight) is given by old Soviet models due to the use of a large amount of copper in heat exchangers. Modern giants are heavier, but the proportion of useful metal in them is lower.
How to properly disassemble a refrigerator for delivery
If you decide to maximize profits and separate metals, you will need a minimum set of tools: screwdrivers, pliers, a hacksaw or a grinder. Disassembly should begin with the removal of all removable plastic elements, shelves and drawers.
Next, the rear panel is removed, allowing access to the compressor and radiator. Radiator tubes are carefully bitten off or sawed through. If the radiator is copper, this is your main prize. The aluminum evaporator plates inside the chamber can also be assembled if they are not filled with foam.
The compressor is unscrewed from the frame. If the collection point accepts them separately, you can hand them in entirely. If you want to extract copper windings, the compressor housing will have to be sawed, which requires caution due to possible residual pressure and oil.
⚠️ Attention: Rules for scrap acceptance and environmental regulations may change. Before disassembling, check with your local collection point to see if they accept compressors assembled and whether they require oil removal.
Where and how to profitably hand over an old refrigerator
There are several options for recycling old equipment. The easiest way is to call a recycling service or take it to a scrap metal collection point. However, conditions at different locations may vary significantly. Large chains often offer a “pickup” service when purchasing a new refrigerator, but it is not always free.
Private metal collection points usually offer the best price per weight, but rarely provide pickup services for large items. You will have to independently deliver the disassembled or whole unit to the collection point. Here it is important to honor the metals so as not to receive a refusal or a minimum price for the “mix.”
There are also recycling programs from equipment manufacturers or municipal promotions. They may not give you money in hand, but they will allow you to return the refrigerator free of charge and environmentally friendly, receiving in return a discount on a new purchase or just a clear conscience.
- 🏭 Metal collection points: they pay by weight, you need your own transport.
- 🚚 Removal services: they will pick up for free or for a small fee, they will not give you money.
- 🏪 Equipment stores: discount on new goods when returning old ones (Trade-in).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Approximately how much it costs to hand over one refrigerator?
The cost depends on the exchange rate of the metal and the weight. For black scrap (entirely) they can give from 300 to 800 rubles. If you disassemble and hand over copper separately, the amount can rise to 1500-2000 rubles, but this requires effort to disassemble.
Do they accept refrigerators with gas (freon)?
Many collection points require preliminary removal of freon by specialists, since its release is harmful. Some large sites have a recycling license and take away equipment with gas, but may charge an additional fee for this.
Is it possible to hand over a refrigerator if it does not work?
Yes, for scrapping, performance is not important. The main thing is the presence of a metal body and components. A non-working refrigerator is handed over in the same way as a working one, intended for spare parts.
What to do with plastic shelves and glass?
Plastic and glass are not scrap metal. They must be removed before handing over the case. You can try to hand over plastic to plastic collection points (if there are one in your city), and glass - to a container for construction waste or broken glass.