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AC compressors are no longer the cheapest and most readily available resource they once were.
This is largely due to a surge in prices caused by a shortage in supply, but also because new products such as the Rotary Compressor have taken over many manufacturing plants, leaving old AC compressors dead.
Therefore, it’s about time you start looking into the prices of scrap AC compressors and whether you can make a substantial amount of money from selling your old ones.
Materials that can be recycled from AC Compressor
An AC compressor is a device that is used in air conditioning systems to compress and circulate refrigerant. It is typically made of a number of different materials, including:
| Material | Percentage | Recyclable | Price Range per kg in Scrap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | 50-60% | Yes | $0.10-$0.50 |
| Aluminum | 20-30% | Yes | $0.50-$1.00 |
| Copper | 10-20% | Yes | $3.00-$4.00 |
| Refrigerant | 5-10% | No | N/A |
| Other metals | 5-10% | Yes | Depends on type and quantity |
| Plastic | 0-5% | Yes | $0.05-$0.10 |
All of these materials can be recycled. Iron and steel can be recycled by melting them down and using them to make new steel products. Copper can be recycled by melting it down and using it to make new wire or other products.
Aluminum can be recycled by melting it down and using it to make new aluminum products. Plastic can be recycled by breaking it down into small pellets that can be used to make new plastic products. To recycle the materials from an AC compressor, you will need to take it to a recycling center that specializes in metal and plastic recycling.
These centers have the equipment and expertise to safely and efficiently recycle the materials from an AC compressor. It is important to check with your local recycling center to find out what materials they accept and how to properly prepare them for recycling.
How much is a scrap AC Compressor worth?
AC compressors are found in many household appliances such as AC units, refrigerators, car air conditioner compressors, and other various devices that require cooling.
However, they are not always easily accessible.
For one thing, they may be tightly fitted into a device that is built to last and therefore takes a considerable amount of force to remove.
They may also have batteries that over the lifetime of the product have corroded to the point where the connections are damaged.
This results in further hard work trying to find a way to get the specific compression unit you want out of your device.
AC compressors are usually sold by weight, so the price is therefore dependent on which unit you have.
There are three different types – single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage compressors.
A single-stage compressor weighs around 55-60lbs and can be sold for between $0.45 and $0.85, depending on its working condition.
Even a damaged AC compressor can fetch you a few dollars, about $0.20-$0.30 per pound of material.
Recyclers are often interested in salvaging certain metals from old compressors, particularly copper and aluminum.
These two alone can fetch an average of $0.30 per pound, which makes them worth $0.60 or more just for these metals alone.
Copper and aluminum are a great way to reuse scrap AC compressors as they are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, so why not try to make a little money from your old AC compressor?
What materials can be recycled from an AC Compressor?
An AC Compressor is essentially a device that moves air by compressing it and then releasing it into a much larger area in the system.
It’s not a closed system and therefore requires air to function.
A typical AC Compressor will have a fan that accelerates and holds in heat that would otherwise be lost, a motor (generator) to rotate the fan, which is attached to it via gearbox, an aluminum cooling tank for the hot air circulation, and a blower for blowing out re-circulated air.
When you start disassembling the parts, you can separate the smaller items into two separate categories – materials that can be recycled and ones that are hazardous.
Copper and Aluminum are materials that can be recycled.
They often have a layer of protective paint on them, which has to be removed in order for them to be recycled.
However, this layer of paint is often not very thick and therefore tends to rub off fairly easily when handled during the recycling process.
Some AC Compressors have steel parts in them.
The steel is also salvaged and recycled to reduce the amount of scrap steel that goes to landfills.
Any other parts such as rubber fittings and rubbers are usually melted down and used to create new rubber products.
Some parts may have a layer of epoxy paint on them, which can be hazardous if mishandled during the recycling process.
Therefore, care should always be taken when dealing with scrap AC Compressors in order to avoid any accidents.
How to properly dispose of an AC Compressor
When your air conditioner compressor finally dies, it is important to dispose of it properly.
Resist the urge to toss it in the trash because it will likely end in the landfill.
Many items that qualify for recycling often find their way into landfills where they will eventually leak contaminants into the soil and water.
Furthermore, throwing an AC compressor in the trash will get you into trouble with EPA and you could be charged a fine of up to $25,000.
Instead, make sure to call your local EPA certified scrap metal recycling center and tell them the type of air conditioner compressor you have so they can send someone out to pick it up.
Many companies are passionate about their recycling practices and want to ensure that everything is recycled properly.
They use state-of-the-art equipment which separates all materials into 3 categories – ferrous, nonferrous and hazardous.
If you’re unsure of what to do, contact your local municipal department and ask them how to properly dispose of your air conditioner compressor.
Most likely, they will be able to direct you to the nearest scrap metal recycling center.
Some municipalities pick up scrap metal from households as well, so call around and ask if they do.
Final Thoughts
With the price of scrap air conditioner compressors increasing, it’s becoming more and more worthwhile to recycle your old one.
The sale will help you pay off any debts you have and still leave you with some extra cash.
However, keep in mind that not all scrap metal recycling centers are legitimate, so make sure to do your research and find out whether or not the recycling center is certified by EPA.
This way you know that your AC compressor will be disposed of properly instead of adding to the large amounts of landfilling in this country.
FAQs
Does an AC Compressor have copper in it?
Yes, they do. The AC Compressor is a machine where the primary component is a pump.
The pump is usually made up of 3 parts – the pump shaft, the piston and the cylinder head.
The cylinder head contains copper wiring and other electrical connections.
How much can I get for an AC Compressor?
The price of scrap air conditioner compressors varies according to their size and working condition but it mainly depends on the type of compressor you have as well.
How do i dispose of an AC compressor?
You must make sure to dispose of it properly by having your local scrap metal recycling company pick it up.
Otherwise, you could be fined anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000 if you throw it in the trash or dump it somewhere else.
