An old air conditioner is worth more than most people expect, because the copper coils, aluminium fins and compressor all carry scrap value. Whole units are assessed differently from stripped parts. Final SA Copper Scraps pricing is confirmed in store after inspection, grading and weighing.
There is no single per-unit price, because an air conditioner is really several materials bolted together. The table gives the public benchmark for each stream, and the sections below explain how a whole unit is assessed.
| Material / grade | Indicative public benchmark | Pricing note |
|---|---|---|
| Copper #1 / clean pipe | A$13.00-$13.75/kg | Clean copper pipe, busbar and heavier copper without solder or contamination. |
| Aluminium extrusion | A$2.30-$2.90/kg | Clean extrusion, frames and profiles without steel attachments. |
| Electric motors | A$1.10-$1.35/kg | Motors vary by copper winding, casing, size and attachments. |
| Whole aircon units | Assessed in store | Value depends on copper coils, aluminium fins, compressor, steel case and refrigerant handling. |
The page is built for quick decisions before visiting the Green Fields yard. Use it to identify the likely grade, prepare the material and understand what the team checks in store.
Use the table as a starting point, not as a guaranteed payout.
Keep air conditioning units separate from steel, rubbish and unrelated metals where practical.
Call 08 7225 9998 for current guidance, then bring material to 12 Belfree Dr, Green Fields SA 5107.
Final value is confirmed in store after inspection, grade confirmation and weighing.
Knowing which parts carry the value helps you decide whether to bring the unit whole or strip it first.
The highest-value component. Clean copper tubing and coil runs are graded as copper once separated from aluminium fins and steel.
Heavy and full of copper winding. Compressors are assessed by size, casing type and how much recoverable copper is inside.
Lower per-kilo value than copper but significant by weight, especially on larger split-system and ducted units.
Priced as electric motors, varying with copper winding, casing and attached brackets.
Ferrous scrap at the lowest rate, but still part of the total weight on a whole outdoor unit.
Not scrap, and legally required to be recovered by a licensed technician rather than vented. Tell us if the unit has not been degassed.
Two units of the same size can pay very differently. These are the factors the team assesses in store.
Separated copper coils grade as copper and pay at the copper rate. A whole unit is quoted on its overall recoverable content instead.
Dry, sorted material with fewer attachments is faster to assess and usually grades more accurately.
Final payment is based on the weight recorded in store after the material has been checked and accepted.
Benchmark ranges move with copper, aluminium and steel markets, currency and local yard demand.
Attached steel, plastic, rubber, oil, paint, moisture and mixed rubbish all reduce the useful metal recovered.
Window rattlers, split systems, ducted units and commercial plant all carry different amounts of copper.
Sorted, clean material grades faster and more accurately, which is the simplest way to protect the value of what you bring in.
Cleaner preparation helps the yard assess the material faster and reduces confusion between grades. None of this is essential, but each step helps.
These examples show why the final price is confirmed only after the material is seen and weighed.
Copper already stripped from the fins grades as copper and is usually the clearest and best-paying way to bring aircon material in.
Assessed on the combined value of the coil, compressor, fan motor and steel case, minus any handling required.
Sorted on arrival by recoverable copper, aluminium and motor content. Call ahead so the team can plan for a larger load.
Being clear about how a price guide is built matters when the numbers move week to week.
Guide ranges are compiled from publicly available Australian and Adelaide scrap market references, last reviewed 15 May 2026.
Copper and aluminium values shift with global commodity markets. We review these ranges when the market moves and at least monthly.
Published ranges are indicative. Your actual payout is set in store after your material is inspected, graded and weighed.
These links stay focused on closely related material types rather than repeating the same block as every other price guide.
It depends on size and how much copper is inside. Value comes mainly from the copper coils and compressor winding, with clean copper sitting around A$13.00-$13.75/kg on public May 2026 benchmarks. Aluminium and motors are priced separately, and a whole unit is quoted in store once the team sees what is recoverable.
The copper coils and pipe carry the most value, followed by the compressor and its copper winding. Aluminium fins and casing add weight, fan motors price as electric motors, and the steel chassis is worth the least per kilo.
If you can do it safely, yes. Separated copper grades as copper and pays at the copper rate. If stripping it is not practical, bring the unit whole and it will be assessed on its overall recoverable content.
Yes. Whole window, split-system and ducted units are all accepted. Call ahead for commercial plant or large quantities so the team can plan for the load.
Refrigerant is not scrap and must be recovered by a licensed technician rather than released. Tell us when you call if the unit has not been degassed so we can advise on the right next step.
Yes. Air conditioner units are bought as scrap and paid for in store after grading and weighing at 12 Belfree Dr, Green Fields SA 5107.
For worthwhile quantities, collection can be arranged. Call 08 7225 9998 with the number of units, their type and where they are located.
No. These are public market guide ranges reviewed in May 2026. Final pricing is confirmed after material is inspected, graded and weighed in store.
Attached steel, plastic, rubber, oil, moisture, paint, mixed rubbish or unclear separation all reduce the useful metal recovered and can lower the final figure.
Public scrap guides use different update times, grade assumptions and market references. Treat any online figure as guidance until the yard checks your exact material.
Yes. Call 08 7225 9998 with the material type, estimated quantity and condition so the team can give practical guidance before you bring the load to Green Fields.
Bring material to 12 Belfree Dr, Green Fields SA 5107. It is assessed, graded, weighed and paid for in store.
Customers bring aircon units to the Green Fields yard from suburbs right across metropolitan Adelaide.
Call SA Copper Scraps or request a quote before visiting. Final pricing is confirmed in store after material is inspected, graded and weighed.
We are a leading copper scrap metal remover and recycler based in the heart of Adelaide, South Australia. We value our customers and offer the best rates for scrap copper all around Adelaide.
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