How much copper is in the engine of an old refrigerator and how to extract it without loss

Old Soviet and post-Soviet refrigerators are a real treasure trove for those who collect non-ferrous scrap metal. Of particular interest are electric motors of compressorswhere copper is used in windings, tubes and contacts. But exactly how much of this precious metal is hidden under the metal body of the unit from the 1980s to 2000s? And is it worth spending time on disassembly if the price for copper scrap ranges from 400 to 700 rubles per kilogram?

In this article we will analyze in detail:

• 🔍 Where exactly is copper concentrated in the refrigerator engine (windings, tubes, terminals)
• ⚖️ Approximate weight of copper in compressors of popular models ("Biryusa", ZIL, Minsk, Atlant)
• ⚙️ How to safely remove the windings without damage (tools, safety precautions)
• 💰 Is it profitable to hand over scrap or is it better to sell the refrigerator entirely?

Spoiler: on average, from one compressor you can get from 0.8 to 2.5 kg of pure copper —but only if you disassemble it correctly. And now - to the details.

1. Where is copper hidden in the refrigerator: all the “habitats” of the precious metal

Copper in old refrigerators is concentrated in three key areas:

• 🔌 Compressor motor windings —the main source. It is used here enameled copper wire with a diameter of 0.5–1.2 mm, wound on a core. windings depend on the power of the motor.
• 🔗 Connecting tubes and capillaries -thin copper tubes (∅ 2–6 mm) through which the refrigerant circulates. In Soviet models, their length could reach 3–5 meters.
• ⚡ Terminals, contacts and starting relays — here copper is used in the form of thick wires (cross-section 2.5–6 mm²) and contact plates.

Additionally, a small amount of copper can be found in:

• 📡 Thermoregulator (thin wires and contacts)
• 💡 Lamp sockets (in models with backlight)
• 🔋 Starter condenser (if it is not aluminum)

However 90% of copper is concentrated in the compressor. The remaining parts will give no more than 100-300 grams for the entire refrigerator.

2. How much copper is in the compressor: data on models

The weight of copper in the windings depends on power. compressor and year of manufacture Soviet refrigerator. units (until the 1990s) were usually equipped with motors with a power of 120–180 W, where the mass of the windings was 0.8–1.5 kg. In post-Soviet models (1990–2000s), the power increased to 200–250 W, and the weight of copper increased to 1.5–2.5 kg.

Important: the given data - approximateThe actual weight may differ by ±15% due to:

• 🔧 Modifications of the compressor (for example, DXM-3 vs DXM-5)
• 🔄 Replacement of parts during repairs (non-original windings may be aluminum)
• ⚡ Degrees of wear (corrosion reduces the weight of copper tubes)

3. How to remove copper from a compressor: step-by-step instructions

Disassembling the compressor requires caution: there remains refrigerant. (freon) refrigerant inside, which are toxic when heated. Follow the algorithm: compressor oil, which are toxic when heated. Follow the algorithm:

Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for at least 24 hours

Move the compressor to a ventilated area or outside

Wear a respirator, gloves and safety glasses

Prepare a vice, grinder, pliers and a hacksaw

Place a thick cloth under the compressor (to collect oil)

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Step 1. Dismantling the compressor

Disconnect the compressor from refrigerator:

• 🔧 Unscrew the mounting bolts (usually 4 pieces, 10 or 12 mm wrench).
• 🔪 Cut the tubes refrigerant inlet/outlet with side cutters 10–15 cm from the body.
• ⚠️ Do not saw the pipes with a grinder! Sparks can ignite residual oil.

Step 2. Opening the housing

The compressor is sealed - it needs to be cut:

• 🔨 Secure the compressor in a vice horizontally (oil should not leak out on you).
• 📏 Mark a cutting line with a grinder along the weld seam (usually it visible as a thickening).
• 🔥 Saw slowly, taking breaks - the body heats up and the oil can catch fire.

Step 3. Removing the windings

After opening you will see:

• 🧲 Core (a package of iron plates) - not needed.
• 🧵 Windings - carefully cut them with a hacksaw at the base.
• ⚡ Start relay (if left) - disassemble it separately.

The windings are usually held together with varnish - it can be removed:

• 🔥 Calcine the wires over a fire (the varnish will burn off, the copper will become cleaner).
• 🧴 Soak in solvent (acetone P-646) for 12–24 hours.

What to do with oil from the compressor?

Oil from the compressor (usually brands HF-12 or HF-22s) is toxic and belongs to hazard class 3 waste. It cannot be discharged into the sewer or the ground! Hand over the oil to a collection point for used fuel and lubricants or dispose of it through specialized organizations (for example, eco-technoparks).

4. How much can you earn from copper from the refrigerator?

Income from copper delivery depends on:

• 📉 Current scrap prices (in 2026: 450–700 rubles/kg for pure copper).
• ⚖️ Weight of extracted copper (see table above).
• 🔄 Disassembly costs (grinder discs, solvent, time).

Approximate calculation for a refrigerator Atlant XM-6021 (1998):

• 🔹 Copper from windings: 2.0 kg × 600 rub/kg = 1,200 rub
• 🔹 Copper tubes: 0.7 kg × 550 rub/kg = 385 rub
• 🔹 Aluminum (body, ribs): 1.5 kg × 80 rubles/kg = 120 rubles
• 🔹 Total: 1 705 rubles (less disassembly costs ~200–300 rubles).

For comparison: a one-piece refrigerator Atlant 1990s on the secondary market is sold for 1,500–3,000 rubles (depending on condition). Is it more profitable to disassemble? Depends on your skills and time.

5. Risks and mistakes during disassembly: what not to do

Dangers that are often forgotten:

⚠️ Attention! Dichlorodifluoromethane may remain in compressors of refrigerators produced before 2000. This refrigerant destroys the ozone layer and, when heated above 300°C, decomposes, releasing a chemical warfare agent. Do not heat the compressor with an open flame without first ventilating! Freon R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane). This refrigerant destroys the ozone layer and, when heated above 300°C, decomposes, releasing Phosgene - a chemical warfare agent. Do not heat the compressor with an open flame without first ventilating it!

• 🔥 Sawing pipes with a grinder → risk of ignition of the oil and explosion of freon residues.
• 💥 Hits on the compressor housing → the refrigerant cylinder may burst.
• 🧲 Ignoring the core → sharp iron plates remain in it, which are easy to cut.
• 🚯 Oil release into the sewer → a fine of up to 50,000 rubles for an environmental offense (Article 8.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

Typical mistakes of beginners:

• 🔍 Overestimation of the amount of copper —in reality, the weight is often 20–30% less than expected due to corrosion.
• ⚖️ Inability to separate copper from aluminum —aluminum wires are often used in starting relays.
• 📦 Loss of small parts —terminals and contacts weigh little, but they are easy to drop and not be noticed.

6. Alternatives to disassembly: when is it better to sell the entire refrigerator

Disassembly for copper is not always justified. Consider other options: Selling a working refrigerator data-i="237">Biryusa

• 🔄 Selling a working refrigerator:
  • Models Biryusa And ZIL Collectors buy 1980s for 3,000–8,000 rubles.
  • Refrigerators Atlant 1990s go for 1,500–3,000 rubles on Avito or Yule.
• ♻️ Deposit for recycling:
  • Some collection points pay 500–1,000 rubles for a turnkey refrigerator (independent removal).
  • In Moscow and St. Petersburg there are programs "Disposal of household appliances" with compensation up to 2,000 rubles.
• 🔧 Sales of spare parts:
  • A working compressor from Minsk-15 costs 1,500–2,500 rubles.
  • Door seals, shelves and thermostats are bought for 200–800 rubles/piece.

When exactly you should not disassemble:

• 🔌 Refrigerator works - sell it entirely.
• 🏺 The case is in good condition - collectors pay for retro design.
• ⚡ Compressor not original (replaced by Chinese) - there copper is often replaced with aluminum.

7. Legal nuances: what the law says about dismantling refrigerators

Since 2014, Russia has had a law "On production and consumption waste" (No. 89-FZ) that regulates the disposal of household appliances. Key points:

• ♻️ Refrigerators belong to hazard class 4 (low-hazard waste), but require special disposal due to freon and oils.
• 📋 Individuals can hand over up to 5 refrigerators to year without a license (Article 14.1).
• 🚛 Legal entities are required to enter into agreements with licensed recyclers.

⚠️ Attention! If you regularly buy and dismantle refrigerators for the sale of copper, this is equivalent to entrepreneurial activity. Without registration, an individual entrepreneur or self-employed person can be fined 2,000–5,000 rubles (Article 14.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

Where to legally sell copper:

• 🏭 Scrap metal collection points —ask for a license to work with non-whites metals.
• ♻️ Ecotechnoparks - accept copper along with other components (plastic, iron).
• 🔧 Service centers - some buy compressors for repair.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about copper in refrigerators

❓ How to distinguish a copper tube from an aluminum one?

Copper is reddish tint, and aluminum is silvery. Also, copper bends without cracks, while aluminum breaks when bent strongly. You can scratch it with a knife: copper will leave a reddish line, aluminum - a gray one.

❓ Is it possible to remove copper from the windings?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is unprofitable:

• The melting point of copper is 1,083°C, it is difficult to achieve it at home.
• The varnish on the windings releases toxic gases when heated.
• The cost of gas/electricity will exceed the cost of the resulting copper.

It is better to cut off the windings and sell them as scrap in insulation (the price is 10-20% lower, but without risks).

❓ How much copper is in refrigerators No Frost?

In models with the system No Frost (appeared after 2000) copper 30–50% smallerthan in Soviet ones. Reasons:

• Compressors are smaller in size (power 150–180 W).
• The tubes are thinner (∅ 2–4 mm) and shorter.
• Some of the parts have been replaced with aluminum or plastic.

From such a refrigerator you will get no more than 0.5–1.2 kg of copper.

❓ Is it dangerous to inhale vapors when disassembling the compressor?

Yes! The following remain in the compressor:

• Freon —when heated, decomposes into chlorine, fluorine and carbon (irritates the lungs).
• Compressor oil —when burned, it releases acrolein (a poisonous gas).
• Varnish from windings —contains phenol and formaldehyde.

Work only outdoors or in a room with forced ventilation!

❓ Where else in the house can you find copper, except for the refrigerator?

If you are collecting scrap metal, pay attention to:

• 📺 Old TVs —in CRT models up to 1 kg of copper (in the deflection system).
• 💻 PC power supplies —transformers contain 0.3–0.8 kg of copper.
• 🔌 Electrical wiring - in houses before 2000, copper cables were often used.
• 🚗 Automotive generators/starters - up to 2-3 kg of copper in windings.