An old refrigerator is not just bulky scrap metal, but a potential source of income. Hidden in its design copperis one of the most sought-after non-ferrous metals at reception points. But how much is there really? The answer depends on the model, year of manufacture and type of compressor. In this article, we will figure out how to accurately calculate the amount of copper in the refrigerator, where it is concentrated, and how to extract it without risk to health.
Many people mistakenly think that copper in the refrigerator is only the tubes of the cooling circuit. In fact, it can be found in compressor, start-up relay, electrical wiring and even in some parts of the electronic unit. At the same time, the weight of copper varies from 300 grams in compact models to 1.5 kg in Soviet giants such as "ZIL" or "Minsk". But not everything is so simple: not all copper is equally valuable, and its extraction requires knowledge and tools.
If you plan to sell the refrigerator for scrap or disassemble it yourself, this article will help you avoid common mistakes. We will analyze data on popular brands (Atlant, Indesit, Samsung), compare copper prices in 2026 and give step-by-step instructions for dismantling. We’ll also tell you why some “craftsmen” lose up to 30% of potential profits when disassembled incorrectly.
Where is copper hidden in the refrigerator: key components
Copper in the refrigerator is distributed unevenly. The main “deposits”:
- 🔧 Compressor —the heart of the system. Here, copper is contained in the winding of the electric motor (up to 500–800 g in Soviet models) and in the freon tubes. Modern inverter compressors (LG, Samsung) may have less copper weight due to design optimization.
- 🌀 Condenser and evaporator —coils on the back wall and inside the chamber. In old refrigerators, the tubes are thicker (diameter 6–8 mm), in new ones they are thinner (3–5 mm), but longer.
- ⚡ Electrical wiring and relays. The start-up relay contains a copper coil (up to 100–150 g), and the power cable contains pure copper cores (weight depends on the length).
- 📱 Electronic unit (in models with a display). Here, copper is present in boards, connectors and transformers, but its quantity is minimal (up to 50 g).
It is important to understand that not all copper is equally valuable. For example, copper from the compressor winding is often coated with varnish or oxides, which reduces its grade at the receiving point. And condenser tubes, on the contrary, are usually clean and are accepted in the highest category. Also, some models (Liebert, Beko) use copper-aluminum alloys, which are accepted cheaper.
In order not to miss a single gram, check:
- 🔍 Door hinges —copper bushings were sometimes used in Soviet refrigerators.
- 🔌 Terminals and contacts on the compressor and thermostat.
- 🧲 Magnetic door seals —rare, but copper wires are found in basis.
How much copper is in refrigerators of different brands: table
The amount of copper depends from type of refrigerator, its age and compressor power. Below is an average table for popular models. The data is based on disassembling and weighing of parts by specialists at scrap metal collection points.
| Brand and model | Year of manufacture | Copper weight, kg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZIL-63, Minsk-15 | 1970–1990 | 1.2–1.5 | Thick condenser tubes, massive compressor. |
| Atlant (MKhM-170) | 1995–2005 | 0.8–1.0 | Compressor Danfoss or Secop. |
| Indesit (BIAA 13) | 2000–2010 | 0.5–0.7 | Thin tubes, compressor Embraco. |
| Samsung (RL-33) | 2010–2020 | 0.3–0.5 | Inverter compressor, minimum copper in wiring. |
| Biryusa-3 | 1980–1995 | 1.0–1.3 | Additional copper in relays and loops. |
Please note: the weight is indicated for pure copper after cleaning from insulation, varnish and solder. In practice, when disassembling, you will receive 10–20% more “dirty” metal that will have to be cleaned. Also, the table does not take into account copper from electronic circuit boards - its weight rarely exceeds 30–50 g, but with a large number of refrigerators this can be additional income.
⚠️ Attention: In modern models (LG, Bosch), some of the condenser tubes may be made of aluminum. You can visually distinguish it from copper by color: aluminum is silver and bends more easily, copper - reddish and elastic.
How to remove copper from a refrigerator: step-by-step instructions
Disassembling a refrigerator for copper requires care and compliance with safety precautions. Here is the algorithm of actions:
- Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains and let it sit for 24 hours - this is necessary to bleed off the remaining freon (even in an idle unit). it may remain under pressure).
- Remove the back cover. In Soviet models it is secured with latches, in modern ones - with screws (a Phillips screwdriver is required).
- Disconnect compressor:
- 🔧 Use wire cutters to bite off the tubes going to the compressor (at a distance of 10–15 cm from it).
- 🔌 Disconnect the wires from the start-up relay (remember their location!).
- 🔨 Unscrew the compressor mounts (usually 3-4 bolts).
- 🔍 Disassemble the start-up protection relay (a coil of copper wire is hidden there).
- ✂️ Strip the power cable from insulation (use a knife or a special stripper).
- Cut off the upper part of the body with a grinder (carefully so as not to damage the winding!).
- Remove the rotor with copper wire.
- Burn the varnish from the wire over an open fire (for example, on a fire) or sand it with sandpaper.
Pliers for metal|Screwdrivers (Phillips, flat)|Hacksaw metal|Pliers|Safety gloves and glasses|Packages for sorting metal-->
The most difficult stage is disassembling the compressor. Its body is made of steel, and the copper is hidden inside the winding. To get to it:
⚠️ Attention: When disassembling the compressor, use respirator - when the varnish burns, toxic fumes are released. Also, do not forget that some compressors contain oil (up to 0.5 l), which can ignite!
What to do with freon?
Freon in household refrigerators (usually R-12 or R-134a) is not flammable, but is toxic when heated. If the tubes are damaged, ventilate the room. To completely drain the freon, you can use a needle valve. (pierce the tube with gloves on on the street). Scrap metal collection points do not accept freon - its disposal is paid (about 500-1000 rubles per cylinder).
Copper prices in 2026: where is it more profitable to hand over
The cost of copper at collection points depends on her purity, grade and volume. In 2026, the following prices are relevant (according to monitoring of collection points in Moscow, St. Petersburg and the regions):
| Type of copper | Price per 1 kg, ₽ | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Pure copper (tubes, wire) | 650–750 | Condenser tubes, stripped wire from relays. |
| Copper with varnish/oxidation | 500–600 | Compressor winding, uncleaned contacts. |
| Copper scrap (mixed) | 400–500 | Pieces with solder, aluminum inserts. |
| Radiators (with aluminum) | 300–400 | Capacitors with aluminum fins. |
To maximize profits:
- 🧹 Clean copper from insulation, varnish and solder. For example, the wire from a relay can be annealed over a fire or cleaned with a knife.
- 📦 Sort by type: tubes separately, windings separately, wires separately.
- 🏆 Look for points with a bonus for volume. Some acceptances give +5–10% when delivering more than 10 kg of copper.
Where to hand over copper from the refrigerator:
- 🏭 Large scrap metal collection points (for example, “Vtorchermet”, “LomTsvetMet”). Here the prices are higher, but there are strict requirements for sorting.
- 🚛 Mobile points (operate upon request). Convenient if you have several refrigerators.
- 💻 Online services (for example, “Metallolom.ru”). You can compare prices and order removal.
⚠️ Attention: Some private buyers offer prices 10–15% higher than market prices, but may weigh or accept copper at a lower grade. Always require weighing in your presence and a check.
Dangers when disassembling a refrigerator: what not to do
Disassembling a refrigerator is associated with risks that many are not aware of. Here are the key mistakes and their consequences:
- ⚡ Do not bleed off freon. Even in a non-working refrigerator, freon can remain under pressure. If the tubes are damaged, it escapes with a hiss and can freeze the skin or get into the eyes.
- 🔥 Disassembling the compressor without protection. When cutting the body with a grinder, sparks can ignite the remaining oil inside. Also, when the varnish burns, it releases phenol a toxic substance.
- 💥 Using an open fire near the refrigerator. Polyurethane foam insulation contains cyanic acid, which, when burned, produces a deadly gas. It contains freon impurities and can cause chemical burns if it comes into contact with mucous membranes. cyanic acid, which when burned produces a deadly gas.
- 🩺 Contact with oil from the compressor. It contains freon impurities and can cause chemical burns if it comes into contact with mucous membranes.
How to minimize risks:
- 😷 Work in respirator (for example,
3M 6001), gloves and goggles. - 🌿 Disassemble the refrigerator in open air or in a well-ventilated indoors.
- 🔧 To bleed off freon, use needle valve (pierce the tube outside).
- 🚫 Do not use a grinder for cutting the compressor - a hacksaw is better.
If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a specialized company for recycling refrigerators. The cost of removal is from 1500 ₽ (depending on the region), but you will avoid risks and. receive a disposal document (important for legal entities).
Alternative ways to make money on an old refrigerator
Copper is not the only way to monetize an old refrigerator. Let's consider other options:
- 🔄 Sale of a working refrigeratorEven if it does not cool, you can sell it:
- On
AvitoorYuleas “for spare parts” (price: 1000–3000 ₽). - In groups in
VKontaktetype “I’ll buy old equipment.” - For repairmen - they often buy compressors or electronic units.
- On
- ♻️ Skiping as a whole. Reception points pay for the refrigerator as for mixed scrap (steel + copper + aluminum). Price: 100–300 ₽ per piece (depending on weight). Minus - you lose profit from the separate delivery of copper.
- 🛠️ Sale of parts. in demand:
- 🔧 Compressors (Danfoss, Embraco) — 1500–4000 ₽.
- ❄️ Evaporators and condensers - 500–1500 ₽.
- 📏 Door seals - 300–800 ₽ (if in good condition).
- 🎨 Handmade and art objects. From refrigerators they make:
- 🪑 Sky boxes (mini-rooms for children).
- 🖼️ Frames for a picture or mirror.
- 🌿 Flower beds for the garden.
The price depends on the imagination - from 2000 to 20,000 ₽.
The profitability of each option depends on the condition of the refrigerator and your skills. For example, disassembling for copper is justified if you can extract more than 1 kg of pure metal (income: 650–750 ₽/kg). Selling the entire refrigerator is more profitable if the refrigerator is a rare model or with a working compressor.
Frequently asked questions about copper from the refrigerator
Is it possible to remove copper from the refrigerator without disassembling it?
No. Copper is distributed over several components (compressor, pipes, wiring), and it can only be removed mechanically. The exception is to sell the entire refrigerator for scrap, but in this case you will get 2-3 times less. money than when disassembling yourself.
How to distinguish a copper tube from an aluminum one?
Visually:
- 🔴 Copper - reddish-brown, does not break when bent, heavier.
- ⚪ Aluminum —silver, bends easier, can crack when bent.
You can also scratch the tube with a knife: copper leaves a reddish line, aluminum leaves a gray line.
How long does disassembly take? refrigerator?
Depending on experience:
- 🕒 Beginner — 3–5 hours (with breaks to search for tools).
- ⚡ Experienced master —1–1.5 hours.
The longest stage is cleaning the copper from insulation and varnish (can take up to 2 hours).
What to do with polyurethane foam from the walls of the refrigerator?
Polyurethane foam (PPU) is an insulation between the inner and outer walls. It cannot be burned (it emits. cyanide gas!). Disposal options:
- 🗑️ Throw away as bulk waste (free in most regions).
- ♻️ Hand over to a collection point polymer waste (price: 5-10 ₽/kg).
- 🏗️ Use as insulation for outbuildings (for example, a barn).
Is it possible to make money on copper from the refrigerator if you donate it regularly?
Yes, but for a stable income you need:
- 📦 Accumulate a batch (from 10 kg of copper) - it’s more profitable to rent it out.
- 🔧 Specialize in dismantling (for example, take refrigerators for free from friends or at
Avitoin the “I’ll give it away for free” section). - 📊 Monitor prices copper (they fluctuate by 10–15% throughout the year).
When dismantling 2-3 refrigerators per week you can earn 5000-15,000 ₽/month.