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approximate value of a scrap refrigerator

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  1. #1
    Tcgs started this thread.
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    approximate value of a scrap refrigerator

    I have been wondering if anyone has an approximate value of a scrap refrigerator. Assuming if you get steel, copper motor, freon, wire, radiator, and anything else? Total average?



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    Tcgs started this thread.
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    $15 is my guess

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    my yard charges to take them, i have yet to find someone to remove Freon for me

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    15-20 bucks depending on the persons shred price. I'd say most weigh at least 150 pounds so if you are close to the .10# mark you are going to hit $15 before breaking it down further.
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    Just got 18 dollars for one without the compressor or wire. Was a two door with ice makernand water dispenser in the door.

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    When I'm out bidding on refrigerators, I figure 225 pounds of scrap, 20 pound compressor, 1.5 pound aluminum radiator, 1 pound of copper and a pound of insulated wire. I don't factor in refrigerant as is usually is 134A which has basicly no value. Those numbers are based on a mix of side by side and top mount refrigerators.

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    Quote Originally Posted by freonjoe View Post
    When I'm out bidding on refrigerators, I figure 225 pounds of scrap, 20 pound compressor, 1.5 pound aluminum radiator, 1 pound of copper and a pound of insulated wire. I don't factor in refrigerant as is usually is 134A which has basicly no value. Those numbers are based on a mix of side by side and top mount refrigerators.
    I think it also depends on if you cut open the compressors, the best way to really find out is to scrap a few, but I personally think they are a little more in the 30.00 range on average (but I cut open compressors).

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    depends on the size

    $20 bucks is a nice round number, overall for a unit.

    I do a lot of apartment size units that only weigh about 125 lbs I always pull wiring but cant always pull the compressors. I avg around 15$ on the size that I typically do. I have a nice load this week of around 16 fridges with other stoves dishwashers and built in microwaves.

    Fridges take up a ton of room for what you get out of em. Make sure you stuff them full of smaller stuff. You can get some incredible loads, when you have a bunch of loaded fridges I do like em overall. Id rather handle one thing weighing over a hundred pounds than handling 5 things weighing 20 lbs.
    Last edited by Russell; 04-07-2013 at 07:19 PM.

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    Tcgs started this thread.
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    Well, I have a handfull in my inventor, Ill put them on the scale after doing and breaking down and give you the weights. Then you can determine your own rates.

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    The refrigerant disposal keeps me away from them. I called around and could not find anyone willing to extract the refrigerant from one for less than $65. Since I don't get them regularly enough to justify the expense of becoming licensed and purchasing the equipment to do my own extractions, I leave them alone. LOTS of people in my area apparently just cut the line and let the refrigerant leak out, but that $10K fine does not appeal to me in the least!

    I am always going to be a part time scrapper, doing it as a hobby, having fun and making a few bucks. There is just no way I could replace my employment income and insurance with scrapping unless I went all in, took a huge business loan to buy a facility, equipment and hire people. So when you're in that situation you have to accept that there are some things you just can't do, and dealing with charged refrigerators and A/C units is one of those things.

    Hope this helps.

    --Geoff

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    I was able to replace my income with scrap. Have recovery machine. 608 cert .
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    I will do a test to determine the weights and values of appliances like refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, and any other item. Lets put my scales to the test.

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    The copper in the compressor will add another $8-10 or so if you cut the top on that and scrap the copper.

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    Quote Originally Posted by freonjoe View Post
    When I'm out bidding on refrigerators, I figure 225 pounds of scrap, 20 pound compressor, 1.5 pound aluminum radiator, 1 pound of copper and a pound of insulated wire. I don't factor in refrigerant as is usually is 134A which has basicly no value. Those numbers are based on a mix of side by side and top mount refrigerators.
    You pay for your fridges, Joe?

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    Russell, I will as long as it's a steady supply. I have one customer that kicks out 1 to 2 trailer loads a week so I kick them back 4 bucks a unit.

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    I assumed you did, based on volume, Joe. Just wanted to confirm. I have a nice account that produces a lot of appliances but inconsistently. I don't pay for them. Id like to obtain more accounts. There is a small mom and pop appliance store within walking distance of my house, that I've been eyeballing. I've seen old beat up trucks lugging out old appliances through the back. Just brainstorming ideas on how to approach them. I couldn't see paying more than 5$ a unit and making it worth while.


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