How To Scrap A Refrigerator Top Full Guide 2023

Paul Kahan

In today’s world, scrap recycling has become an important part of environmental conservation. Proper disposal of household appliances, such as refrigerators, is crucial to reduce waste and protecting the environment.

However, dismantling a fridge can be challenging, especially for those without prior experience with appliance recycling. If you have an old refrigerator that you need to dispose of, you may wonder how to scrap it properly.

This post will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to scrap a refrigerator safely and efficiently. We’ll cover everything you need to know to dismantle your refrigerator easily.

Materials to Look Out For

Almost every part of a refrigerator can be recycled. It would help if you were especially careful to avoid the following materials, which are most valuable.

Non-Magnetic Stainless Steel

This is a valuable ferrous material often used in refrigerated panels. Make sure you test every component that is removed from your refrigerator.

This will help you distinguish magnetic materials from non-magnetic ones. You will always make more money by sorting your scrap!

Copper

Although you can’t cut copper refrigerant lines, it is possible to find copper in refrigerators due to electrical components.

To find the copper in your refrigerator, remove all insulation and wiring. Copper can also be found in the motor that turns the refrigerator’s fan.

It is recyclable to turn off all power to the fridge before you attempt to disassemble it. You should also wear safety gear such as gloves and eye protection.

Recycling an Entire Fridge

You can always dispose of the entire fridge if you aren’t up to dismantling it.

Although you won’t make as much money as a yard because they will need to take apart and sort the refrigerator components.

A fridge can still be worth money due to its heavy weight.

However, please do not bring food to your fridge.

You can either take apart the fridge yourself or recycle the entire thing. Safety and the environment are always your top priorities!

How To Take Apart A Refrigerator For Scrap

1. Bring in the Professionals

You can do most of the scraping yourself, but you must hire an HVAC contractor to remove Freon.

Freon removal without proper certification can lead to heavy fines. A professional should be consulted, as any scrapyard will not accept fridges that haven’t been drained.

2. Disassemble the Major Components

Once all Freon has been safely drained from the fridge, remove the doors and shelves from the refrigerator’s interior. Make sure you save any metal shelves.

Next, remove the power cord and place it aside as copper scrap. To access the mechanical parts of the fridge, use an electric drill. Metal will be found in the compressor, fan, and tubing. Keep these parts safe as you disassemble the fridge.

3. Separate Each Material

A fridge can be broken down to yield aluminum, copper, and steel. After taking apart the fridge’s parts, separate each piece of scrap metal into its pile.

This will facilitate the transaction at the scrapyard. You would make much less money if you stopped draining Freon and recycled the entire fridge as mixed scrap.

How To Recycle An Old Refrigerator

How do you recycle an old refrigerator? It is very beneficial for the environment to recycle old appliances. This helps companies reduce their production costs and conserves the ozone.

Recycling can also be financially beneficial as many recycling companies will pay for metal.

You will find steel, aluminum, and copper in refrigerator scrap which can recycle in your refrigerator to make mixed scrap.

However, depending on the current market price for each metal, you might make more money scrapping the individual metals.

Take out the door and search the refrigerator inside for aluminum shelves, racks, and dividers. Aluminum can also be found in the freezer.

Use a pair of wire cutters to locate the beginning of your power cord. Continue to cut the cord, removing the outer layer of the protective coating.

Freon removal from any material requires EPA Certification.

Freon is a dangerous ozone-depleting chemical. Anyone caught with it without a certificate can face hefty fines of up to $25,000.

You don’t need to know anyone who is certified to remove Freon. Local companies can rebuild your air conditioners for a fraction of the cost.

Take out the copper wires. To separate the copper wires from the steel wires at the back, use a Sawzall.

The bolts holding the compressor to the bottom of the fridge must be undone.

You may get the whole compressor paid for by metal recyclers.

If the scrap yard refuses to accept the whole compressor, the copper motor can be removed.

Sort your refrigerator scrap by metal type. This is how to recycle an old fridge. It can be used for any refrigerator, wine refrigerator, or deep freezer you find while collecting scrap metal.

Many fridges have stainless steel or brushed aluminum shells around their bodies and doors.

Although it’s not thick, it is worth removing as it’s still worth the money. You won’t have to load the fridge again onto your truck.

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Tip: Although I recommend removing any fridge parts you find at the location to save space in your truck’s cargo area, this is not always possible.

If you spot a fridge on your route, you can load it up. However, if you find one at the end, take a few moments to remove the parts and let the sanitation worker pick up the rest.

FAQs

How much is a refrigerator worth in scrap?

Refrigerator approximately 200 lb: $8 to $12. Besides that, there are more reasonable prices to choose from.

Is it worth scrapping a fridge?

Recycle the entire fridge

This way, you won’t make as much as if the fridge is disassembled and sorted by the yard. However, a refrigerator can still be worth money due to its weight.

Do scrap metal collectors take fridges?

Most fridges will not be accepted for recycling by your local scrap metal yard. Because fridges require special recycling treatment, most scrap metal yards do not take them. They aren’t as valuable as scrap.

Do scrap dealers take fridges?

Can the scrap man take fridges? The legal regulations and the dangers of fridges prevent the scrap man from taking a refrigerator.

Conclusion

Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully scrap your old refrigerator while keeping environmental conservation in mind. You’ll also avoid potential hazards and save time and money.

If you are ready to take on this project, don’t forget to contact a local scrap recycling facility to find the best way to dispose.

With the right information, you can ensure your refrigerator gets recycled properly and efficiently.