The question of how much metal is contained in old refrigerators often arises among those who plan to dispose of used equipment or are trying to estimate its residual value. The weight of the unit directly depends on its model, year of manufacture, dimensions and internal structure. A standard Soviet two-chamber refrigerator can weigh from 60 to 100 kilograms, and the lion's share of this weight falls on the metal body and compressor parts.
However, if you are interested in the potential revenue from scrapping equipment, it is important to understand that total weight and weight useful metal are different things. A significant part of the mass is made up of plastic, insulating materials, rubber and freon. To accurately calculate profit, it is necessary to take into account the useful yield coefficient, which varies depending on the type of raw materials being delivered.
In this article we will look in detail at what metals a household refrigerator consists of, how to properly prepare equipment for delivery and what factors influence the final weight of scrap. Understanding these nuances will help you avoid cheating when weighing and get a fair estimate.
Total weight and dimensions of old models
The weight of the refrigerator is the first thing the owner encounters when trying to move or dispose of the unit. Old Soviet models, such as ZIL, Saratov or Biryusa, were famous for their massiveness and durability. Their average weight was about 70–90 kilograms, which is explained by the use of thick steel sheets for the body and heavy compressors.
Modern models, even of a similar volume, often weigh less - in around 50–70 kilograms. This is due to changes in production technologies and the use of lighter alloys and plastic inserts. However, if we talk specifically about old refrigeratorsheavy metal products predominate here.
It is important to consider that the weight of an empty case without internal shelves and packaging will differ from that stated in the passport. When scrapping, equipment is weighed in assembled form, but with the deduction of non-metallic elements, if acceptance is in the “mix” or “heavy scrap” category.
⚠️ Attention: When weighing on scrap trucks, “tarar weight” or approximate coefficients are often used. Always request weighing on proven scales and recalculation of the mass, taking into account the actual yield of non-ferrous metals.
Dimensions also play a role: a tall two-meter unit will contain more steel in the body than a low “bar” model. For large lots of scrap, a difference of 5–10 kilograms per unit of equipment can significantly affect the final amount.
Metal structure: ferrous and non-ferrous scrap
The bulk of any refrigerator is ferrous metal, that is, steel. The outer and inner casing, doors, as well as many frame elements are made of it. The share of ferrous metals can reach 70–80% of the total weight of the product. These are cheap raw materials that are accepted at minimal prices.
The content of non-ferrous metals is much more interesting for processors. The design of the refrigerator contains copper, aluminum and sometimes brass. Copper is found in the compressor motor windings and in the heat exchanger tubes (condenser and evaporator). Aluminum is used in radiators of some models and in fastening parts.
- 🔴 Copper: The most valuable component contained in the compressor and piping.
- ⚪ Aluminium: Found in radiators and some internal parts.
- ⚫ Steel: The main material of the body, doors and frame.
- 🟡 Brass: Can be found in connecting elements and valves.
It is the presence non-ferrous metals that makes recycling of refrigerators is economically feasible for specialized collection points. If you hand over the refrigerator as ordinary scrap, its cost will be minimal. Cutting and extraction of copper and aluminum can significantly increase profits.
How much copper is in a refrigerator compressor
The heart of the refrigerator is the compressor, and it is this that is of greatest interest for the extraction of non-ferrous metal. Inside the sealed casing there is an electric motor, the winding of which is made of pure copper. Copper tubes also make up the refrigerant circulation system.
The amount of copper in one compressor depends on its power and year of production. In old Soviet models, the winding was more massive, and the copper output could be from 100 to 200 grams from one unit. Modern compressors often have a lower content of precious metals due to optimization of production processes.
To do this, it is necessary to open the sealed housing, which requires special tools and skills. In addition, there may be residual oil and gas inside that require proper disposal.
Technical details of copper extraction
To obtain copper, the compressor is cut with a grinder, the stator and winding are removed and the insulation is burned or chemical methods are used. However, when burned, up to 15% of the weight of copper is lost and its quality deteriorates (the varnish coating burns).
Cooling system pipelines also contain copper, but their wall thickness is small. In total, you can get from 200 to 500 grams of copper from one old refrigerator if you disassemble it completely and carefully. This is not much, but when processing dozens of pieces of equipment, the volume becomes noticeable.
Content of aluminum and other alloys
Aluminum in refrigerators is less common than copper, but it can also be scrapped. These are mainly parts of heat exchangers (evaporators) in modern models with the system No Frostalthough in older units the evaporators were often made of steel or copper tubes with aluminum plates.
Sheet aluminum can be used for the internal walls of freezers in some models. The weight of such parts is usually small - from 200 to 500 grams. Aluminum alloys can also be found in fasteners, brackets and decorative trims.
When sorting scrap, it is important to separate aluminum from steel, since they have different values. Aluminum is lighter and non-magnetic, making it easy to identify using a regular magnet. Mixing metals at delivery will result in the entire volume being priced at the price of the cheapest component.
Other metals, such as zinc or lead, are practically not found in significant quantities in the design of refrigerators. It is precisely three components that are of main value: steel, copper and aluminum.
Table: Approximate yield of metal from one refrigerator
For clarity, we present average data on the content of metals in a standard old-style two-chamber refrigerator weighing about 75 kg. Numbers may vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer.
| Metal type | Approximate weight (kg) | Percentage of weight | Scrap category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrous metal (body, doors) | 50 – 60 | ~70% | 3A (dimension) |
| Copper (compressor, tubes) | 0.2 – 0.5 | ~0.5% | Mix / Copper |
| Aluminum (radiators, parts) | 0.3 – 0.8 | ~1% | Aluminium |
| Unliquid goods (plastic, insulation) | 10 – 15 | ~20% | Waste |
As can be seen from the table, the bulk is made up of ferrous scrap, but the main profit with proper processing is brought by a small proportion of non-ferrous metals. Plastic and polyurethane foam insulation, which constitute a significant volume, most often go to waste or incineration, since their recycling is less economically profitable.
When calculating potential income, it should be taken into account that collection points may apply different contamination coefficients. For example, if you hand over the entire refrigerator, up to 20% may be deducted from its weight for non-metallic inclusions.
Features of disposal and preparation for delivery
Simply throwing the old refrigerator out the door is not the best solution. Firstly, this is a violation of the rules of improvement in many cities, and secondly, it is lost profit. Proper preparation of equipment for delivery allows you not only to earn money, but also to protect others.
Before transportation, it is necessary to dismantle all removable elements, if possible. It is better to remove plastic shelves, drawers and glass shelves separately. They are not metal and may reduce the overall grade of a scrap lot or damage weighing equipment.
- 🧹 Cleaning: Remove food debris, ice and dirt. Wet or dirty scrap is accepted at a large discount.
- 🔌 Dismantling: Disconnect the power cord (copper in the wire is also valuable).
- 🚪 Safety: Seal the doors with tape so that they do not open when transportation.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to disassemble the compressor yourself or cut through the cooling system tubes without protection. There may be gas under pressure inside, as well as oil residues that are dangerous to the skin.
If you hand over the refrigerator as bulky waste through utility services, the question of getting money for the metal disappears. In this case, the equipment is simply disposed of. To make a profit, you need to contact specialized scrap metal collection points or private suppliers.
☑️ Preparing the refrigerator for delivery
Environmental aspect and harmful substances
Old refrigerators are not only a source of metal, but also a potential environmental hazard. The cooling systems of Soviet and post-Soviet models used refrigerants that, when released into the atmosphere, destroy the ozone layer or enhance the greenhouse effect.
In addition, polyurethane foam is often used in the thermal insulation of housings, which releases toxic substances when burned. That is why it is absolutely forbidden to simply throw refrigerators into a landfill. Professional recycling involves the safe extraction and neutralization of freon.
By handing over equipment to official collection points, you guarantee that it will end up at a recycling plant, where it will be dismantled in compliance with environmental standards. The metal will be melted down, and the hazardous components will be rendered harmless.
In some regions, there are programs for recycling old household appliances, when you can return the old one at a discount when purchasing a new refrigerator. This is a convenient way to update equipment and at the same time solve the disposal problem.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How many kg of copper can be obtained from one old refrigerator?
On average, from 200 to 500 grams of copper can be extracted from one standard refrigerator. The main amount is found in the compressor windings and heat exchanger tubes. The exact quantity depends on the model and year of manufacture of the equipment.
Do they accept entire refrigerators or do they need to be disassembled?
Most scrap metal collection points accept entire refrigerators, disposing of them as “mix” or “oversized scrap”. However, the price per kilogram in this case will be lower than if you delivered ferrous and non-ferrous metal separately. Disassembly is beneficial only for large volumes.
Is freon from an old refrigerator harmful?
Yes, many types of freon (especially R12, used in older models) are dangerous for the ozone layer of the planet. In addition, upon contact with an open flame, freon can decompose to form phosgene, a chemical warfare agent. Therefore, it is prohibited to open the cooling system without special equipment.
Is it possible to return the refrigerator for free?
Yes, there are services for removing bulky waste that pick up equipment for free. Also, some electronics stores offer the service of removing an old refrigerator when purchasing a new one. However, in this case, you will not get money for the metal.
How to determine whether there is aluminum in the refrigerator?
Aluminum can be easily identified using a magnet - it is not magnetic. If the radiator inside the refrigerator (if visible or accessible) does not respond to a magnet and is silver in color, it is most likely aluminum. Also, some internal panels may be aluminum.