What's a Chest Freezer Worth in Scrap?
Based on current Australian scrap yard rates and a typical chest freezer's metal composition. Actual yard offers vary by city, load size, and material condition.
Component breakdown
A typical chest freezer weighs 50kg total. Here's where the value comes from — sorted by component, with the metal type, grade, and estimated payout.
| Component | Metal & grade | Weight (kg) | Est. mid value (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet and lid | Steel · Light Steel | 38.0 | $1.92 |
| Compressor and lines | Copper · #2 Copper | 1.5 | $15.65 |
| Evaporator | Aluminium · Aluminium Sheet | 2.5 | $5.66 |
Before you take it in
A few minutes of preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the estimated range.
- → Defrost completely and drain water
- → Refrigerant degassing required
Safety & legal notes
Refrigerant degassing required by law before scrapping.
Where to sell a chest freezer
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a chest freezer. Use our city directory to find yards in your area and see region-specific rates — payouts in regional and remote areas are typically lower than capital cities due to transport costs.
For larger items, call ahead to confirm pickup arrangements or weighbridge access. Most yards have minimum drop-off weights.
Other household appliances
Frequently asked questions
How much is a chest freezer worth in scrap? +
A chest freezer is worth approximately $19.75 to $26.71 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $23.23. The exact amount depends on the city you sell in (yards in remote cities pay less due to transport costs), the condition of the components, and how well the item is prepared before drop-off.
What metals are in a chest freezer? +
A typical chest freezer contains 38kg of steel, 1.5kg of copper, 2.5kg of aluminium, totalling about 50kg. The copper component contributes the most value (around $15.65), even though it's not always the heaviest.
How do I prepare a chest freezer for scrapping? +
Several steps lift the return: (1) Defrost completely and drain water (2) Refrigerant degassing required
Where can I sell a chest freezer for scrap? +
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a chest freezer. See our <a href="/cities/">city directory</a> for region-specific yards and rates. Larger items may need pickup arrangement or weighbridge access — call ahead to confirm hours and acceptance.
Is it worth scrapping a single chest freezer? +
At $23.23 mid estimate, a chest freezer is generally worth scrapping. Proper preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the range — see the prep tips above.
Are there any safety or legal considerations with scrapping a chest freezer? +
Refrigerant degassing required by law before scrapping.