How Much Is A 3 Ton AC Unit Worth For Scrap? Comprehensive Guide To Scrap Prices And Factors Affecting Value

With the rise in metal recycling and fluctuating commodity prices, understanding the scrap price for a 3 ton AC unit is crucial for homeowners, HVAC professionals, and recyclers. This article explores how much you can expect for scrapping a 3 ton air conditioner, key factors that influence value, and tips to maximize your return.

Component	Material	Estimated Scrap Value (2025, USD)
Compressor	Copper/Steel	$15 – $40
Coils (Evaporator & Condenser)	Copper/Aluminum	$30 – $90
Sheet Metal Case	Steel	$5 – $20
Total (Complete Unit, Mixed Scrap)	Mixed	$60 – $150

What Is A 3 Ton AC Unit And Why Do People Scrape Them?

A 3 ton air conditioning unit is designed to cool approximately 1,500 to 2,100 square feet of living space. When these units age or become inefficient, many homeowners and technicians opt to scrap them for their valuable metal content. Scrapping a 3 ton unit can be a way to recoup some value and promote environmentally responsible recycling.

Air conditioners contain a substantial amount of copper, aluminum, and steel, which makes them attractive to recycling centers and scrap yards.

Current 3 Ton AC Unit Scrap Price In The USA

The scrap price of a 3 ton AC unit in 2025 typically ranges from $60 to $150 when brought to a scrap yard as a complete unit. Values can change rapidly depending on the world commodity markets, location, and unit condition.

If broken down and sorted, the scrap value often increases due to the higher payouts for separated copper and aluminum components. As a general rule, sorted scrap prices are:

• Clean copper coil: Up to $2.70 per pound
• Aluminum fin/copper tube coils (radiators): $1.20 – $1.80 per pound
• Scrap steel: $0.06 – $0.10 per pound

These prices are based on national averages and may vary by region and scrap yard policies.

Which AC Unit Parts Have The Highest Scrap Value?

Some parts of an AC unit are much more valuable than others:

• Compressor: Contains a significant amount of copper and weighs up to 40 pounds. Compressors are sometimes paid for separately at $0.10 – $0.25 per pound if removed.
• Copper Coils: Both condenser and evaporator coils feature copper tubes with aluminum fins. When separated, these coils fetch high prices, especially when free of steel or excessive contamination.
• Wiring: Electrical wiring inside the unit adds small amounts of insulated copper worth collecting.
• Steel Casing: The external housing is made of steel, which has a lower price but contributes to the overall scrap value by weight.

Proper sorting and cleaning of parts can significantly enhance returns.

How To Prepare A 3 Ton AC Unit For Scrapping

Getting the best price for your 3 ton AC unit scrap requires some preparation. Here are key steps:

1. Drain Refrigerant: Legally, refrigerant must be professionally recovered to comply with EPA regulations.
2. Disassemble The Unit: Separate the coils, compressor, wiring, and steel casing. Remove any plastic or non-metal parts.
3. Sort Metals By Type: Keep copper, aluminum, and steel distinct to take advantage of higher separated metal prices.
4. Clean Up Materials: Remove excessive dirt, insulation, or attachments from coils and wires for “clean” scrap status, which is paid at a higher rate.

Most scrap yards pay more for sorted and cleaned metals than for whole units or mixed scrap.

Factors Affecting The Scrap Price Of A 3 Ton AC Unit

Several factors influence how much you will be paid for scrapping a 3 ton AC unit:

• Metal Prices: Copper and aluminum markets fluctuate daily, impacting scrap values.
• Unit Age And Type: Older units may have more copper content. Modern units sometimes use more aluminum or composites, which lowers scrap value.
• Condition: Heavily rusted or contaminated parts bring reduced rates.
• Location: Scrap prices vary by city and local market demand. Proximity to industrial centers or major ports can influence payouts.
• Bulk Amount: Yards may offer better rates for frequent or volume sellers.

3 Ton AC Unit Scrap Price By Region In The United States

Region	Per Unit (Mixed Scrap)	Copper Coil Per Pound	Compressor Per Pound
West Coast	$70 – $150	$2.50 – $2.80	$0.18 – $0.28
Southeast	$60 – $120	$2.30 – $2.70	$0.12 – $0.22
Midwest	$65 – $130	$2.40 – $2.75	$0.14 – $0.25
Northeast	$70 – $140	$2.50 – $2.85	$0.15 – $0.26

Regional scrap prices can differ by up to 20% based on demand and transportation costs.

Comparison: Mixed Scrap Vs. Separated Scrap From 3 Ton AC Units

Scrapyards offer a choice: deliver the AC unit whole for a quick transaction, or you can separate the components for higher earnings. Here is a side-by-side look:

Method	Average Earnings (USD)	Effort Level	Notes
Mixed / Whole Unit	$60 – $90	Low	No disassembly needed; paid on total weight.
Separated Components	$100 – $150	Moderate	Requires time/tools but results in higher payout for copper/aluminum.

Disassembling the unit yields the best overall value due to higher payouts for separated metals, especially copper and aluminum.

Environmental Considerations And Scrap Laws

Scrapping air conditioning units is regulated by federal and state laws in the United States to minimize environmental harm. Key points include:

• Refrigerant Recovery: It is illegal to vent refrigerants; only certified personnel can recover gases like R22 or R410A.
• Proof Of Ownership: Scrap yards may ask for ID or proof that the unit was lawfully obtained. This helps combat metal theft.
• Certification: For commercial sellers, some states require registration with the local Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) or similar.

Following all regulations ensures legal compliance and environmental responsibility.

Step-By-Step Guide: How To Scrap A 3 Ton AC Unit For Maximum Value

For those looking to get the most out of their old AC system, follow these steps:

1. Contact A Licensed Technician: Schedule proper refrigerant recovery to comply with federal law.
2. Gather Tools: Needed tools may include wrenches, screwdrivers, sawzall, wire cutters, and safety equipment.
3. Remove The Outer Housing: Take off the steel case to access internal components.
4. Separate The Compressor: The heaviest and most copper-rich piece.
5. Extract Coils: Use a saw or cutters to detach clean copper/aluminum coils from supporting steel.
6. Strip Wiring And Insulation: Remove wiring bundles for additional insulated copper value; clean if possible.
7. Sort And Clean Metals: Organize parts by type and remove as much non-metal as possible.
8. Find The Best Local Scrap Yard: Shop around for yards that offer the best prices for each metal type.
9. Transport And Sell: Bring scrap, along with any required paperwork, to the yard.

Each extra step—especially separating coils and compressor—can add significant payout compared to delivering the unit intact.

Where To Sell 3 Ton AC Unit Scrap Near You

Major U.S. cities and suburbs have multiple options:

• Local scrap metal yards—search “scrap yard near me” or use online directories
• Specialized HVAC recycling centers—sometimes pay premium rates for coils or compressors
• Municipal recycling programs—often for homeowners replacing aging units

Call ahead to ask about current prices and specific requirements for AC unit scrapping, as policies can differ by location.

Recent Scrap Metal Price Trends (2022-2025)

Since mid-2022, the prices for copper and aluminum—key drivers of AC unit value—have seen substantial volatility due to global economic conditions:

• Copper peaked at $4.70 per pound in early 2022, falling to $3.75 and rebounding to $4.25+ in 2025.
• Aluminum’s scrap price has varied from $0.45 to $1.05 per pound in the same period, with peaks tied to supply chain issues and international demand.

Expect scrap yard offers to track these commodity trends closely.

Estimating The Weight Of A 3 Ton AC Unit For Scrap Value Calculations

The total weight of a central 3 ton AC unit averages between 180 to 250 pounds. Here’s a typical breakdown:

• Compressor: 25 – 45 lbs
• Copper/Aluminum Coils: 30 – 55 lbs
• Steel Casing/Frame: 60 – 120 lbs
• Wiring & Miscellaneous: 5 – 10 lbs

Total scrap weight directly impacts payout, especially for whole units sold by the pound.

Table: Quick Reference Guide—Scrap Yields From A Typical 3 Ton AC Unit

Component	Average Weight (lbs)	Price/lb (Dec. 2025)	Estimated Component Value
Compressor (steel & copper)	35	$0.20	$7.00
Copper/Aluminum Coil	40	$1.45	$58.00
Wiring (insulated copper)	6	$0.90	$5.40
Steel Case/Frame	85	$0.075	$6.38

Breaking down your unit helps to maximize profit from every valuable part, especially the copper/aluminum coils.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Scrapping 3 Ton AC Units

• Skipping Licensed Refrigerant Recovery: Non-compliance with EPA laws can incur fines and environmental hazards.
• Not Disassembling The Unit: Handing over the entire AC may cut your profit nearly in half compared to separated parts.
• Overlooking Scrap Yard Policies: Some yards pay low rates or have limits on whole units. Always check ahead.
• Ignoring Seasonal Variations: Scrap prices are often higher in spring and summer due to HVAC replacement surges—timing your sale can boost profit.

Avoiding these pitfalls increases both legal compliance and earnings.

Tips For Maximizing 3 Ton AC Scrap Price

• Separate High-Value Metals: Focus on clean copper and aluminum extraction.
• Shop Around: Call or visit several scrap yards to compare prices for both whole units and separated scrap.
• Bundle Scrap For Bulk Discounts: Bringing multiple units or combining with other metal scrap may unlock better rates.
• Stay Up To Date On Metal Markets: Follow commodity trends to sell during copper or aluminum peaks.
• Advertise Locally: Some independent HVAC recyclers pay more than local scrap yards, looking to process large batches of AC units.

Frequently Asked Questions About 3 Ton AC Unit Scrap Prices

• Q: How Much Copper Is In A 3 Ton AC Unit?

  A: On average, 3 ton AC units contain between 6 and 18 pounds of copper, mostly in coils and wiring. This makes copper the biggest value driver in the unit’s scrap price.

• Q: Do Scrap Yards Accept AC Units With Refrigerant?

  A: No. Scrap yards require units to be free of refrigerant due to EPA regulations. Have a licensed technician recover the gas beforehand.

• Q: Is It Better To Sell An Old AC Unit As A Whole Or For Parts?

  A: Selling for scrap is usually more profitable if you disassemble the unit and separate copper, aluminum, and steel. Whole units fetch less per pound and are often classified as “mixed” scrap.

• Q: Are Window AC Units Worth Scrapping?

  A: Window units are much lighter (35–90 lbs) and have less copper and aluminum than central 3 ton units, but still provide some payout, especially when broken down for parts.

Resources For Scrap Metal Prices And Local AC Recycling

• iScrap App: Real-Time Scrap Yard Listings & Price Updates
• EPA Energy Star: Information On Responsible Disposal
• EPA Safe Disposal Of Refrigerated Appliances

Stay informed, follow regulations, and break down your unit for best returns when scrapping a 3 ton AC system.