Complete, intact major appliances generally yield between $6 and $50 in scrap value, depending on the machine type and local scrap metal prices. Because scrap yards pay based on weight and metal type, the vast majority of an appliance's weight is lower-value steel.
Scrapping old appliances can be worth it if you have large items (washers, dryers, ovens, water heaters) and a way to haul them. However, it generally only yields small cash payouts ($5 to $30 per unit) unless you invest significant time dismantling them to separate valuable metals like copper.
To make $100 from recycled aluminum, you will need roughly 125 to 200 pounds, assuming a typical scrap yard payout of $0.50 to $0.80 per pound. If you live in a state with a container deposit law (e.g., OR, MI), you would only need about 1,000 to 2,000 cans.
Air conditioning units and refrigerators yield the highest scrap value relative to their size, largely because they contain high-value copper coils and tubing. While washing machines weigh more in total metal, appliances that use refrigerant house some of the most lucrative and easily extractable scrap metals.
A refrigerator is typically worth between $15 and $50 in scrap value, largely depending on its weight, the current price of shred steel, and whether you break it down for high-value components.
Scrap value largely depends on whether you have industrial base metals or precious metals. The highest-paying scrap falls into three main categories: Bare Bright Copper, Catalytic Converters, and Scrap Cars.
Microwaves are generally worth about $2 to $5 if taken to a scrapyard whole as "shred" or "tin". However, if you spend a few minutes stripping them, you can extract valuable materials like copper, aluminum, and heavy-duty magnets, pushing their value to $10 to $20 or more.
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.
Depending on where you live and how you recycle them, 200 cans are worth between $3.00 and $20.00.
You should generally avoid crushing or flattening aluminum cans before recycling because it interferes with sorting machines at recycling facilities.
6 Best Items To Recycle For Money: Trash For Cash
The scrap value of a microwave typically ranges between $𝟐 and $𝟔 as a whole unit, depending on current local light iron prices. If you take the time to disassemble it and extract the copper wiring and internal motor, you can increase your payout to $𝟏𝟓 to $𝟐𝟓.
Air conditioning units and refrigerators contain the most copper of any household appliances. These heavy-duty cooling systems rely on extensive networks of copper tubing, evaporator/condenser coils, and internal compressor motors.
To scrap appliances for cash, strip the copper wires, motors, and transmissions using basic tools like screwdrivers and pliers. Take the broken, stripped parts and the heavy steel shells to a local scrap yard to weigh and get paid, or sell salvageable spare parts online to maximize profits.
Small appliances with the shortest lifespan typically include kitchen appliances like toasters, blenders, and coffee makers. These tend to have more limited warranties and are generally less durable compared to larger household appliances like refrigerators or washing machines.
Appliance prices are generally expected to continue rising in 2026, driven by inflationary pressures, increased shipping costs due to geopolitical tensions, and ongoing raw material expenses. While some reports suggest a slight easing in production costs, major manufacturers like Whirlpool have announced price hikes in early 2026.
Yes, it is often worth fixing a 10-year-old refrigerator if the repair costs less than half the price of a new unit. However, because the average lifespan of a fridge is 10 to 15 years, you should weigh the repair cost against the age of the unit, the issue at hand, and the type of appliance you own.
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 typical washing machine is worth $10 to $25 as unprocessed scrap, but can yield $25 to $50+ if you dismantle it to separate the inner components. Because they weigh between 150 to 200 pounds and are 50-60% metal, their value fluctuates based on local scrap metal rates.
Copper is worth significantly more clean. Scrap yards classify copper based on purity and condition, and any contaminants—such as solder, paint, or attached brass fittings—will downgrade the metal's value.
Precious metals (like gold, silver, and platinum) are the highest-paying scrap materials. Among widely handled industrial base metals, copper is the most lucrative.
The spot price for raw copper is approximately $6.25 to $6.38 per pound.
In the scrap metal industry, "dirty copper" refers to copper that is contaminated with other materials—such as solder, paint, brass fittings, or steel. Because it requires extra processing at a smelter, scrap yards classify this as Grade #2 Copper and pay less for it than pure, "clean" copper.