Use a local quote, not a guessed price
Appliance scrap value guide & calculator
What an old refrigerator, washer, or dryer is worth depends on what a local yard will pay for the complete unit, minus preparation, transport, and disposal costs.
This calculator uses a rate you supply. It does not provide live scrap prices or an offer to buy your appliance.
Estimate your net scrap value
Use the weight the yard says it will pay for. For a whole-appliance quote, confirm whether that means gross weight or a reduced payable weight.
Formula: payable pounds × rate per pound − fees and transport. A US short ton is 2,000 pounds. A negative result means costs exceed the estimated payout.
Get a usable quote before loading the truck
- Describe the appliance, including whether it is a refrigerator, freezer, or heat-pump model.
- Ask whether the quote is for a whole appliance or separated, clean metal. Do not apply a copper rate to the entire appliance.
- Confirm the payable weight, unit of pricing, minimum load, and any deductions.
- Ask about refrigerant handling, required preparation, and disposal fees.
- Include your travel, loading, and any professional preparation costs when comparing the net return.
What changes the value of each appliance?
| Appliance | Ask the yard about |
|---|---|
| Refrigerators & freezers | Refrigerant handling, nonmetal weight, acceptance rules, and any processing fee. |
| Washers & dryers | Whole-appliance grade, payable weight, and whether parts or nonmetal components affect the quote. |
| Ranges & dishwashers | Whole-unit acceptance, glass and other nonmetal components, and preparation requirements. |
| Water heaters | Tank type, draining and disconnection requirements, and whether the quoted weight includes deductions. |
Free pickup and a cash payout are different offers
A collector may use an appliance’s resale, parts, or scrap value to cover collection costs. That does not mean the homeowner receives the scrap value as cash. Compare the convenience of a confirmed pickup with the net amount from taking an accepted unit to a yard yourself.
Keep refrigerated appliances intact
Do not cut refrigerant lines or remove a compressor to increase scrap value. Ask a receiving facility how it handles refrigerated appliances. See the EPA’s consumer disposal guidance before choosing a disposal route.
Common questions
How much is a refrigerator worth in scrap?
There is no single national payout. Ask a local yard for its whole-appliance rate, payable weight rules, refrigerant requirements, and fees. A refrigerator’s total weight is not the same as clean metal weight.
Does APN buy scrap appliances?
APN accepts pickup requests and does not promise cash payment. Confirm directly with any collector whether an offer is free collection, a paid removal service, or a purchase.
Should I strip an appliance for copper?
Do not dismantle an appliance just to use this estimate. Whole appliances and sorted metals receive different grades and prices. Refrigeration equipment needs appropriate handling, and gas or electrical equipment can be hazardous to dismantle.
There is no charge to submit an APN request. An available independent partner may contact you. Confirm acceptance, access, preparation, timing, and any charges before you agree. Response and pickup are not guaranteed.
Check free pickup availabilityNeed help with a request? Contact APN. Read how request information is handled.
Reviewed September 29, 2026. For collection planning, see appliance recycling and refrigerator disposal.