Failure of refrigeration equipment often puts the owner in a dilemma: what to do with used parts? The issue is especially acute when it comes to compressor the heart of any refrigerator. This unit is a sealed metal block, inside of which there is an electric motor and a mechanical part that operates under high pressure.
Simply throwing such a unit into a trash container near the house will not work. Firstly, this is a violation of the rules for the disposal of large technical waste, for which fines are provided. Secondly, compressor oil, which is a hazardous substance for the environment, may remain inside the housing. Therefore, proper disposal is not only a way to free up space, but also a contribution to the environment. freon or compressor oil, which are classified as hazardous substances for the environment. Therefore, proper disposal is not only a way to free up space, but also a contribution to the environment.
There are several ways to solve the problem: sell the part for scrap, give it to a service center, or find collectors who restore old equipment. The choice of option depends on the condition of the unit, its brand and your readiness for dismantling work. Let's look at all the available options in detail.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to open the compressor housing or try to saw it with a grinder. There may be gas under high pressure inside, which can lead to an explosion or the release of toxic vapors.
Why you should not throw the compressor into the general trash
A compressor is a complex electromechanical device containing non-ferrous metals and potentially dangerous chemical compounds. If it ends up in a regular landfill, the casing will rust over time, and residue refrigerant or oils may seep into the soil. Modern environmental standards strictly regulate the process of recycling such equipment.
In addition, the unit contains a copper motor winding, which is a valuable resource for recycling. By throwing a part into a common tank, you are sending valuable raw materials to a landfill, where they will lie for decades. Metal collection points are interested in such waste, since high-quality steel can be recovered from it. copper, aluminum and high quality steel.
The legislation of many countries, including the Russian Federation, classifies refrigeration equipment as waste that requires special disposal. Therefore, searching for a specialized collection point is the only right decision. This can also bring you a small financial benefit if you hand over the part as scrap non-ferrous metals.
Options for handing over the compressor: where they accept it
The first and most obvious option is scrap metal collection points. The compressor is made primarily of ferrous metal (the housing), but contains a significant amount of copper internally (the motor windings) and sometimes aluminum. However, there is a nuance here: many acceptance centers only accept compressors as black scrap, if you are not ready to disassemble it, or offer a low price for a “whole” unit.
The second option is specialized companies for recycling household appliances. They often offer a pickup service, which is convenient if you don't have your own transportation. Such organizations are engaged in professional freon extraction and component sorting. Here you are unlikely to get money; most likely, it will be a free service or even a paid one if complex dismantling is required.
- 🏭 Metal collection points: they accept it as is or require disassembly, pay by weight.
- 🚚 Recycling services: they take away the entire equipment, often for free, and issue a disposal certificate.
- 🔧 Service centers: can accept the old unit as spare parts for restoration (rarely) or send it for recycling.
There are also private advertisements on boards like Avito or Yula. If your compressor is from a well-known brand (for example, Atlant, Indesit or Liebherr) and is in working or partially working condition, it can be bought by craftsmen to repair other equipment. In this case, the price will be significantly higher than the cost of scrap.
Pricing issue: how much does an old compressor cost?
The cost of a delivered compressor varies depending on the region, exchange rate and the current situation on the market for recyclable materials. If we consider the unit as scrap metal, then the price is calculated per kilogram. On average, the weight of a household compressor is from 8 to 12 kg.
If you sell it as ferrous scrap (entirely), the price will be low. If you are ready to carefully dismantle the copper tubes and, possibly, the winding itself (which requires skills and tools), the price will increase significantly, since copper is valued much higher than steel. However, it is worth remembering the risks when disassembling yourself.
Below is an approximate price table that is relevant for most regions. Please keep in mind that tariffs may change, so it is better to check the current prices at the nearest collection point before traveling.
| Type of delivery | Approximate price (RUB/kg) | Average weight (kg) | Total amount (rub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black scrap (whole) | 15 - 25 | 10 | 150 - 250 |
| Non-ferrous scrap (copper) | 600 - 750 | 0.5 - 1.0 | 300 - 750 |
| Used worker (advertisement) | 500 - 2000 (per piece) | - | 500 - 2000 |
⚠️ Attention: At metal collection points Weight rounding or minimum lot rules often apply. Don’t be surprised if 10 kg is accepted as 9 kg or they refuse to weigh small weights without a main order.
The most profitable option is to find a “second life” use for the compressor. If the unit is in working order, but removed, for example, when replacing it with a quieter or more powerful one, its market value as a spare part can be several thousand rubles. Craftsmen often look for original components for repairing rare models of refrigerators.
Dismantling the compressor: preparation for delivery
Before taking the part to the collection point, it must be correct dismantle. This requires compliance with safety precautions and the availability of a minimum set of tools. The main rule: do not snack copper tubes with cutters, if there is still pressure in the system.
First you need to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. The rear panel is then removed to reveal access to the engine compartment. The compressor is usually secured to the frame with four bolts or welded studs. Also coming from it are three tubes (suction, discharge and sometimes process) and an electrical cable.
☑️ Checklist for dismantling
To disconnect the tubes, use a pipe cutter or carefully cut them with side cutters away from the soldering area, first making sure that the refrigerant has come out. If the system is sealed, it is better to make a small hole in the housing of the compressor itself with a drill to bleed off any remaining gas and oil before taking it indoors.
Oil from the compressor is a third or fourth class waste. It should not be poured down the drain or onto the ground. Collect the liquid in a plastic bottle and also take it to a hazardous waste or used oil collection point, if available in your city.
Environmental aspects and recycling
Disposal of refrigeration equipment is part of a global environmental problem. Older refrigerator models often contained brand freons R12, which destroy the ozone layer. Modern refrigerants (R600a, R134a) are safer, but when burned or improperly disposed of they can also be harmful.
The process of industrial processing of a compressor includes several stages. First, the oil is extracted, which is purified or burned in special furnaces with filters. The body is then sent to a shredder where it is crushed. Magnetic separators separate steel from non-ferrous metals and plastic.
- ♻️ Steel: remelted and used in construction or mechanical engineering.
- 🔌 Copper: cleaned and used for the production of new wires and electronics.
- 🛢️ Oil: regenerated or used as an alternative fuel.
By choosing an official collection point, you guarantee that the part will not end up in an illegal landfill, where it can be burned along with plastic, poisoning the air. Large processing plants have licenses and equipment to neutralize harmful emissions.
What is done with freon during disposal?
On modern recycling lines, freon is pumped out by special vacuum pumps into tanks, then liquefied and reused or neutralized chemically without entering the atmosphere.
Is it possible to reuse an old compressor
Before handing over the part, think: what if it still serves? Refrigerator compressors are an excellent basis for homemade devices. Home craftsmen often use them compressors for airbrushingto inflate tires or blow out pneumatic tools.
To do this, clean the compressor, change the oil (if the design allows) or leave it as is, add a receiver (air tank) and a pressure switch. Such homemade installations work for years and are several times cheaper than their factory counterparts. If you or someone you know is interested in technical creativity, an old unit can be a valuable gift.