A refrigerator is not only a household appliance for storing food, but also a real “piggy bank” of non-ferrous metals. It is especially appreciated copper, which is used in key components: compressor, heat exchanger, electrical wiring and even in some parts of the No Frost system. If you are planning to sell refrigerators for scrap or are simply interested in their internal structure, the question “how much copper is in 2 refrigerators” requires a detailed analysis.
In this article we will figure out exactly where copper is hidden in different types of refrigerators (single-chamber, double-chamber, with the No Frost system), we will give accurate weight data for popular models and we will explain how to independently calculate the amount of copper. You will also learn which parts contain the maximum proportion of this metal and how to remove them correctly without risk to health.
It is worth noting that the copper content may vary depending on year of manufacture, brand (for example, Indesit, Samsung, Atlant) and technological features of the model. Modern refrigerators are often optimized for weight, which reduces the share of non-ferrous metals, while in old Soviet units (for example, ZIL or Minsk) copper can be 1.5–2 times more.
⚠️ Attention: Prices for copper and standards for its content in household appliances may change. For accurate calculations, check the current tariffs at the scrap metal collection points in your region.
1. Where is copper contained in the refrigerator: key components
Copper in the refrigerator is unevenly distributed. The main “locations” of this metal:
🔹 The compressor — the “heart” of the refrigerator, where copper is used in the electric motor windings and refrigerant pipes. On average, the compressor accounts for up to 60–70% of all copper in the device.
🔹 The condenser (heat exchanger) is a coil on the back wall through which freon circulates. In old models it is completely copper, in new ones it is often aluminum with copper pipes.
🔹 Evaporator is located inside the chamber (behind the plastic panel). In No Frost systems, the evaporator is usually aluminum, but the supply tubes are copper.
🔹 Electrical wiring and terminals - thin copper wires in power cables, starting relays and thermostats. Their weight is minimal (50–150 g per refrigerator), but they are also taken into account when scrapping.
🔹 Additional details — in some models, copper is present in sensors, solenoid valves (in systems with a freshness zone) and even in decorative elements (for example, premium handles refrigerators).
The most “copper” unit is compressor. In it, copper is concentrated in two parts:
- Stator and rotor windings (pure copper without impurities).
- Pipes for refrigerant (can be copper or copper-nickel alloy).
In refrigerators with system No Frost the share of copper is lower, since the evaporator and condenser are often made of aluminum. However, they add copper parts in the defrosting system (heating elements, thermal fuses).
2. How much copper is in one refrigerator: data on types and models
The amount of copper depends on refrigerator typeits age and power. Below is a table with average values for different categories:
| Refrigerator type | Copper weight, kg | Examples of models | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soviet single-chamber (1970–1990) | 1.8–2.5 | ZIL-63, Minsk-15, Biryusa-3 | Maximum copper - in the compressor and all-copper capacitor. |
| Double-chamber (1990–2005) | 1.2–1.8 | Atlant MXM-1705, Stinol-102 | The condenser is partially aluminum, but the compressor is still “copper”. |
| Modern No Frost (after 2010) | 0.6–1.2 | Samsung RB30J3000, LG GA-B409 | Minimum copper - aluminum evaporator, thin tubes. |
| Side-by-Side (premium class) | 1.0–1.5 | Liehherr CNef 4815, Bosch KAN92VI30R | Two compressors, but saving on weight due to modern materials. |
| Mini refrigerator (up to 100 l) | 0.3–0.7 | Midea MR-90, Biryusa-22 | Copper only in the compressor and minimal wiring. |
For two refrigerators it is enough to multiply the values from the table by 2. For example:
- 🔹 Two Soviet ZIL-a: 3.6–5 kg of copper.
- 🔹 Two modern No Frost: 1.2–2.4 kg of copper.
- 🔹 One Soviet + one modern: 2.4–3.7 kg of copper.
Critical detail: In refrigerator compressors produced in 1980–1995, copper can contain up to 2–3% impurities (tin, zinc), which reduces its cost when scrapped by 5–10%.
3. How to independently calculate the amount of copper in the refrigerator
If your model is not included in the table, you can make the calculation manually. For this you will need:
- Scales (preferably electronic with an accuracy of 10 g).
- Screwdriver, pliers, hacksaw.
- Table of the specific gravity of copper (8.96 g/cm³).
Algorithm calculation:
- Unplug the refrigerator and defrost.
- Remove the back cover to gain access to the compressor and condenser.
- Carefully disconnect the copper tubes (after bleeding off the refrigerant!).
- Weigh:
- 🔹 Compressor (entirely or after disassembly).
- 🔹 Condenser and evaporator tubes.
- 🔹 Wiring and terminals.
Example: In a refrigerator Atlant MXM-1840 the weight of the compressor is 8.5 kg, of which copper makes up ~1.4 kg (winding + tubes). The capacitor weighs 1.2 kg, but the copper in it is only 0.3 kg (the rest is aluminum and steel). Total: 1.7 kg of copper.
Bleed the refrigerant (freon) through the service port|Unplug and defrost|Prepare tools (pliers, hacksaw, screwdriver)|Wear protective gloves and glasses|Check for residual voltage on the capacitors-->
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerant (freon) in old refrigerators can be toxic (for example, R-12). When bleeding, ensure the room is ventilated. Modern models use safe R-134a or R-600a, but it should not be inhaled in large quantities.
4. How much can you earn on copper from two refrigerators
Income from selling copper depends on current scrap prices and the purity of the metal. As of June 2026, average prices in Russia:
- 🔹 Pure copper (wires, winding): 650–750 rub/kg.
- 🔹 Copper alloys (tubes with impurities): 500–600 rub/kg.
- 🔹 Scrap with mixed metals (compressor assembly): 300–400 rub/kg.
Let's calculate the profit for two refrigerators:
- Two Soviet ZIL-a (5 kg of copper):
- 1.5 kg - pure copper (winding): 1.5 × 700 = 1050 rub.
- 3.5 kg - alloys (tubes): 3.5 × 550 = 1925 rubles.
- Total: 2975 rubles.
- Two modern No Frost (2 kg of copper):
- 0.8 kg - pure copper: 0.8 × 700 = 560 rub.
- 1.2 kg - alloys: 1.2 × 550 = 660 rubles.
- Total: 1220 rubles.
Additional income can be obtained from other metals:
- 🔹 Aluminum (capacitor, evaporator): 80–120 rub/kg.
- 🔹 Stainless steel (shelves, body): 30–50 rub/kg.
- 🔹 Ferrous metal (body, fastenings): 10–20 rub/kg.
5. How to remove copper from a refrigerator: step-by-step instructions
Disassembling a refrigerator for copper requires caution. Follow the algorithm:
Step 1. Preparation
- 🔹 Unplug the refrigerator and defrost for 12 hours.
- 🔹 Take it outside or to a well-ventilated area (due to freon).
- 🔹 Prepare the tools: pliers, hacksaw, screwdriver, pliers, scales.
Step 2. Bleeding freon
- On the back wall, find service port (copper tube with cap).
- Carefully unscrew the cap and press the valve with a screwdriver - the gas will come out with a hiss.
- Wait 5-10 minutes until the pressure drops to zero.
Step 3. Dismantling the compressor
- 🔹 Disconnect the wires from the compressor (remember their location if you plan to sell the entire part).
- 🔹 Unscrew the compressor fastenings (usually 3-4 bolts).
- 🔹 Cut the tubes with pliers or with a hacksaw.
Step 4. Removing copper from the compressor
- 🔹 Cut the compressor housing with a grinder (be careful - there may be oil left inside!).
- 🔹 Remove the winding (copper wire) and tubes.
- 🔹 Weigh the resulting copper.
Step 5. Dismantling the condenser and evaporator
- 🔹 Remove the back cover of the refrigerator.
- 🔹 Disconnect the capacitor (coil) - it can be soldered or screwed.
- 🔹 In No Frost systems, the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel - it must be carefully removed.
What to do if the tubes are jammed?
If the copper tubes are not disconnected from the compressor, heat the soldered joint with a hair dryer (temperature ~200°C). The solder will melt and the tubes will be easily removed.
⚠️ Attention: Some compressors (for example, Danfoss or Embraco) use sealed housing, which cannot be opened without special equipment. In this case, hand over the entire compressor - it will be accepted as scrap with a reduction factor.
6. Alternative ways to use copper from the refrigerator
It is not necessary to scrap copper. It can be used in everyday life or sold at a higher price:
🔹 Homemade radiators —copper tubes from the condenser are suitable for cooling water in a heating system or for homemade coolers.
🔹 Decorative items —bracelets, hot pads or coasters are made from copper wire (compressor winding) interior elements.
🔹 Electronics repair —copper from refrigerator wiring is useful for soldering circuit boards, making jumpers or antennas.
🔹 Sale on Avito/Yula —pure copper tubes or windings can be profitably sold to radio amateurs or refrigerator repair technicians.
Examples of prices on the secondary market (2026):
- 🔹 Copper tubes (1 m): 150–300 RUB.
- 🔹 Compressor winding (1 kg): 800–1000 RUB (if no damage).
- 🔹 Compressor assembly (used): 1500–3000 rubles (depending on the model).
7. Legal aspects: is it possible to disassemble a refrigerator at home
From a legal point of view, disassembling a refrigerator for parts is not prohibited, but there are nuances:
- 🔹 Freon recycling - by law it cannot be released into the atmosphere. Ideally, you need to contact a service center where freon is disposed of correctly.
- 🔹 Environmental collection - when buying a new refrigerator, you can return the old one to the store for free (under the recycling program).
- 🔹 Sale of copper - if you hand over scrap As an individual, you do not need to pay tax. A declaration is required for individual entrepreneurs or legal entities.
In most regions of Russia there are no fines for unauthorized release of freon, but in Moscow, St. Petersburg and some regions they may be fined 1–3 thousand rubles for violation of environmental standards.
If you do not want to take risks, contact specialized refrigerator collection points. They will pick up the equipment for free, extract copper and other metals themselves, and pay you 200–500 rubles for the unit (depending on the model).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about copper in refrigerators
🔹 How much copper is in refrigerator compressor Atlant?
Refrigerator compressors Atlant (models 2000–2010) contain 0.8–1.2 kg of copper (winding + tubes). In new models (after 2015) - about 0.5–0.8 kg due to weight optimization.
🔹 Is it possible to desolder copper from the control board refrigerator?
Technically it is possible, but it is not profitable: there is very little copper in the boards of modern refrigerators (10–30 g), and the desoldering process is labor-intensive. The exception is old Soviet refrigerators (Minsk, ZIL), where the boards contained up to 50–80 g of copper.
🔹 How to distinguish a copper tube from aluminum?
The copper tube is reddish tint, the aluminum tube is silver. Also, copper bends without cracks, while aluminum breaks when bent strongly. You can scratch the tube with a knife: copper leaves a reddish line, aluminum leaves a gray one.
🔹 How much does it cost to scrap two entire refrigerators?
The price depends on the weight and composition of the metals. On average:
- 🔹 Soviet refrigerator: 800–1200 rubles (weight ~50–70 kg).
- 🔹 Modern No Frost: 300–600 rubles (weight ~30–40 kg).
If you are handing over two refrigerators, add up their weight. For example, ZIL-63 (60 kg) + Samsung RB30 (35 kg) = 95 kg of scrap (~1500–2000 rubles).
🔹 Is it dangerous to disassemble a refrigerator with a No Frost system?
The main danger is residual freon in the system and springs in the compressor (they can shoot during disassembly). Also in No Frost there are heating elements (defrost shadows), which can be energized even after being turned off. It is recommended to wait 1-2 days after shutdown before disassembling.