What's a Fridge (Full Size, 400L+) Worth in Scrap?
A typical fridge (full size, 400l+) (75 kg) is worth about $28–$38 in scrap at Sydney benchmark rates on (mid estimate $32.70). Copper makes up about 71% of that value. These are estimates, not yard quotes. Where these numbers come from.
Based on current Australian scrap yard rates and a typical fridge (full size, 400l+)'s metal composition. Actual yard offers vary by city, load size, and material condition.
Component breakdown
A typical fridge (full size, 400l+) weighs 75kg 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, condenser coils, internal frame | Steel · Light Steel | 55.0 | $2.77 |
| Compressor windings and refrigerant lines | Copper · #2 Copper | 2.0 | $23.21 |
| Evaporator coil and back plate | Aluminium · Aluminium Sheet | 3.0 | $6.72 |
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper spot price | A$20.01/kg | MetalpriceAPI (LME-linked market data) | Market data feed | |
| Aluminium spot price | A$4.48/kg | MetalpriceAPI (LME-linked market data) | Market data feed | |
| Steel spot price | A$0.42/kg | Fixed site estimate of A$0.42/kg | Fixed estimate, not a market feed | |
| Typical fridge (full size, 400l+) weight and metal content | 75 kg | Our estimate of a typical unit (shown in the breakdown above) | Our estimate | |
| Grade payout rates | 12–78% of spot | Our estimate from published yard rate cards | Our estimate |
Spot prices are converted to Australian dollars per kilogram. Yard payouts are our estimates (spot × grade payout rate × regional factor), not quotes from any yard. Set when the site launched on 2026-05-16 and not updated since. No live steel scrap price feed is used. Full detail: methodology.
How yards handle a fridge (full size, 400l+)
No yard in Australia will put a fridge on the scale until the refrigerant has been dealt with, so the first question at the gate is whether it has been degassed and by whom. Once that is settled, the unit is weighed whole as light steel. The compressor is the single component worth removing, since it sells at a compressor or motor rate well above cabinet steel and comes off with a few cuts once the gas is gone. The aluminium evaporator is thin, bonded to plastic and not worth chasing. Turning up with the compressor still charged, or with the lines cut and gas vented, is the mistake that gets you turned away entirely. A full-size fridge is a worthwhile trip on steel mass alone.
Before you take it in
A few minutes of preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the estimated range.
- → Refrigerant must be degassed by a licensed technician before the fridge can be lawfully scrapped in Australia — most yards won't accept ungassed units
- → Remove plastic shelving and door seals
- → Compressor (the heavy black sealed unit) is the main copper-bearing component
Safety & legal notes
Refrigerant degassing is required by law under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act. Many scrap yards offer or arrange this for a fee. Pre-1996 fridges may contain CFCs requiring special handling.
Where to sell a fridge (full size, 400l+)
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a fridge (full size, 400l+). 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 fridge (full size, 400l+) worth in scrap? +
A fridge (full size, 400l+) is worth approximately $27.80 to $37.62 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $32.70. 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 fridge (full size, 400l+)? +
A typical fridge (full size, 400l+) contains 55kg of steel, 2kg of copper, 3kg of aluminium, totalling about 75kg. The copper component contributes the most value (around $23.21), even though it's not always the heaviest.
How do I prepare a fridge (full size, 400l+) for scrapping? +
Several steps lift the return: (1) Refrigerant must be degassed by a licensed technician before the fridge can be lawfully scrapped in Australia — most yards won't accept ungassed units (2) Remove plastic shelving and door seals (3) Compressor (the heavy black sealed unit) is the main copper-bearing component
Where can I sell a fridge (full size, 400l+) for scrap? +
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a fridge (full size, 400l+). 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 fridge (full size, 400l+)? +
At $32.70 mid estimate, a fridge (full size, 400l+) 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 fridge (full size, 400l+)? +
Refrigerant degassing is required by law under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act. Many scrap yards offer or arrange this for a fee. Pre-1996 fridges may contain CFCs requiring special handling.