Thousands of local scrap metal recyclers can recycle old fridges and freezers. Ask your scrap metal recycler for assurance that your old unit will be properly recycled.
For an old refrigerator, you can expect to earn around $15 to $30 at a scrap yard. However, be aware that not all scrap yards will accept refrigerators.
Sell It to a Scrapyard
To sell a refrigerator for scrap, you first need to have the refrigerant removed and the lines capped by a licensed repair company. The unit should also be tagged with the proper EPA stickers showing that the refrigerant was properly removed.
A scrap man may take a fridge or freezer away, but typically not for free since these white goods cannot be scrapped ordinarily at scrap yards. Fridges and freezers can be salvaged for their steel, aluminium, copper, and other materials which typically make up around half of the total weight of the fridge/freezer.
To qualify for $50, the unit must be 10 to 30 cubic feet in size. To receive $20, the fridge or freezer must be under 9.9 cubic feet. Use our convenient measurement tool on this page to see if your refrigerator or freezer qualifies for appliance recycling.
Water heaters and other appliances that use plumbing for operation are especially worthy of collecting for scrap metal purposes. These types of appliances tend to feature valuable components that are in high demand, such as copper pipes and copper wiring.
Let's say you have a 5-year-old GE refrigerator that originally cost $750. Depreciation per year: $750 / 15 years (expected lifespan) = $50 Life left: 15 - 5 = 10 years Value: 10 years x $50 = $500 If the refrigerator is in excellent condition and there's high demand in your area, you might price it around $500.
Can I Remove Freon From a Fridge Myself? No, you cannot. Unless you are a Section 608 certified technician, you should not attempt to remove Freon from a refrigerator or another appliance like an air conditioner.
Did you know that appliance recycling may bring you some money? Appliances contain valuable metals that people will buy to build something new. A scrap dealer, processor or recycler like Cohen can buy your old appliances at a scrap recycling center near you.
The amount of copper a compressor contains varies from size to size. The compressor of a small refrigerator contains around one pound of copper, whereas a large refrigerator compressor contains about 2.5 pounds of copper.
Additionally, hazardous materials within both large and small appliances can be highly polluting or toxic. Appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers can contain Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), for example, which when released into the atmosphere cause significant damage.
Yes, you can get cash for your old unit, especially if it's still working and in good condition.
The Compressor: The Heart of the Fridge
The compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant to cool the refrigerator. It's not a part that fails very often or breaks down frequently, but when they do, it can add up to a hefty price or sometimes even cause a replacement.
Price Ranges
You can find refrigerators starting from as low as Rs. 14,990 for a basic single door model up to Rs. 1,00,000 for large French door and side-by-side refrigerators.
Copper – The most common source of copper found in junk appliances is copper wiring, but appliances like refrigerators have valuable, internal coils made with copper. Copper can be recycled and reused in several applications and industries.
The truth is that older appliances were often built with sturdier materials, like good ol' fashioned metal, instead of flimsy plastic. This means that they can withstand wear and tear much better than modern appliances.
Radioactive and hazardous materials should never be recycled to the same standards as metals. That's because if a scrap yard melts any radioactive metal without knowing, it will end up contaminating the rest of the metal, the equipment that is used during the recycling process.
COPPER. Copper is among the most valuable metals for most scrappers. Pound for pound, it is worth more than most other common metals and is the king of non-ferrous metals. Not all copper products are worth the same, though, and the price of copper can change dramatically over time compared to other metals.
Discarded major appliances are valuable sources of scrap metal.
You can spend anywhere from as low as $75 to $750 and beyond; it all depends on what you're looking for. A ten-year-old beige fridge will definitely cost a fraction of what a one-year old stainless steel model will set you back.
Q - How do you remove refrigerant without equipment? A - You don't. EPA regulations require it be removed by a certified technician. It can be toxic, it can be flammable, it can cause environmental damage, it can cause bodily harm.