Question about how much metal is contained in a refrigerator Atlantoften arises not out of idle curiosity, but at a time when old equipment requires replacement or disposal. Possession of accurate information about the weight characteristics of household appliances allows you to competently plan the logistics of removal, calculate the potential income from delivery to a scrap collection point and understand whether it is worth disassembling the unit yourself or handing it over entirely. Modern models of the Belarusian manufacturer, despite the abundance of polymer materials in the finishing, still remain massive structures, the basis of which is steel alloys and non-ferrous metals.
For owners planning disposal of equipmentit is critically important to understand the difference between the total weight of the product and the mass of useful scrap. Refrigerators of the series Minsk or more modern lines can vary significantly in size and, accordingly, in the amount of metal used. On average, the share of metals in the design ranges from 70 to 85% of the total mass, however, the exact figures depend on the year of manufacture, the volume of the chambers and the presence of a system No Frostwhich adds additional plastic elements and fans, but slightly affects the weight of the case.
Understanding the question of how many kilograms of iron can be obtained, the environmental aspect cannot be ignored. Proper recycling domestic refrigerators allows valuable resources to be returned to the production cycle, reducing the burden on the mining industry. Below we will look in detail at the design features that affect weight and provide specific data for various models of the popular brand.
Design features and case materials
The basis of any refrigerator Atlant is a metal casing that serves as a supporting frame and protection internal components. Traditionally, sheet steel with a thickness of 0.5 to 0.8 mm is used for the production of external walls and internal cabinets. This material was not chosen by chance: it has the necessary strengthcorrosion resistance (thanks to galvanizing) and the ability to maintain its geometric shape under load. It is the steel body that makes up the lion's share of the weight of the entire unit.
The internal structure of modern models also contains a significant amount of metal, although at first glance this may not be obvious. The thermal insulation layer filling the space between the outer and inner walls can be made of polyurethane foam, but the piping system through which the refrigerant circulates is made of copper or aluminum. Copper condenser and the evaporator is the most valuable part of the scrap in terms of cost, although their weight is significantly inferior to that of the steel case.
⚠️ Attention: When disassembling yourself, remember that in older models produced before 2010, the thermal insulation may contain freons, which are hazardous to the environment. Do not damage the integrity of the sealed tubes without special gas collection equipment.
Refrigerator doors Atlant also have a metal base, but their weight may vary depending on the presence of additional functions. For example, models with a display or system Multi Flow may have a more complex internal structure, including plastic ducts and electronic components. However, the door frame invariably remains steel, which ensures a reliable fit of the seal and durability of the hinges.
Medium metal weight depending on the model
To understand how much metal is in a particular refrigerator Atlant, you need to refer to the technical data sheet of the product, where the total weight is indicated. However, as mentioned earlier, not all of this weight is metal. To accurately calculate the useful yield of scrap, you should take into account the coefficient, which for household appliances is usually 0.75–0.8. This means that out of 70 kg of total weight, approximately 52–56 kg will be made up of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Let us consider the dependence of weight on the type of structure. Single-chamber models, popular in past decades, were more compact, but often had thicker walls and massive older-style compressors. Two-chamber units, such as the series XM-4008 or XM-6025, have a large volume and, accordingly, a large amount of steel. The presence of the system No Frost adds weight due to a more powerful compressor and additional fans, although the proportion of plastic in such models is also higher.
Below is a table showing the approximate weight distribution for popular models. This data will help you form realistic expectations before handing over the equipment.
| Atlant model | Total weight (kg) | Approximate metal weight (kg) | Construction type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MHM 1704 | 54 | 40–42 | Two-chamber, drip |
| MHM 4425 | 66 | 49–52 | Two-chamber, No Frost |
| MHM 2835 | 60 | 44–46 | Two-chamber, large volume |
| MHM 1848 | 58 | 43–45 | Two-chamber, narrow |
It is important to note that the weight may vary slightly depending on the year of production. Newer models can be lighter through the use of thinner steel (thinner but high-strength steel) and optimization of the compressor design. However, for scrap collection points, these differences of several kilograms are rarely decisive, since the purchase price is formed per ton.
Non-ferrous metals: where are they located
The bulk of the refrigerator Atlant ferrous metal (steel), but non-ferrous metals are of the greatest value upon delivery. First of all, we are talking about copper, which is used in compressor motor windings and in heat exchange tubes. The copper content in one unit can vary from 1.5 to 3 kg, depending on the compressor power and the length of the circuit.
Aluminum in refrigerators Atlant is less common, mainly in the form of cooling radiators in some modifications or as a material for the internal evaporator tubes in budget models. The weight of aluminum parts is usually small, but they should also be separated from the ferrous metal during sorting. Electric motor The compressor contains not only copper windings, but also steel plates, so it is often sold entirely as scrap electric motors.
⚠️ Warning: Disassembling a hermetic compressor to extract copper at home is dangerous and often impractical due to the difficulty of opening the housing and the presence of oil inside. Hand over the compressor as is.
Electronic control boards deserve special attention when we are talking about modern models with Smart functions or a digital display. Although their weight is measured in grams, the content of precious metals (gold, silver, palladium) in the microcircuits is theoretically high. However, the extraction of these elements requires industrial refining and does not make sense on the scale of one refrigerator.
Why is copper more expensive than steel?
Copper has high electrical and thermal conductivity, which makes it indispensable in electrical engineering. Mining and processing of copper ore is a more energy-intensive and complex process than steel production, which creates a high market value.
The influence of the cooling system on weight
The cooling system directly affects the design and, therefore, the weight of the refrigerator Atlant. Models with a drip defrosting system use a static evaporator, often foamed in the walls of the housing or located on the rear panel. Such models, as a rule, have a simpler design and less weight of additional components.
System No Frost (or Frost Free) assumes the presence of fans, additional air ducts and a more complex condensate removal system. Although the air ducts themselves are made of plastic, the presence of an additional fan and defrosting heating element adds several hundred grams of metal to the structure (copper windings, steel motor housing). In addition, No Frost refrigerators are often equipped with more powerful compressors to ensure constant air circulation.
It is also worth considering the weight of the refrigerant. Older models used R12 freon, new ones used R600a (isobutane). R600a is an explosive gas, but its quantity in the system is minimal (about 30–50 grams), so its contribution to the total weight is negligible. However, the presence of gas residues requires caution when cutting tubes if you plan to scrap the metal.
☑️ What to check before handing over the refrigerator
Economic feasibility disassembly
Is it worth disassembling the refrigerator Atlant before delivery? This issue requires detailed economic analysis. On the one hand, separated scrap (ferrous metal separately, copper separately, aluminum separately) costs more than mixed scrap. On the other hand, the disassembly process is labor-intensive and requires special tools (grinders, wire cutters, protective equipment).
If you are handing over one refrigerator, the time and effort spent on complete disassembly down to the “bare” metal may not pay off. Reception points often accept entire household appliances, independently performing the initial cutting. In this case, you get an average price per ton of mixed scrap. If you have accumulated several units, it makes sense to remove compressors (like scrap electric motors) and copper tubes separately.
The average yield of pure copper from The Atlant refrigerator compressor is about 1.2–1.5 kg, the rest is steel and cast iron. Given the current prices for scrap, the profit from independent disassembly of one unit can be 100–200 rubles, which hardly compensates for the time spent and the risk of injury.
Logistics and disposal: practical tips
Transporting a refrigerator Atlant weighing 50–70 kg requires compliance with certain rules. To avoid damage to the floor and facilitate the removal process, it is recommended to use a cart or special belts for carrying heavy loads. If you plan to hand over equipment to a collection point, check in advance whether they accept large dimensions and whether there are restrictions on the weight of one unit.
Many household appliance stores offer a "Trade-in" service or free removal of old equipment when purchasing new ones. In the case of a brand Atlant, which is widely represented in retail chains, such promotions are held regularly. This may be a more profitable solution than scrapping yourself, since you save on the delivery of a new refrigerator and disposal of the old one.
⚠️ Attention: Scrap acceptance rules and tariffs may vary depending on the region and the current economic situation. Before traveling to the collection point, be sure to check the current prices and requirements for metal preparation by phone or on the official website of the organization.
Do not forget about environmental responsibility. A refrigerator thrown into a landfill will decompose for hundreds of years, poisoning the soil and groundwater with plastic decay products and refrigerant residues. Delivery to a specialized point is not only a way to receive a small monetary compensation, but also a contribution to preserving the environment. Atlant will decompose for hundreds of years, poisoning the soil and groundwater with plastic decay products and refrigerant residues. Taking it to a specialized point is not only a way to receive a small monetary compensation, but also a contribution to preserving the environment.
Frequently asked questions questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to return an Atlant refrigerator if it does not work?
Yes, non-working refrigerators are accepted at scrap collection points on a general basis. Their value lies precisely in the metal of the case and internal components, and not in functionality. The main thing is that the unit is defrosted and cleared of food.
How much does 1 kg of metal from an old refrigerator cost?
The price depends on the type of metal. Ferrous scrap (hull steel) is cheaper, non-ferrous scrap (copper, aluminum) is much more expensive. The average price for mixed scrap household appliances varies, but you need to find out the exact figure in your region on the day of delivery.
Do you need to remove the doors before removing the refrigerator?
This is a safety requirement, not a recycling requirement. During transportation and storage, doors must be secured with tape or removed to eliminate the risk of slamming and injuring children or animals. Reception points may require the removal of doors for compact storage.
Is there lead in the Atlant refrigerator?
Lead may be contained in the solders of electronic control boards and in old types of capacitors, but its amount is negligible. The bulk consists of steel, copper and aluminum. It does not make economic sense to specifically extract lead from one refrigerator.