How much copper is contained in the compressor refrigerator and how to get it: a complete guide 2026

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and its metal components, especially copper, are of real value to those who recycle or repair household appliances. If you are dismantling an old refrigerator, planning to sell it for scrap, or are simply interested in the device, the question how much copper is in the compressor becomes key. The answer depends on the model, year of manufacture and type of compressor - but on average we are talking about 0.8–2.5 kg of pure copper per unitwhich, at current prices for scrap, can bring from 300 to 1500 rubles.

In this article we will figure out where exactly the copper is hidden in the compressor, how to remove it correctly without risk to health, and why scrap prices can differ by half depending on the collection point. You will also find out which refrigerator models (Atlant, Biryusa, LG) contain the maximum amount of copper, and where its amount is minimal. And the most important thing is how not to run into fines for improper disposal of freon and oil.

Where is copper contained in a refrigerator compressor?

A refrigerator compressor is not a monolithic unit, but a complex device with several copper components. The main sources of copper:

• 🔹 Electric motor winding —the most “copper” part. It uses enameled copper wire with a diameter of 0.5–1.2 mm, wound in coils. In old Soviet refrigerators (ZIL, Minsk), the winding is thicker, so there is more copper - up to 1.5–2 kg.
• 🔹 Cooling circuit tubes - thin copper capillaries, connecting the compressor to the condenser and evaporator. Their weight rarely exceeds 200–300 grams, but the copper here is of high quality (without impurities).
• 🔹 Terminals and contacts are small parts, but their total weight can reach 50–100 grams. Often coated with tin or nickel to protect against oxidation.
• 🔹 Radiator grille capacitor —in some models (for example, Samsung RL-33) part of the grille is made of copper, but more often it is aluminum.

It is important to understand that not all copper is equally valuable. For example, the motor winding contains varnish and requires cleaning, and the circuit tubes are pure copper grade M1 or M2, which will be accepted at the maximum price. The compressor also contains aluminum (housing, cover) and steel (shaft, fasteners), but their price is an order of magnitude lower.

How much copper is in the compressors of popular refrigerators?

The amount of copper depends on compressor power, its type (piston, inverter, linear) and year of manufacture. Below is a table with approximate data for common models. Please note that the weight may vary by ±10% depending on the modification.

Inverter compressors (for example, in refrigerators Samsung or Bosch) contain less copper, but it is cleaner and more expensive. Piston compressors of Soviet refrigerators (ZIL-63, Oka-6) can produce up to 2.5 kg of copper, but they are more difficult to disassemble due to corrosion and outdated design.

How to extract copper from a compressor: step by step instructions

Disassembling a compressor is a labor-intensive and potentially dangerous process. The main risks: freon explosion (if you do not bleed it off), cuts from sharp edges and oil getting on the skin. Below is a safe algorithm of actions.

Breed off the freon (be sure to go outside!)|Turn off the power and discharge the capacitors|Prepare tools: grinder, wire cutters, screwdrivers|Put on protective gloves and goggles|Place a container to drain the oil-->

Step 1. Bleeding freon

The freon in the compressor is under pressure (up to 10 atm). If it is not vented, an explosion may occur when cutting the body. To do this:

1. Take the compressor outside or into a well-ventilated area.
2. Find a copper tube (usually thinner than the rest) and carefully cut it with a hacksaw.
3. Step back 1-2 meters and wait until the gas is completely released (the hissing will stop).

Step 2. Draining the oil

The compressor contains 200–500 ml of technical oil. It needs to be drained, otherwise it will stain the copper and reduce its price. To do this:

• Turn the compressor upside down.
• Place the container and carefully drill a hole in the lower part of the housing (where the plug is usually located).
• Wait for the oil to drain completely (may take 10-15 minutes).

Step 3. Disassembling the housing

The compressor housing is made of steel or cast iron. To get to the copper:

1. Use a grinder or hacksaw to cut off the top cover (where the terminals are located).
2. Remove the rotor with winding - this is the main source of copper.
3. Cut off the copper tubes at the base (they can be sold separately as pure copper).

What to do if the winding is stuck to the stator?

If the rotor cannot be removed, carefully tap the housing with a hammer through the wooden spacer. Do not use metal tools as this may damage the winding. As a last resort, heat the case with a blowtorch (but do not overheat, so as not to melt the insulation).

Step 4. Cleaning copper

Before delivery, copper must be cleaned of varnish, oil and oxides. To do this:

• The winding can be calcined over a fire (the varnish will burn off, but the copper will darken).
• Wipe the tubes with a solvent (White spirit or Acetone).
• Clean the terminals with sandpaper.

⚠️ Attention: Do not burn the winding indoors - when burning varnish, toxic gases are released. Use an exhaust hood or carry out the procedure outside.

How much can you earn from copper from a compressor?

The price of scrap copper depends on its purity, current stock exchange quotes and the appetite of the receiving point. As of June 2026, estimated prices in Russia:

• 💰 Pure copper (tubes, terminals) — 600–750 rubles/kg.
• 💰 Copper in varnish (winding) — 400–550 rub/kg (requires cleaning).
• 💰 Copper scrap with impurities — 300–400 rub/kg (if not cleaned).

Example calculation for a compressor Biryusa 130 (2 kg of copper):

• 1.5 kg of winding (in varnish) × 500 rubles = 750 rubles.
• 0.5 kg of clean tubes × 700 rubles = 350 rubles.
• Total: 1100 rubles for one compressor.

However, real revenue may be lower due to:

• 🔸 Withholding 5–10% for “dirty” scrap (if the copper is not cleaned).
• 🔸 Underestimation of weight on the collection point scales (always weigh the copper yourself before handing it in!).
• 🔸 Refusal to accept if the copper is mixed with other metals (for example, with aluminum from a radiator).

Prices in regions may vary. For example, in Moscow and St. Petersburg copper is accepted at a higher price (up to 800 rubles/kg for pure copper), and in small cities it is cheaper (450–600 rubles/kg). Before your trip, check the current prices by phone or on the websites of collection points.

What mistakes are made when extracting copper?

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes lose part of their profits due to mistakes. Here are the most common:

• 🚫 Do not bleed off freon - this is not only dangerous, but also illegal. According to Article 8.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, for the release of freon into the atmosphere, you can receive a fine of up to 2000 rubles.
• 🚫 Cut the tubes with a grinder -sparks can ignite the remaining oil. Use a hacksaw or pipe cutter.
• 🚫 Do not separate copper from other metals —aluminum and steel “dilute” the batch, and you will be paid as for mixed scrap.
• 🚫 They sell copper with varnish as clean —points receptions easily detect deception and lower the price.
• 🚫 Ignore small details —terminals, contacts and wires also contain copper, their total weight can reach 200–300 grams.

Another common mistake is attempting to disassemble an inverter compressor without special tools. In such models, the copper is often hidden under a layer of epoxy resin, and it is difficult to remove it without damage. If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to hand over such a compressor entirely as “electric scrap.”

⚠️ Attention: If you are disassembling a compressor from a refrigerator manufactured before 2000, be careful - they could have used freon R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane), which destroys the ozone layer. Its disposal should be carried out only in licensed centers.

Alternative ways to make money on old refrigerators

Copper is not the only valuable component in a refrigerator. If you are engaged in recycling, consider other options:

• 🔧 Sale of working compressor - on Avito or Yule serviceable units (for example, from Atlanta or Stinola) are bought for 1500–3000 rubles for repair.
• 🔌 Aluminium delivery —the condenser radiator can weigh 1–2 kg (price - 80–120 rubles/kg).
• ♻️ Freon recycling - some companies pay for proper disposal of refrigerant (up to 500 rubles per cylinder).
• 🔋 Extraction of rare earth metals - in inverter compressors have neodymium magnets (price - up to 1000 rubles/kg).

If the refrigerator is still working, but is obsolete, you can:

• 🔹 Return it to trade-in (some stores give a discount on a new refrigerator when you return the old one).
• 🔹 Convert into chest freezer (if the compressor is working).
• 🔹 Sell for spare parts (door seals, shelves, thermostats are also in demand).

Profits from alternative methods may exceed income from copper. For example, a working compressor Danfoss NL8FJ costs ~2500 rubles on the secondary market, and copper from it will bring only 800–1000 rubles.

Legal aspects: what do you need to know before disassembling?

Disassembling a refrigerator in order to extract copper is not just a “handiwork”, but also the issue of compliance with laws. Here are the key points:

• 📜 Freon —it cannot simply be released into the atmosphere. According to Federal Law No. 7-FZ “On Environmental Protection”, recycling of refrigerants must be carried out by certified organizations. For violation - a fine of up to 2000 rubles for individuals.
• 📜 Oil - industrial oil from a compressor is classified as hazard class 4 waste. It should not be poured down the drain or onto the ground. Hand over to waste oil collection points.
• 📜 Documents — if you hand over copper in large quantities (more than 50 kg), the collection point may require a passport and a sales contract. This is a measure against the theft of non-ferrous metals.

If you are dismantling a refrigerator not for personal needs, but as a business (for example, buying old equipment), you will need:

• Register as an individual entrepreneur (OKVED code 38.32 - recycling waste).
• Conclude an agreement with a licensed freon recycling company.
• Keep records of accepted refrigerators (in case of inspection by Rosprirodnadzor).

⚠️ Attention: In some regions (for example, in Moscow and the region), local rules for the disposal of household appliances apply. Before starting work, check them on the website of the local administration or Rosprirodnadzor.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about copper in refrigerator compressors

Is it possible to extract copper from a compressor without an angle grinder?

Yes, but it will take more time. Instead of a grinder, use:

• A hacksaw for metal (for tubes and housing).
• Pipe cutter (for neatly separating copper tubes).
• Hammer and chisel (for opening the compressor cover).

The main thing is not to damage winding, otherwise the copper will be more difficult to clean.

How to distinguish copper from brass in a compressor?

Copper has a reddish tint and is soft (bends with a fingernail), while brass is yellowish and hard. You can also check with a magnet: copper is not magnetic, but brass (if it contains iron) may be weakly attracted. In compressors, brass is rarely found - usually only in some terminals.

How much copper is in a compressor from an industrial refrigerator?

In industrial refrigerators (for example, Polair or Bitzer) the compressors are more massive, and there is more copper in them - from 3 up to 10 kg. However, they are more difficult to disassemble due to their size and high freon pressure. The price per kg of copper in such cases may be lower (500–600 rubles), since collection points often underestimate the cost for large quantities.

What to do if there is oil left in the compressor?

The oil must be drained completely, otherwise:

• It will stain the copper, and its price will fall.
• When heated (for example, when heating the winding), the oil will ignite.
• Reception points may refuse to accept “dirty” scrap.

Use a plastic container to drain. The oil can be handed over as waste (price - 20–50 rubles/kg) or disposed of at special points.

Is it profitable to dismantle compressors in 2026?

At current copper prices (600–750 rubles/kg), disassembling compressors remains profitable, but with with reservations:

• ✅ Profitable: if you have a free source of old refrigerators (for example, from friends or after repair).
• ❌ Unprofitable: if you buy refrigerators specifically for disassembly, transportation costs and time will reduce your profit to zero.

The best option is to combine copper extraction with the sale of working spare parts (compressors, thermostats, seals).