E.C. Aluminum Wire Scrap Price

Copper/Sealed Motors Scrap consists primarily of hermetic refrigeration compressors containing an electric motor and mechanical compressor assembly inside a sealed metal housing. Also called Sealed Unit Scrap, Hermetic Compressor Scrap or Refrigeration Compressor Scrap, these units are commonly recovered from refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and commercial refrigeration equipment.

Sealed compressors contain recoverable steel, copper-bearing windings and other components. Their scrap value depends on the unit's construction, metal content, weight, condition and buyer requirements. Refrigerant and compressor oil must also be properly assessed and managed before dismantling or final recycling.

What Is Copper/Sealed Motors Scrap?

Copper/Sealed Motors Scrap refers to discarded sealed refrigeration compressor assemblies that contain copper-bearing electrical components.

These units perform two functions. An electric motor supplies mechanical power, while the compressor mechanism circulates refrigerant through the refrigeration system.

In common hermetic designs, both assemblies are housed inside a welded steel shell.

This construction differs from a standalone electric motor, which generally does not include a refrigeration compressor mechanism.

Because the steel housing and mechanical compressor contribute substantial weight, sealed units are commonly purchased under a dedicated scrap grade rather than as clean copper or ordinary electric motors.

What Is a Hermetic Compressor?

A hermetic compressor is a refrigeration compressor with its motor and compression mechanism enclosed within a sealed housing.

The enclosure keeps the motor and compressor within the refrigerant system and eliminates the need for an external rotating shaft seal in typical welded hermetic designs.

Hermetic compressors are widely used in smaller refrigeration and air-conditioning applications.

Other compressor designs, including semi-hermetic and open-drive compressors, can have different construction and service requirements.

Scrap identification: Not every refrigeration compressor is a welded hermetic sealed unit. Identify the actual compressor design before classifying it for sale.

What Is Inside a Sealed Compressor?

A typical hermetic compressor contains multiple mechanical and electrical components.

Steel Outer Shell

The welded housing encloses the motor and compressor mechanism and is an important source of recoverable ferrous metal.

Electric Motor

The motor commonly includes insulated stator windings, a rotor and electrical-steel laminations.

Compressor Mechanism

Depending on the design, the compressor may contain pistons, scroll elements, a crankshaft or another compression mechanism.

Steel and Iron Components

Shafts, mechanical parts, supports and laminations contribute to the unit's ferrous-metal content.

Copper-Bearing Components

Many units contain copper motor windings, electrical connections and copper tubing attachments.

Bearings and Lubrication

Internal components require suitable lubrication, and compressor oil can remain inside the shell after removal from service.

Electrical Connections

Terminals and internal connections supply electrical power to the motor.

Exact construction varies by manufacturer, compressor technology, size and intended application.

Where Are Sealed Unit Compressors Found?

Hermetic compressors are used in many residential, commercial and industrial cooling applications.

• Household refrigerators
• Chest and upright freezers
• Window air conditioners
• Dehumidifiers
• Water coolers
• Commercial refrigerators
• Vending machines
• Refrigerated beverage cabinets
• Heat pumps
• Ice machines
• Food-service refrigeration equipment
• Selected commercial cooling systems

A small refrigerator compressor and a larger commercial refrigeration compressor may have different weights, internal construction, refrigerants and recycling requirements.

Do Sealed Refrigeration Compressors Contain Copper?

Many sealed refrigeration compressors contain copper-bearing motor windings and electrical connections.

However, copper represents only part of the complete assembly.

Other materials include:

• Steel outer housing
• Electrical-steel stator laminations
• Rotor components
• Steel shafts and bearings
• Mechanical compressor parts
• Lubricating oil
• Electrical insulation

Important distinction: A complete compressor's weight cannot be treated as recoverable copper weight.

How Much Copper Is in a Sealed Compressor?

There is no reliable universal copper-recovery percentage for all sealed compressors.

Copper content depends on:

• Compressor size
• Motor design
• Manufacturer and model
• Stator winding material
• Rotor construction
• Compressor mechanism
• Steel shell weight
• Equipment application

For commercial quantities, buyers may evaluate known compressor models or use verified processing data to estimate recoverable metals.

Do not calculate the value of an unknown compressor using an assumed fixed copper percentage.

Are All Sealed Compressor Motors Copper-Wound?

No universal assumption should be made.

Many hermetic compressor motors use copper windings, but motor construction and material selection can vary.

Some designs incorporate aluminum in selected electrical or mechanical components.

Manufacturer specifications and qualified material identification may be necessary when conductor composition affects the purchasing grade.

Buyer guidance: Do not classify unidentified sealed units as high-copper-content material without supporting information.

Sealed Unit Scrap vs. Ordinary Electric Motor Scrap

Although both assemblies can contain an electric motor, their construction and scrap-recovery requirements differ.

These differences affect recoverable metal content, handling, processing and buyer acceptance.

See Electric Motor Scrap Prices and Copper/Large Electric Motor Scrap for related but distinct categories.

Sealed Units vs. Steel Compressors Scrap

RecyclingMonster maintains a dedicated category called Steel Compressors / Sealed Units Scrap.

The term recognizes that a complete refrigeration compressor contains a substantial steel housing and mechanical assembly alongside nonferrous components.

Depending on the receiving scrap yard, commercial names may include:

• Sealed Units
• Compressor Scrap
• Hermetic Compressors
• Refrigeration Compressors
• Cu-Sealed Units
• Steel Compressors
• Electric Motors - Sealed

Not every buyer uses these terms identically. Confirm the accepted material description before comparing prices.

Why Are Sealed Compressors Graded Separately?

The ratio of recoverable copper to total unit weight differs from that of many standalone electric motors.

Sealed compressors also require attention to refrigerant status, oil and the mechanical components enclosed in the steel shell.

For these reasons, buyers may maintain a dedicated grade with separate purchasing prices and preparation conditions.

Price comparison: Do not assume that sealed units are always worth less than every electric motor or that they carry a fixed premium over ordinary steel. Actual quotations depend on the buyer and material.

Does a Sealed Compressor Contain Refrigerant?

A compressor removed from a refrigeration system may still contain refrigerant or residual refrigerant.

This depends on whether the system has been properly recovered, evacuated and handled during removal.

A disconnected compressor should not automatically be considered empty or safe to open.

Before any cutting, dismantling or hot work, its refrigerant status must be appropriately established.

Why Is Refrigerant Management Important?

Improper refrigerant releases can create environmental, safety and regulatory problems.

Different refrigerants have different properties, including:

• Ozone-depletion potential
• Global-warming potential
• Flammability
• Operating pressure
• Toxicity and handling considerations

These differences influence the proper management and disposal of refrigeration equipment.

Critical safety rule: Never cut into an unknown or potentially charged refrigeration compressor as a routine scrap-preparation method.

U.S. EPA Rules for Refrigerant Recovery

U.S. EPA Section 608 regulations establish requirements for the handling and disposal of covered refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.

Equipment Dismantled On-Site

Equipment normally dismantled on-site, such as many commercial refrigeration systems and central air conditioners, is subject to applicable refrigerant recovery procedures before disposal.

Equipment Entering the Waste Stream Intact

Small appliances, including household refrigerators, freezers and window air conditioners, may enter the disposal stream with their refrigerant charge intact.

For equipment subject to the federal safe-disposal requirements, the final disposer is responsible for ensuring proper refrigerant recovery.

Where refrigerant was recovered earlier, the regulations establish requirements for appropriate signed statements or qualifying supplier contracts.

Important regulatory distinction: Certain hydrocarbon refrigerants have limited exemptions from the federal Section 608 venting prohibition in specified applications. Those exemptions do not eliminate fire hazards, safe-handling responsibilities or other applicable legal requirements.

See the U.S. EPA's official refrigerant-management guidance for the complete requirements.

What Refrigerants Are Used in Refrigerators and Freezers?

Refrigerators and freezers have used different refrigerants depending on their age, design and manufacturing requirements.

Examples include:

• R-12: An older CFC refrigerant used in legacy equipment
• R-134a: An HFC refrigerant used in many household appliances
• R-600a: Isobutane, a flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant used in certain modern refrigerators and freezers
• R-290: Propane, a flammable refrigerant used in suitable approved refrigeration applications

Equipment labels and manufacturer documentation should be used to establish refrigerant type.

Do not identify refrigerant by appliance appearance, age or compressor color alone.

Can Refrigerator Refrigerant Be Flammable?

Yes. Some refrigeration appliances use flammable hydrocarbon refrigerants.

For example, R-600a isobutane is classified as an A3 refrigerant, indicating high flammability under the applicable refrigerant safety classification system.

R-290 propane is another flammable refrigerant used in specified applications.

A compressor may retain refrigerant even if the appliance no longer operates.

Safety warning: Do not puncture, grind, torch-cut or weld a compressor that may contain flammable refrigerant. Qualified personnel should assess and manage the equipment before mechanical processing.

Canadian Refrigerant Handling Requirements

In Canada, refrigerant-management obligations depend on the applicable federal, provincial and territorial requirements.

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Code of Practice recommends recovering refrigerant and oil during equipment decommissioning, using appropriate storage containers and retaining suitable documentation.

The federal rules also apply to specified systems under federal jurisdiction, while provincial or territorial requirements may govern other equipment and operators.

Refrigeration businesses and recyclers should confirm the rules applying to their jurisdiction and equipment.

Do Sealed Compressors Contain Oil?

Yes. Hermetic refrigeration compressors normally contain lubricant for bearings and mechanical components.

Refrigeration oil may remain inside the unit after the appliance is taken out of service.

The oil may also contain dissolved or residual refrigerant.

Its handling should be coordinated with the applicable refrigerant and waste-management requirements.

How Should Used Compressor Oil Be Managed?

Used compressor oil should be recovered and managed through appropriate industrial procedures where required.

Professional facilities may collect oil in suitable containers and route it for approved recycling, treatment or disposal.

The oil should not be released onto soil, drains or ordinary scrap-storage areas.

In the United States, applicable used-oil management standards include requirements under 40 CFR Part 279.

Important: Recovering compressor oil is not a substitute for confirming that refrigerant has been properly managed.

Should You Cut Open a Sealed Compressor for Copper?

For most individuals and small scrap sellers, selling an appropriately prepared sealed compressor whole is generally more practical than attempting to open it.

The welded shell makes internal material recovery labor-intensive and potentially hazardous.

Possible concerns include:

• Residual refrigerant
• Potentially flammable gas
• Lubricating oil
• Sharp cut steel
• Heavy mechanical components
• Electrical insulation
• Processing time and equipment costs

Industrial recyclers may dismantle compressors using suitable processes after the required safety and environmental conditions have been addressed.

Do not open sealed compressors at home or with improvised cutting equipment.

Is It More Profitable to Sell Whole Compressors?

Not every compressor offers sufficient recoverable copper to justify dismantling.

Before preparing commercial quantities, compare:

• Whole sealed-unit scrap price
• Total accepted compressor weight
• Estimated recoverable copper
• Accepted winding-copper grade
• Value of recovered steel
• Refrigerant and oil management costs
• Mechanical processing expenses
• Labor and transportation costs

The comparison should use actual weights and quotations, not assumed copper percentages.

Is Compressor Winding Wire Bare Bright Copper?

No. Copper windings removed from a compressor do not automatically qualify as Bare Bright Copper.

Electrical winding wire normally contains enamel, varnish or other insulating coatings.

Bare Bright Copper is a premium copper-wire grade requiring material to meet specific cleanliness and surface requirements.

Removing copper wire from a compressor does not independently establish that grade.

See Bare Bright Copper Scrap Prices for a separate copper-wire category.

Are Compressor Windings Automatically #2 Copper?

No. The buyer determines the accepted grade according to actual conductor composition, insulation, surface condition and contamination.

Some recovered windings may qualify for an appropriate lower copper grade, but that classification must not be assumed.

Do not burn winding insulation to improve the appearance of copper scrap.

Complete Refrigerator vs. Sealed Compressor Scrap

A complete refrigerator or freezer is not the same commercial scrap grade as its separated compressor.

A refrigerated appliance may contain:

• Steel cabinet
• Hermetic compressor
• Copper tubing
• Aluminum or copper/aluminum heat exchangers
• Electrical wiring and controls
• Plastics and insulation
• Refrigerant
• Compressor oil
• Other regulated components in some equipment

Complete appliances should be directed to suitable appliance-recycling programs that can manage the refrigeration system and any regulated components.

Recycling the compressor alone does not address the other materials present in the appliance.

Can a Working Compressor Be Reused?

Some commercial or specialized compressors may retain value as serviceable or remanufacturable components.

However, reuse suitability depends on:

• Operational condition
• Compressor model
• Refrigerant compatibility
• Electrical characteristics
• Lubricant requirements
• Mechanical condition
• Equipment compatibility
• Repair or replacement economics

Reuse should be considered only after suitable technical assessment.

A damaged or unidentified compressor should not be represented as operational equipment without verification.

Common Sources of Sealed Unit Compressor Scrap

Sealed compressors are generated during equipment replacement, repair and appliance decommissioning.

Household Appliance Recycling

Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers and window air conditioners commonly contain small hermetic compressors.

HVAC Contractors

Servicing and replacing cooling equipment can produce compressor scrap after appropriate refrigerant management.

Commercial Refrigeration

Restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores and beverage equipment operators may replace refrigeration compressors.

Appliance Retailers and Take-Back Programs

Retailers and collection programs can aggregate end-of-life appliances for processing by qualified recyclers.

Municipal Recycling Programs

Municipalities and transfer stations may collect refrigerated appliances through dedicated bulky-item or appliance-recycling programs.

Industrial Equipment Recycling

Selected commercial and industrial cooling systems can generate compressors requiring specialized handling.

How Are Sealed Unit Compressors Recycled?

Professional compressor recycling combines appropriate refrigerant and oil management with mechanical recovery of ferrous and nonferrous metals.

A suitable industrial process may involve:

1. Receiving and identification: Units are weighed, inspected and classified.
2. Refrigerant-status verification: Required recovery and documentation are confirmed.
3. Environmental assessment: Oil and any other regulated materials are evaluated.
4. Controlled preparation: Units are made suitable for further mechanical processing.
5. Mechanical processing: Qualified facilities open or process the compressor shells using appropriate equipment.
6. Component separation: Motor components, steel housings and other materials are recovered.
7. Metal sorting: Copper-bearing, ferrous and other metal fractions are separated.
8. Quality verification: Materials are evaluated against downstream recycling specifications.
9. Secondary-metal recovery: Accepted fractions are sent to suitable processors.
10. Manufacturing: Recovered metals become feedstock for new products.

Not every facility uses the same method. Smaller scrap yards may collect and sell complete accepted compressors to specialized processors rather than dismantling them on-site.

Sealed Unit Compressor Scrap Prices

Sealed Unit Scrap prices depend on the recoverable metal composition, compressor size, accepted grade, material condition, processing requirements and local market conditions.

Scrap yards may distinguish between:

• Sealed Units
• Steel Compressors / Sealed Units
• Copper Sealed Motors
• Refrigeration Compressors
• Small Hermetic Compressors
• Large Commercial Compressors
• General Electric Motors

These descriptions are not necessarily interchangeable.

What Determines Compressor Scrap Prices?

• Unit weight: Total accepted compressor weight
• Copper content: Recoverable winding material
• Ferrous content: Steel shell and mechanical components
• Construction: Compressor type and internal design
• Condition: Complete, damaged or partially processed
• Refrigerant status: Required handling and verification
• Oil management: Residual lubricant and processing requirements
• Quantity: Shipment weight and consistency
• Location: Transportation and local buyer competition
• Market conditions: Copper and ferrous-metal demand
• Commercial terms: Inspection, deductions and collection costs

Available Sealed Unit Scrap Prices

Review RecyclingMonster's available material-specific price records below. Check the exact material description, reporting date, currency, unit and location before comparing quotations.

price

See Steel Compressors / Sealed Units Scrap Prices for the dedicated commercial category.

For additional context, compare Electric Motor Scrap Prices and Copper Electric Motors Prices.

These motor categories are not automatic replacements for sealed-compressor prices.

Are Sealed Compressors Worth More Than Ordinary Steel?

Sealed compressors contain recoverable copper-bearing electrical components in addition to substantial steel and iron.

That can justify a dedicated purchasing category rather than an ordinary mixed-steel grade.

However, there is no universal sealed-unit price premium over every steel category.

Market conditions, material recovery, handling requirements and buyer costs determine the actual quotation.

How to Prepare Sealed Units for Scrap Sale

Preparation should prioritize proper appliance handling and correct material classification.

1. Identify the compressor: Confirm that the material is a sealed refrigeration compressor.
2. Establish refrigerant status: Arrange or verify the recovery and handling required for the equipment.
3. Keep documentation: Retain applicable recovery records and supplier statements.
4. Separate material categories: Keep sealed units apart from ordinary electric motors and general steel where buyers grade them separately.
5. Control compressor oil: Prevent leakage and follow the applicable handling requirements.
6. Avoid informal cutting: Do not puncture or torch-cut potentially charged or oil-containing compressors.
7. Identify large units: Separate commercial compressors where the buyer uses another purchasing grade.
8. Confirm accepted condition: Ask whether whole compressors must be prepared in a particular way.
9. Record weights: Document grades, quantities and shipment details.
10. Confirm commercial terms: Verify pricing, pickup, loading and payment before transportation.

Where Can You Sell Sealed Unit Compressor Scrap?

Sealed Unit Scrap may be purchased by scrap-metal recyclers, appliance processors, refrigeration equipment recyclers and specialized compressor recovery companies.

However, not every scrap yard accepts sealed compressors, and some require specific proof of refrigerant management or particular preparation.

yards

RecyclingMonster maintains a Sealed Units Recycling Centers Directory listing facilities associated with this material.

The Compressors Recycling Centers Directory provides broader related listings.

For more options, browse Recycle an Item and Metal Recycling Centers.

Buyer verification: Directory inclusion does not guarantee that a facility currently purchases sealed units, accepts refrigerant-bearing equipment or provides collection services. Contact the recycler before delivery.

Bulk Sealed Unit Compressor Scrap: Commercial Requirements

Appliance recyclers, HVAC contractors, municipalities, refrigeration service companies, retailers and equipment processors can generate significant quantities of sealed compressors.

Before arranging bulk shipments, confirm:

• Accepted sealed-unit or compressor grade
• Small versus large compressor classification
• Whole-unit versus dismantled purchasing terms
• Refrigerant identification and required recovery status
• Refrigerant recovery documentation
• Compressor oil handling requirements
• Contamination and leakage restrictions
• Accepted compressor types
• Required preparation and packaging
• Minimum shipment quantity
• Container, pallet or gaylord availability
• Pickup schedules
• Loading and transportation responsibilities
• Delivered versus collected prices
• Inspection and rejection conditions
• Weighing and grading procedures
• Environmental handling and processing charges
• Payment and settlement terms

Separating compressor scrap from ordinary electric motors and mixed steel can improve grading consistency and reduce unnecessary handling.

However, a higher price, free pickup or acceptance of all compressor types should not be assumed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sealed Unit Scrap

Material information and safety notice: Sealed Unit Compressor Scrap prices, composition, handling requirements and recycler acceptance vary by product, condition, location, buyer and reporting date. Refrigeration equipment may contain pressurized or flammable refrigerants and compressor oil. Applicable refrigerant, environmental and workplace rules must be followed before dismantling or final recycling. Final material grades and commercial terms depend on the receiving buyer.