
We buy air conditioning units of every type, age and condition. You don’t need them to work, and you don’t need to dismantle them first. Units we collect include:
We also take mixed loads from strip-outs, upgrades and demolition jobs.
Knowing what’s inside an air conditioner explains where its scrap value comes from. A typical unit is a mix of several recyclable metals:
The outdoor condensing unit – home to the compressor and condenser coil – usually holds most of the copper, which is why outdoor units and ducted systems are worth more than a small indoor head on its own.
| Component | Main metal | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor | Copper windings + steel | Highest |
| Refrigerant line sets & tubing | Copper | High |
| Condenser / evaporator coils | Copper or aluminium | Medium-High |
| Fins & fan | Aluminium | Medium |
| Valves & fittings | Brass | Medium |
| Cabinet & brackets | Steel | Low |
| Type | Description | Relative value |
|---|---|---|
| Ducted system | Largest copper and metal content across coils, tubing and compressor | High |
| Commercial / package unit | High copper content plus heavy compressor and steel | High |
| Split system | Copper coil and piping in both heads, plus aluminium fins | Medium-High |
| Window / wall unit | Compact, less copper but still a whole recyclable unit | Medium |
| Loose compressor | Copper motor windings and steel casing | Medium |
Value driver: copper content. Aircon value tracks the copper market, so heavier units with more coil and tubing pay more.
There’s no fixed price for a scrap air conditioner, because its value depends on two things: how much copper it contains and the daily copper market. A large ducted or commercial system with long copper line sets and a big compressor is worth significantly more than a small window unit, and prices move with global copper rates – so the same unit can be worth more one week than the next.
Rather than quote a flat figure, we assess each unit or load on collection and give you a live price based on current rates and the recoverable copper, aluminium and steel. For an indication before you book, call 0411 398 285 with the type and number of units you have.
Units already stripped to clean copper coil and compressors attract a higher grade.
Air conditioners contain refrigerant gas – such as R22, R410A or R32 – that must not be released into the atmosphere. In Australia, refrigerant handling is regulated under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989, and recovery must be carried out by a technician licensed through the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARCtick).
We make sure refrigerant is recovered by licensed technicians before units are dismantled and recycled, so your old aircon is disposed of responsibly and in line with the law.
We work with both households and trade and commercial clients:
For installers and businesses with regular volumes, we can set up scheduled collections and supply bins – turning a disposal cost into an ongoing return.
Based in South Granville, we collect scrap air conditioners free of charge across Western Sydney and the greater Sydney metro area – including Parramatta, Granville, Guildford, Merrylands, Auburn, Fairfield, Bankstown, Blacktown, Liverpool, Smithfield and Wetherill Park – as well as the wider NSW region.
There’s no charge for pickup, and we can supply bins for larger or ongoing volumes. Not sure if we reach you? Call and we’ll confirm.
Old air conditioners are classed as e-waste and shouldn’t go to landfill. Recycling them recovers valuable copper, aluminium and steel for reuse, ensures refrigerant is captured rather than released, and keeps hazardous materials out of the environment.
Instead of paying for disposal, you get paid for the metal – and the unit is handled responsibly. It’s the practical and environmentally sound way to deal with a dead or replaced system.
We offer the best rates for all types of scrap metal, ensuring you get maximum value for your unwanted metals.
Enjoy the convenience of free scrap metal pick-up across Sydney and NSW regions , saving you time and effort.

Our team provides quick, efficient, and reliable service, making the entire recycling process smooth and stress-free.
We are committed to environmentally responsible practices, ensuring your scrap metals are disposed of safely and sustainably.
I had a lot of scrap metal piling up and wasn't sure what to do with it. Copper Recycle Sydney made the process so easy. They offered me great prices, and the free pick-up service.
Fantastic service! I got a fair price for my scrap copper and aluminum. The team was quick, professional, and even cleaned up after the pick-up. I’ll definitely be using them again.
I was impressed with how smoothly everything went. From getting a quote to the pick-up, Copper Recycle Sydney was efficient and friendly in every step of selling scrap metal.
I had a mix of scrap metal from an old renovation project and decided to give Copper Recycle Sydney a try. The process was simple, and the customer service was outstanding.
Clearing out old air conditioners? Turn them into cash instead of paying to dump them. Call 0411 398 285 or request a free quote online – we'll give you a live, copper-based price and book a free pickup anywhere across Sydney and NSW.