The question of the content of non-ferrous metals in old household appliances often arises when disposing of equipment or planning to hand it over to scrap collection points. Brand refrigerators Stinol, popular in the 90s and 00s, are of particular interest to collectors of recyclable materials. However, the exact weight of copper is not a fixed constant and highly depends on the year of manufacture, the specific model and, most importantly, the type of refrigerant used.
The average user who decides to disassemble a unit can expect to receive from 200 grams to 2 kilograms of pure metal, if we consider only visible parts like the motor windings. But the real picture is much more complicated. Non-ferrous metals they are distributed unevenly in the design: the bulk of them are hidden in heat exchangers and electrical circuits, access to which requires complete dismantling of the housing.
It is worth immediately noting that modern requirements for ecology and energy efficiency have radically changed the design of refrigeration contour. If you are dealing with a newer model running on R134a or R600a freon, the amount of copper in the heat exchangers will be minimal, since the manufacturer has replaced it with steel or aluminum. In old Soviet and post-Soviet models using R12, copper tubes could run along the entire perimeter of the case.
⚠️ Attention: Disassembling the refrigerator is associated with the risk of refrigerant release. Some gases may be hazardous to health if exposed to fire or in high concentrations. Work should only be carried out in a well-ventilated area.
To understand whether the game is worth the trouble, it is necessary to examine in detail each component of the unit. Engineering thought The manufacturing plant has always balanced between the cost of materials and the durability of the product. That is why completely different alloys and design solutions were used in different decades of production.
Analysis of the motor-compressor: the main source of value
The most obvious and valuable component for the extraction of non-ferrous metal is motor-compressor. This is where the bulk of copper is concentrated in the form of stator windings. In refrigerators Stinol, as a rule, Italian-made compressors were installed (for example, Aspera or Danfoss) or domestic analogues from Biryusy and Atlanta.
The weight of the copper winding directly depends on the engine power, which, in turn, is determined by the volume of the refrigeration chamber. For a standard two-chamber refrigerator with a volume of 300 liters, the weight of the winding can range from 700 grams to 1.2 kilograms. However, it is extremely difficult to extract this copper in its pure form: the winding is tightly varnished, impregnated with oil and is located inside a sealed casing.
Is it possible to hand over the entire compressor?
It is often unprofitable to hand over the entire compressor to scrap non-ferrous metals, since receivers can evaluate it as ferrous scrap or mixed scrap at a low price. To obtain maximum profit, burning or mechanical cutting is required, which is labor-intensive.
In addition to the windings, inside the compressor there is a copper starting winding and relay contacts, but their weight is negligible. The main interest is precisely stator package. It is important to understand that when scrapping a compressor, it is often accepted with a coefficient, since there is a lot of oil and ferrous metal inside.
- 🔹 The stator winding makes up up to 90% of all copper in the engine.
- 🔹 Copper refrigerant inlet and outlet tubes (fittings) weigh a little, about 50-100 grams.
- 🔹 Dismantling requires cutting the steel casing with a grinder.
Condenser and evaporator: where the metal is hidden
Heat exchange systems are the second most important source of non-ferrous metals. In older refrigerator models manufactured before the mid-2000s, the condenser (coil on the back wall) was almost always made of a copper tube with a diameter of 6 or 8 mm. The weight of such a system could reach 1.5–2 kilograms, depending on the length of the circuit. Stinol, released before the mid-2000s, the condenser (coil on the rear wall) was almost always made of copper tube with a diameter of 6 or 8 mm. The weight of such a system could reach 1.5–2 kilograms, depending on the length of the circuit.
The situation with the evaporator (inside the freezer) is more complicated. In refrigerators with a No Frost or Low Frost system, the evaporator is often made of aluminum for better heat transfer and weight reduction. In models with a drip system (“crying” evaporator), the freezer may also contain aluminum or steel coated with a protective layer.
An important nuance is the type of refrigerant. The transition to gas R600a (isobutane) required a reduction in the diameter of the tubes and a change in design, which led to savings in metal. Therefore, in modern (relatively) models, instead of a massive copper condenser, you can find a steel sheet heat exchanger glued to the back panel.
⚠️ Attention: When disassembling heat exchangers, be careful with the insulation. In old refrigerators, glass wool or materials containing asbestos, which are dangerous when inhaled, could be used as a heat insulator.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a system Full No Frostthen the likelihood of copper in the evaporator tends to zero. Aluminum fins and tubes form the basis of such units. However, copper can still be found in the condenser grid, although manufacturers are increasingly switching to aluminum-zinc alloys.
The influence of the year of manufacture and type of refrigerant
Year of manufacture of the refrigerator Stinol is a determining factor for estimating the amount of scrap. Production developed along the path of cost reduction and greening. The table below shows the approximate correlation between release period, freon type and expected copper content.
| Release period | Refrigerant type | Condenser material | Expected copper weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 – 2000 | R12 (Freon) | Copper (tube) | 2.0 – 3.5 |
| 2000 – 2005 | R134a | Copper / Steel (mixed) | 1.0 – 2.0 |
| 2005 – 2010 | R134a / R600a | Steel / Aluminum | 0.5 – 1.0 |
| 2010 and newer | R600a | Aluminum / Steel | 0.2 – 0.5 (motor only) |
As can be seen from the data the largest amount of copper is contained in refrigerators produced in the 90s using R12 freon. In these models, not only the coils were made of copper, but also often the supply lines inside the housing, hidden in the thermal insulation. Later models were designed taking into account the high cost of non-ferrous metals.
Modern requirements for processing also dictate their own rules. Manufacturers are striving to make equipment more mono-material to simplify disposal. Therefore, it is almost impossible to find pure copper in a unit produced in 2015 - it was replaced by cheaper and lighter analogs.
Electrical circuit and wiring
In addition to power equipment, the refrigerator has electrical wiring. The power cord, internal wiring, thermostat contacts and light bulbs all contain copper. However, you should not count on large volumes. The cross-section of wires in household appliances is minimal, since the current consumption is small.
The total weight of the wiring in an average refrigerator is no more than 200–300 grams. The bulk of this is insulation (PVC), which must be removed to increase the value of the scrap. Thermostats in old models Stinol (for example, T-110 or T-130) had a small capillary inside, which could also be copper, but its weight is negligible.
- 🔹 The power cable contains about 100 grams of copper.
- 🔹 Internal wiring and harnesses - another 50–100 grams.
- 🔹 Relay and starter contacts - less than 50 gram.
The system No Frostdeserves special attention. These refrigerators add a fan and a defrost heater. The winding of the fan motor contains copper, but due to the small size of the motor (usually 10–15 W), the weight of the metal there is only 20–40 grams. Defrost heating elements are most often made of a nichrome spiral in a steel or ceramic shell; there is no copper there.
Cutting technology and safety
The process of extracting copper from the refrigerator Stinol requires compliance with safety precautions and the presence of certain tools. Simply “taking it apart into screws” is not enough here. To access the compressor windings and heat exchanger pipes, you will need an angle grinder (grinder) with metal discs.
☑️ Disassembly action plan
The first step is always the removal of the refrigerant. Although in old refrigerators that have not been working for a long time, the gas may have already evaporated, in working units the pressure in the system is maintained. Puncture of tubes should be done in a ventilated place, away from open fire. The R134a refrigerant itself is not toxic, but it displaces oxygen, and when heated it can form harmful compounds.
When working with an angle grinder, be sure to use safety glasses and gloves. Metal shavings and dust from insulation can get into your eyes or skin. Of particular danger is dust from old insulation, which may contain harmful fibers.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to burn the insulation from wires or windings over an open fire in residential areas. When PVC burns, hydrogen chloride and dioxins are released - deadly substances. Use a mechanical stripping method.
After mechanical separation of the components, it is necessary to sort the metals. Copper, brass (yellow metal), aluminum and steel should be kept separately. Mixing metals upon delivery will lead to the fact that the entire volume will be valued at the price of the cheapest component (usually ferrous scrap).
Economic feasibility of disposal
Is the gamble worth the candle? Let's calculate the approximate profit. Let's say you have an old refrigerator Stinol-101 1998. We extract: 1 kg of copper from the compressor, 1.5 kg from the condenser, 0.2 kg of wiring. Total 2.7 kg of copper. At current prices (conditionally 600-700 rubles/kg for electrical copper) this is about 1800 rubles.
However, to this amount you need to add the cost of ferrous metals (case, shelves, compressor casing), of which there are about 40–50 kg in the refrigerator. Steel costs much less, but gives a noticeable increase in volume. Aluminum (if present in the evaporator) is valued higher than steel, but lower than copper.
If we consider a modern refrigerator on R600a, then the main profit will come from handing over the black scrap of the body and compressor as a whole units. The copper content there is so low that the time spent extracting it may not be worth it if you value your time.
In addition, many cities have free recycling programs for large household appliances. By handing over a refrigerator through an official channel, you can get a discount on the purchase of a new model or simply free up space without the cost of garbage disposal, which is sometimes more profitable than fussing with an angle grinder for a couple of kilograms of copper.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to determine the presence of copper without disassembling the refrigerator?
It is impossible to determine exactly, but you can make an assumption based on the year of manufacture and the type at the back. If a black sheet (foamed) is welded on the back, most likely there is steel there. If a grid of thin tubes is visible, there is a high probability of copper, especially if the refrigerator is more than 15 years old.
Does the No Frost system contain copper?
In the evaporation system itself (inside the chamber) there is practically no copper, aluminum is used there. Copper can only remain in the condenser circuit (at the back) and, of course, in the windings of the compressor and fans.
What to do with the oil from the compressor?
Motor oil from the compressor is a waste petroleum product. It is strictly forbidden to pour it into the sewer or onto the ground. Collect it in a sealed container and hand it over to a special hazardous waste collection point.
Does the Stinol brand affect the amount of copper?
The brand Stinol in itself does not guarantee the presence of copper, since the plant used components from different suppliers (Italy, Russia, Turkey) in different years. The key factor is the production date and model, not the brand.
Where can I find the exact diagram of the refrigerator?
The exact electrical and refrigeration diagrams are usually located on a sticker inside the case (on the side wall or on the back cover) or in the technical documentation that came with the purchase.