Whether a rag and bone man (or scrap metal collector) will take your old fridge depends on the collector, but generally, no.
At Rag 'n' Bone Man we can remove your old unwanted appliances whether they are in or outside your property such as, Fridge/Freezer.
How much is a refrigerator worth in scrap? A typical refrigerator weighs 150-250 lbs and contains mostly steel. At current scrap prices, expect $8-20 for the steel alone. However, the compressor contains copper worth $3-8 extra, and if you separate the copper tubing, you can add another $2-5.
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.
A rag-and-bone man collects unwanted household items and sells them to merchants. Scraps of cloth and paper could be turned into cardboard, while broken glass could be melted down and reused, and even dead cats and dogs could be skinned to make clothes.
My scrap metal collectors charge for fridges cos they cost to dispose of - it's the chemicals. So unlike say an old cooker, it won't get lifted. Pay the council. Just pay the council or put it on your local Facebook page as free, collection only.
Many appliance retailers will pick up and recycle your old fridge or freezer when you purchase a new one. Ask your retailer for assurance that the old unit will be properly recycled and not re-sold as an inefficient, second-hand unit. Some retailers or manufacturers also offer cash rebates when you buy a new fridge.
Contact your council, or charities or social enterprises in the area to see if they provide a collection service. If you're buying a fridge or freezer, the retailer should take your old one away. Find your nearest drop-off or collection point for electricals by entering your postcode in our recycling locator.
Refrigerant gases in fridges are largely responsible for the greenhouse gases your appliance releases into the environment.
You can sell your old refrigerators directly to the scrap yard, and you can get about $15 to $50 per unit, depending on their weight, condition, and local market price. Or you can disassemble the refrigerator as we mentioned above and sell the parts separately to get more profits.
To make $100 from scrap aluminum, you need anywhere from 55 to 200 pounds, depending on your local scrap yard’s payout rate.
Top Electronics with the Most Gold Content
Desktop and Laptop Computers: Motherboards, CPUs, and RAM modules in older computers (especially pre-2000s) contain significant amounts of gold. A typical desktop computer can have up to 0.2 grams of gold, primarily in connectors and circuit boards.
How to Prep Your Appliances for Scrap Metal Recycling
HAZARDOUS LIQUIDS OR GASES
This includes fuels, solvents, paints, thinners and gases etc.
We collect all kinds of scrap metal including, but not limited to: washing machines, cookers, dishwashers, car batteries, boilers, radiators, bikes, copper cylinders, cars, TV's, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, gates, bed frames, gym equipment lawn mowers, cast iron baths, alloy wheels and pretty much any electronic ...
Good news! Microwaves can be recycled with your electronics OR your scrap metal. Be sure to ask your recycling center operator to see if your center has a preference. If you choose to put your microwaves with your scrap metal, CAPACITORS MUST BE REMOVED.
Electric heating systems and tumble dryers tend to be the most expensive electrical items to run because they use large amounts of power over extended periods. Other high-cost appliances include electric ovens and immersion heaters.
Many scrap metal yards do accept refrigerators, but there are several important factors to consider before you haul one in. While refrigerators are indeed made mostly of scrapable metals like steel, they also contain hazardous components that require special handling.
Copper is the leading choice in scrap metal values today. In early 2026, current prices for premium grades have surged well past $4 per pound, making it highly lucrative for waste management operations.
Answer: Please contact your regular trash hauler to schedule a bulky item pick-up. If your trash hauler will not pick it up, please search for a special recycler through the Smart Business Recycling locator (link provided below) or look into your yellow pages for a recycler that handles refrigerators.
You should consider replacing your refrigerator every 12 to 17 years, depending on: Usage volume (e.g., large households or commercial use may shorten lifespan) Maintenance history.
Scrap metal companies and individual recyclers will often buy old appliances and break them down, selling them for parts or to companies that turn the metal into other items. Got Scrap and other similar web sites help people find scrap yards that will pay you if you bring in your old refrigerator.
Can I throw away an old fridge? Due to the hazardous elements contained within a fridge, it must be disposed of responsibly. Therefore, you cannot leave it on the pavement, hoping for the scrap man to take away and you may also struggle taking it to your local tip as not all tips accept them.
Available Only with Delivery: Appliance removal is only available when you purchase a new appliance and choose Home Depot's delivery service. Not Free: Haul-away services typically cost $25–$40 per appliance. Condition Matters: The old appliance must be disconnected, empty, and accessible for pickup.
Items that contain freon (refrigerators, freezers, etc.) must be removed by a certified individual. Some locations may collect items still containing freon for an additional cost.