When an old refrigerator finally breaks down, many owners think not only about its disposal, but also about the possibility of making money by disposing of its components. One of the most valuable components in the design of household refrigeration equipment is compressor. It is this that ensures the circulation of the refrigerant and maintains the required temperature in the chambers.
However, before taking the unit to the collection point, it is important to understand that its cost is not determined simply by weight, like that of ordinary ferrous metal. Complex factors come into play here: the presence of non-ferrous metals, the type of refrigerant, the condition of the windings, and even the weight of the freon that may still be inside the system. In this article we will examine in detail how much can you hand over a refrigerator compressorhow to prepare it correctly and what affects the final payment amount.
The market for secondary raw materials is unstable, and prices may fluctuate depending on the region and the current exchange value of copper. However, knowing the basic principles of pricing will help you avoid selling your equipment cheap. Let's look at what makes up the value of this unit.
What makes up the value of a compressor
The main value of a compressor lies in its internal contents. Unlike the solid refrigerator body, which is often mistaken for mixed scrap, the engine contains a significant amount of non-ferrous metals. First of all, we are talking about copper, which is used to wind the stator coils. The cost of copper on the scrap market is traditionally high, which makes the extraction of these parts economically feasible.
In addition to the copper winding, the design contains steel elements, such as the body, shaft, piston group plates and rotor. Ferrous metal is valued much cheaper, but its weight in the unit is significant. Also in modern models there may be aluminumwhich is used in some types of windings or heat exchangers, but its presence must be checked individually.
An important nuance is the condition of the nodes. If the compressor is intact and has not been opened, the receiver can evaluate it as “by weight” with a coefficient of non-ferrous metal, without requiring disassembly. However, if you plan to extract the copper yourself, the total amount may increase, but this will require additional effort and time.
⚠️ Attention: There is oil and freon residues inside the compressor under pressure. It is strictly forbidden to open the housing with an angle grinder or drill it at home without the appropriate equipment, since refrigerant vapors can be toxic and the oil can be flammable.
Pricing: copper versus ferrous metal
The main question that worries those who rent it: will the compressor be assessed as ferrous scrap or as a source of copper? The answer depends on the specific reception points policy and state of the unit. Some companies accept hermetic compressors at the price of ferrous metal with a small premium, assuming that they themselves will process or resell them.
Other acceptance points are ready to evaluate the device in the category "copper in the housing" or "motor-collector", which is significantly more profitable. In this case, the price per kilogram can be several times higher than for conventional steel. The key factor here is the trust of the receiver that there really is copper winding inside, and not aluminum, which is valued less.
It is worth noting that the weight of the compressor also plays a role. Standard household models weigh from 8 to 12 kilograms. If you hand over a lot of several pieces, negotiation may be more successful. For large quantities, some collection points offer special tariffs.
- 💰 Copper winding —the most valuable component, which determines the high cost of scrap.
- 🏗️ Steel body —makes up the bulk, but has a low unit cost.
- ⚖️ Unit weight —directly affects the final amount, so heavy Soviet models are often more profitable than light modern ones.
The influence of the type of refrigerant on the cost
Not all compressors are the same, and this applies not only to their design, but also to the type of refrigerant used. Old refrigerators produced before the end of the 90s often used freon, while newer refrigerators often used freon. The presence of certain types of gases may affect the acceptance procedure. R12, and in newer ones - R134a. The presence of certain types of gases may affect the acceptance procedure.
Environmental regulations require proper disposal of freon. If you hand over the compressor to a specialized organization engaged in professional processing, they may give a discount or, conversely, accept the device for free if a complex gas pumping procedure is required. However, in most small collection points this factor is ignored if the unit is sealed.
Problems can arise if the compressor is damaged and gas escapes. In this case, the receiver may reduce the price, since the device loses part of its “marketability” for reuse (if it is working) or requires special conditions for disposal of residual oil.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to bleed freon into the atmosphere yourself. This not only harms the environment, but can also lead to refusal of acceptance or a reduction in price, since the presence of gas often serves as confirmation of the tightness and safety of internal components.
It is also worth considering that modern inverter compressors may have more complex electronic components or use other materials, which can also be taken into account during the assessment. However, for bulk scrap this rarely becomes a decisive factor.
Table of estimated prices for scrap compressors
Scrap prices are constantly changing, following the exchange quotations of metals. Below is a table with approximate prices that may be found at collection points. Remember that the final amount is always determined by the receiver after inspection.
| Type of scrap | Description | Approximate price (RUB/kg) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black scrap (size) | Entire compressor, rated as steel | 15 - 25 | Low price, minimum requirements |
| Motor-collector | Sealed, but with a guarantee of copper inside | 90 - 130 | Average price, depends on visual inspection |
| Copper in the case | Disassembled or opened, copper is visible | 140 - 180 | High price, disassembly required |
| Aluminum winding | If found inside aluminum | 40 - 60 | The price is lower than for copper, but higher than steel |
Why are the prices so different?
The difference in price is due to processing costs. It is more profitable for the collection point to buy ready-made copper or a reliable “motor” than to waste resources on guessing the contents and subsequent complex processing of the sealed unit.
Is it worth disassembling the compressor yourself
Many enthusiasts ask the question: isn’t it better to open the compressor yourself and hand over the pure copper separately? Theoretically, this could bring the maximum profit, since pure copper costs the most. However, in practice, this process is fraught with serious difficulties.
Firstly, the compressor housing is made of thick steel and sealed by welding. To get to the insides, you will need grindera powerful vice and a lot of time. Secondly, there is oil inside that will stain everything and will need to be disposed of properly. Thirdly, the amount of copper in a household compressor is only about 10-15% of the total mass, that is, from one unit you will get only 1-1.5 kg of non-ferrous metal.
If you take into account the costs of electricity, tools and, most importantly, time, independent disassembly of one or two compressors is often not economically feasible. This only makes sense when processing large batches on an industrial scale.
- 🛠️ Tools —to open it you need a powerful grinder and protective equipment.
- 🛢️ Oil —requires careful draining and disposal, stains hands and clothes.
- ⏳ Time —the process is labor-intensive and may take more time than the resulting difference in price is worth.
☑️ Is it worth disassembling?
Where is the best place to deliver compressors
The choice of delivery location directly affects How much can you sell a refrigerator compressor for?. There are several basic options, each of which has its own pros and cons.
The most obvious option is scrap metal collection points. Here you can get money right away, but the prices may not be the highest, especially if you only bring one unit. Large databases are more willing to work with wholesalers. Private resellers, who often advertise their services on bulletin boards, can offer convenience (they will come and pick them up), but the margin included in their price means that you will get less than with direct delivery to the base.
There are also specialized services for recycling household appliances. Sometimes they offer a free removal service for your old refrigerator, which can be cheaper than selling the compressor separately when you factor in shipping costs. In large cities there are eco-centers that accept equipment, but they rarely pay money; rather, this is a way to get rid of junk for free and correctly.
If the compressor is in working condition (which is rare when scrapping, but possible), you can try to sell it as a used spare part on bulletin boards. In this case, the price will be many times higher than the cost of scrap, but finding a buyer will take time.
⚠️ Attention: When handing over scrap, be sure to have it weighed in front of you and clarify the category of the metal before releasing the unit from your hands. Reception conditions may change at the time of inspection.
Preparation for delivery and safety
Before going to the collection point, you must correctly prepare the compressor. First of all, make sure that it is completely disconnected from the power supply. If you remove it from the refrigerator yourself, be careful: the copper tubes going to the compressor are under pressure.
When biting off the tubes, use only high-quality wire cutters and keep your face at a safe distance. Sudden release of gas or splash of oil may damage your eyes. After dismantling, it is advisable to plug the holes with pieces of rags or plugs so that the oil does not leak out during transportation.
It is better to transport the compressor in a vertical position or as it stood in the refrigerator, although this is not always critical for scrap. The main thing is not to drop it on your foot, given the heavy weight of the unit.
- 🔌 Disconnection —make sure that the power cord is cut or disconnected.
- 🧤 Protection —use gloves and goggles when dismantling.
- 🚚 Transportation —provide for reliable fixation in the car.
Is it possible to hand over a compressor if there is freon left in it?
Yes, most collection points accept compressors with freon, classifying them as sealed products. However, the receiver can make a visual inspection and, if he suspects leakage or damage, downgrade the scrap. There is no need to release the gas yourself.
How much does the average refrigerator compressor weigh?
Weight depends on the model and manufacturer. Standard household compressors weigh between 8 and 12 kg. Industrial or compressors from large two-chamber refrigerators can reach 15-17 kg. The exact weight can only be determined by weighing.
Does the brand of the refrigerator affect the price of the compressor?
For a scrap metal collection point, the brand (Indesit, Bosch, Atlant) does not matter, only the composition of the metal is important. However, if you are handing over the compressor as a used spare part for repair, then rare or high-quality brands may cost more.
Will they accept the compressor if it is rusty?
Rust on the outer casing is not a critical defect for scrapping, since the metal will still be melted down. The main thing is that rust does not lead to complete destruction of the body and loss of weight.