What's a Fridge (Full Size, 400L+) Worth in Scrap?
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 | $20.87 |
| Evaporator coil and back plate | Aluminium · Aluminium Sheet | 3.0 | $6.80 |
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 $25.88 to $35.00 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $30.44. 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 $20.87), 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 $30.44 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.