Scraping a compressor for recycling metals is a valuable and environmentally responsible practice. Compressors contain various recyclable metals like copper, aluminum, steel, and sometimes brass or zinc. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to safely and effectively scrap a compressor for metal recycling:

Step 1: Safety First

Before starting:

- Turn off and unplug the compressor.

- Release all pressure in the system (use the relief valve).

- Wear safety gear: gloves, goggles, and sturdy shoes.

- Work in a well-ventilated area.

Step 2: Disassemble the Compressor

You don’t need to completely dismantle it, but remove components that can be separated easily:

 A. Remove the Motor

- Disconnect wires from the motor.

- Unscrew mounting bolts.

- Carefully pull out the motor (often contains copper windings).

B. Drain Oil & Coolant

- Place a container under the oil drain plug.

- Remove the plug and let oil drain completely.

- Dispose of used oil properly at a certified recycling center (not down the drain!).

C. Remove the Air Tank (Pressure Vessel)

- Use wrenches to disconnect air lines and fittings.

- Detach the tank from the frame.

- Keep this intact—steel tanks are highly recyclable.

D. Separate Other Components

- Remove belts, pulleys, valves, and filters.

- These may contain rubber, plastic, or other non-metallic materials.

Step 3: Sort Metals by Type

Separate the parts for easier recycling:

| Metal | Where It’s Found | Recycling Value |

|------|------------------|-----------------|

| Copper | Motor windings, wiring, heat exchangers | High value |

| Aluminum | Housing, motor casing, fan blades | Medium-high value |

| Steel/Iron | Frame, tank, brackets, base | Lower value but still recyclable |

| Brass | Fittings, valves, connectors | Moderate value |

> Tip: Use a magnet test—magnets stick to steel/iron; non-magnetic = likely aluminum or copper.

Step 4: Prepare for Recycling

- Clean metal parts (remove oil, dirt, paint if possible).

- Do not mix different metals unless required by the recycler.

- Bundle similar metals together (e.g., stack copper wire, group aluminum pieces).

♻️ Step 5: Find a Reputable Recycler

Look for:

- Metal recyclers or scrapyards with a “compressor recycling” service.

- Certified e-waste or industrial recyclers (if dealing with motors or electronics).

- Check local directories or websites like:

- [Earth911.org](https://earth911.org) (search by zip code)

- Local scrap yards (call ahead to confirm they accept compressors)

> ✅ Ask:

> - Do you accept compressors?

> - What metals do you pay for?

> - Do you require removal of oil or refrigerants?

Important Notes

- Refrigerants: If your compressor was part of a refrigeration system (e.g., in a fridge or AC), it may contain hazardous gases (like R-22 or R-410A). These must be recovered by a licensed technician before scrapping. Never vent refrigerants.

- Hazardous Waste: Oil, coolant, and certain chemicals must be disposed of properly.

- No Scraping Unapproved Equipment: Don’t disassemble compressors used in medical, military, or high-pressure industrial systems without proper training.

Bonus: Maximize Your Return

- Strip copper windings carefully—they’re worth more per pound.

- Keep motors separate—many recyclers pay extra for them.

- Get quotes from multiple recyclers for best price.

Summary Checklist

- [ ] Turn off & depressurize

- [ ] Drain oil & dispose responsibly

- [ ] Remove motor, tank, and metal parts

- [ ] Sort metals (copper, aluminum, steel)

- [ ] Clean and bundle

- [ ] Contact a certified recycler

- [ ] Confirm no hazardous materials remain

By following these steps, you’ll safely recycle your compressor while earning money and helping the environment!

Let me know if you'd like a printable checklist or help finding a recycler near you!

Parameter

If you have any special requirements, we will customize according to your special needs.

Product Show

Advantage

> Output capacity can be up to 20-30bales per hour, more efficient.    

> Adopts Two rams structure to keep high bale density.    

> One Button automatic PLC Control, just need to push one button, you can operate the machine continuously.    

> 24 hours reply, video, phone call, email support, if any question, we response at first time.    

> Strong structure of the machine, reliable, stable and durable, let you make more money.    

> Stable hydraulic system to keep the machine run well.    

> Adopts china famous pump to keep baler machine run smoothly.    

> World famous brand of Siemens PLC to promise you run the machine without any worry.    

Application

The baler machine can press below materials:

Aluminum cans tins	Light Metal Scrap	Copper Tube/Pipes	Coppe Wire Scrap
Aluminum Extrusion Profiles	Stainless Steel Scrap	Lead Strips	Aluminum Shavings

FAQ

> What is the delivery time of Automatic Scrap Compress Hydraulic Machine? 

The delivery time of the baler is different according to different models, and also according to our production plan, any way, we will try our best to finish the machine as early as possible.    

> What profits can we get from the Recycling Metal Equipment In Korea? 

You need to know price of metal scrap, and price of the bales you sell to metal recycling center or steel manufacturer, then you can know how much profits you will get by this machine.    

> How to operate Aluminum Can Baler Unites States? 

This baler is very simple, just operate per user manual is ok, you can contact with us if you have any questions any time, we can guide you how to operate the baler machine.    

> What kind of wear steel plate does Stainless Steel Press Baling Machine use? 

The baler machine use China famous brand wear steel NM450, the NM 45O wear steel plate is durable, stable, anti-wearable, no need to change the wear steel plate in lifetime of the baler machine, and further more, the World famous brand wear plate Hardox 450 is optional.    

> Do you provide video support of Aluminium Scrap Horizontal Baling Machine? 

Yes, of course, we are providing the video support which includes installing the baler machine, testing and operating the machine, we also can guide you to replace parts and maintenance via video call.    

> What is cooling system of Non Ferrous Metal Scrap Compression Baler Machine? 

Normally speaking, we have types of cooling system, one is water cooling, this cooling system is economical and easy to achive cooling effect, and another type is industrial chiller    

> Can I get a local engineer for Movable Scrap Metal Baling Press installation? 

As for the installation, you can find a local enginner to install the machine, we will make detail marks on the machine, and we have video and user manaual for the machine, you just need to install the machine per the marks and user manual, that is Ok; Further more, we can send our engineer to your plance to help you to install the machine, you just need to pay salary for our engineers, and you can contact with us any time if any problems, our after sale team will give you suitable solutions accordingly.    

> What is voltage of Baler For Scrap Metal? 

For the voltage of the machine, no need to worry about that, we will customize the motor per your local voltage and frequency, and the important thing that the baler machine must need 3 phases electrical power supply.    

> Is it possible to change the wear plate on 200 Ton Metal Baler press? 

We have two method to fix the wear steel plate, one is welding the wear plate on the baler machine, and another type is changeable, whichever type of fixing, we can do it per your special requirement.