Release of old household appliances equipment for scrap metal is not just freeing up space in the garage, but also a way to get additional income, especially if you know what kind of non-ferrous metals can be extracted. Refrigerator is a multi-component structure, where the bulk is steel, but it is aluminum that is of value to buyers. Many owners mistakenly believe that the entire radiator or compressor consists of pure non-ferrous metal, which leads to disappointment when weighing. copper and aluminum. Many owners mistakenly believe that the entire radiator or compressor is made of pure non-ferrous metal, which leads to disappointment when weighing it.
In reality, the amount of copper in a standard household refrigerator varies depending on the year of manufacture and model, but on average is from 0.5 to 1.5 kilogram. Compressor, which is often called a motor, contains a copper winding, but it is almost impossible to remove it in its pure form without special equipment. Radiators of modern units are often made of aluminum, while in Soviet technology copper predominates, which makes old ones models more valuable for processors.
Before you start disassembling, you need to clearly understand what you are looking for and where it is is located. The maximum amount of copper is concentrated in the windings of the compressor electric motor and, partially, in the condenser heat exchanger of old models. An attempt to obtain pure metal requires time and effort, which is not always compensated by the difference in price between ferrous and non-ferrous scrap. Next, we will analyze in detail the design of the units and present real figures for the yield of useful raw materials.
Where exactly is copper located in the refrigerator design
In order to assess the potential profit from recycling, you need to look inside the unit. The main places where non-ferrous metals accumulate are the compressor (pumping part) and the heat exchanger tube system. In old Soviet refrigerators, such as those produced before the 90s, the condenser and evaporator tubes were often made of pure copper. This provided high thermal conductivity, but made the equipment vulnerable to mechanical damage. ZIL or Biryusa manufactured before the 90s, the condenser and evaporator tubes were often made of pure copper. This provided high thermal conductivity, but made the equipment vulnerable to mechanical damage.
Modern models have switched to using aluminum or steel with copper coating in visible parts, leaving copper only inside the sealed compressor circuit. Electric motor, hidden in a black casing at the back, always contains a copper stator winding, regardless of the year of manufacture. However, this copper can only be reached by sawing the body, which is a labor-intensive process.
It is important to distinguish between materials, since the price of scrap copper (used) is significantly higher than the cost of aluminum or brass. The tubes leading from the compressor to the radiator grille can be made of different alloys. If the magnet sticks to the tube, it's steel; if not, it's probably aluminum or copper. Color is also an indicator: a characteristic reddish-red tint gives Cu (chemical designation of copper).
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators manufactured after 2000, the likelihood of encountering an all-copper radiator is extremely low. Manufacturers have massively switched to aluminum alloys to reduce costs.
When disassembling you will be faced with the fact that the tubes are often connected to steel elements. This creates a mixture of metals that buyers can price at the price of the cheapest component or as a "mix." Therefore, to obtain maximum benefit, it is necessary to sort and clean the metal from foreign inclusions.
How much copper is in the compressor: weight and winding composition
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and it is the one most often associated with the presence of copper. Inside the sealed housing there is an electric motor, the stator of which is wound with copper wire. The weight of this winding depends on the power of the motor. In domestic refrigerators, compressor power is usually from 1/8 to 1/4 horsepower.
To gain access to the copper winding, it is necessary to open the steel housing of the compressor. This is done using a grinder or a hacksaw. Inside you will find a heavy electrical steel core on which the wire is wound. Pure copper output makes up approximately 10-15% of the total mass of the compressor. The rest is steel, oil and refrigerant.
Let's consider approximate data on the copper output from compressors of different capacities:
| Compressor type | Total weight (kg) | Winding weight (kg) | Copper output (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low power (1/8 hp) | 8-10 | 0.6 - 0.8 | ~8-10% |
| Medium power (1/5 hp) | 10-12 | 0.9 - 1.1 | ~10-12% |
| Powerful (1/4 hp and above) | 12-15 | 1.2 - 1.6 | ~12-14% |
As can be seen from the table, even from the largest household compressor it is rarely possible to obtain more than 1.5 kg of copper. Is the game worth the candle? If you have one refrigerator, then the cost of electricity for the grinder and your time may not be worth it. However, when processing a batch of 10-20 units, collecting copper becomes economically feasible.
It is also worth mentioning that the compressor contains compressed gas and oil. When the housing is opened, there may be a sudden release of pressure and splashing of technical oil. It is necessary to work in protective glasses and gloves, in a well-ventilated area.
Heat exchanger analysis: copper or aluminum?
The second source of non-ferrous metal is a system of tubes through which the refrigerant circulates. It consists of a condenser (black grill on the back) and an evaporator (inside the freezer). In older models (Saratov, Minsk, Oka), these elements were often made of copper. This can be determined by the weight and color of the cut: copper is heavier and has a reddish tint on the cut, not instantly oxidizing to a white color like aluminum.
Modern evaporators are often aluminum plates with tubes sealed inside, or completely aluminum structures. Capacitors can also be painted steel. If the magnet does not stick to the tube, but it is silver in color and light, it is aluminum. Its price at the collection point is much lower.
The process of removing tubes requires care. They need to be bitten off with nippers or sawed off, being careful not to damage them. If the tubes are coated with varnish or paint, their weight upon acceptance may be adjusted downward, so cleaning the surface increases the final amount.
☑️ Checking the material of the tubes
Do not try to heat the tubes with an open fire to remove insulation or paint if you are not sure of their contents. Freon residue may be flammable or toxic when heated. It is better to use mechanical stripping methods.
Safe disassembly technology to obtain scrap
If you decide to disassemble, you will need a certain set of tools. For effective work you will need: an angle grinder (angle grinder) with metal discs, powerful wire cutters or metal scissors, pliers, a hammer and protective equipment. The process begins with dismantling the external plastic and steel elements of the case.
First, the rear panel is removed, allowing access to the compressor and condenser. The tubes are cut as close to the nodes as possible. The compressor is detached from the frame, usually secured with bolts or welded studs. To extract copper from the compressor “pot” itself, you need to fix it and make a cut along the equator of the housing.
Inside you will see a wound stator. To remove copper, you often have to cut out the core or saw it, since the wire sits tightly in the grooves. This is the dirtiest and most time-consuming part of the work.
⚠️ Attention: When sawing the compressor, use a respirator. Dust from a burnt winding (if the engine was in operation) and insulation particles can be harmful to the respiratory tract.
It is advisable to clean the separated copper from solder and other metals. Pieces of the stator, where copper is intertwined with steel, can be accepted as “copper in the mixture” or even as ferrous metal, which is cheaper. The ideal option for delivery is cleaned, shiny copper wire (“burnt” or “shine”).
What to do with the remaining oil?
There is technical oil inside the compressor. It should not be poured down the drain or onto the ground. Collect the oil in a separate container and take it to a waste oil collection point or dispose of it according to the rules of your region.
Economic feasibility and scrap prices
Is it worth spending time on disassembly? Let's do the math. Let's say you sell the entire old refrigerator as scrap or household appliances. For this you can get a conditional 500-800 rubles. If you disassemble it, you will get: steel (about 30-40 kg), copper (about 1 kg), aluminum (1-2 kg) and plastic.
The price of copper scrap (used) is much higher than that of ferrous metal. However, by handing over 1 kg of copper, you lose the opportunity to hand over the entire compressor, which in its unassembled form may be valued higher due to the presence of other non-ferrous metals in the composition or the possibility of restoration. Reception points often do the disassembly themselves and may offer a higher price if you bring complete units.
In addition, it is necessary to take into account the depreciation of the tool (discs for an angle grinder, electricity) and the time spent. If your goal is to make money, then it is more efficient to rent out entire equipment or sort large batches. If you have accumulated a mountain of old junk and want to put things in order, then copper mining becomes a pleasant bonus.
Environmental aspects and proper disposal
A refrigerator is not only metal, but also potentially hazardous substances. The refrigerants contained in the system (freons), when released into the atmosphere, contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer and increase the greenhouse effect. Modern freons are less dangerous than old ones (R12), but their release into the atmosphere is still undesirable.
Foam used for thermal insulation of the body often contains flammable substances and emits toxic smoke when burned. Plastic and rubber also require proper recycling. By handing over the refrigerator to specialized recycling points or a metal collection center, you guarantee that hazardous components will be neutralized by professionals.
Independent disassembly in nature or in a garage without following safety measures can harm the environment. Oil leaking from the compressor pollutes the soil. Therefore, even when “mining” copper, remember about the environment.
Is it possible to hand over the entire refrigerator without disassembling it?
Yes, most scrap metal collection points accept entire household appliances. In this case, they do the disassembly themselves. The price per kilogram will be lower than for pure copper, but you will save time and effort. Often they give a fixed amount for a complete refrigerator.
Is copper dust harmful when disassembled?
Copper dust itself is not toxic in small quantities, but it can cause irritation to mucous membranes. The main danger is dust from winding insulation, which may contain combustion products of varnish, as well as dust from thermal insulation (glass wool, polystyrene foam). Work in a respirator.
How to distinguish brass from copper visually?
Copper has a characteristic reddish-red color. Brass is yellow, similar to gold. If you rub metal on a hard surface, copper will leave a reddish mark, while brass will leave a yellow mark. Also, copper is heavier and softer than brass.
How much does a standard Soviet refrigerator weigh?
The weight of old refrigerators such as "ZIL" or "Saratov" can reach 60-80 kg. Modern models are lighter - about 40-50 kg. Most of this weight falls on the steel body and compressor.