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.

Do scrap metal take fridges? 4G Metals certainly does!

Refrigerators are not like your typical household appliance when it comes to scrapping. Most of the body is made of steel, which has a low per-pound value. However, refrigerators also house valuable components such as copper tubing and compressors. These parts can sometimes fetch a better price when removed separately, but the process isn’t as straightforward as dropping off your tired Westinghouse. In many cases, the compressor – often containing copper – can be removed and sold on its own, increasing the overall return from your old appliance.

One of the major challenges with scrapping a refrigerator is the presence of refrigerants. These chemicals are both hazardous and regulated, meaning that scrap yards generally require you to have the refrigerant safely removed before the appliance is accepted. This is not only a matter of following environmental regulations but also a way to prevent any potential safety hazards at the yard.

To maximise your return, you might consider dismantling the refrigerator yourself – removing parts like the compressor, copper tubing and any wiring – before bringing the materials to the scrap yard. This extra effort can often yield a better payout, as these individual components sometimes have a higher scrap value than the unit as a whole.

In summary, yes, 4G Metals do take refrigerators, but contact us for specific requirements and current prices.