19 August 2026 · 5 min read
How to Sell an Old Fridge or AC for Scrap in Chennai
An old refrigerator or split AC sitting unused is one of the most common reasons people book their first scrap pickup. Here's what to know before you do.
Appliances are worth more whole than stripped
It's tempting to remove the compressor or copper coils yourself before pickup, assuming you can sell the parts separately for more. In practice this usually backfires - a stripped appliance is harder to categorise and often values out lower overall than an intact one weighed and assessed as a single unit by someone who knows what each part is worth. Leave it as-is and let the agent assess it at your door.
What typically counts as e-waste / appliance scrap
Refrigerators, air conditioners (window and split), washing machines, microwaves, water heaters/geysers, and general consumer electronics all fall under this category. Each has different internals - motors, compressors, circuit boards, refrigerant lines - which is why appliance scrap is priced and handled differently from plain metal scrap. You can see the full breakdown of what's accepted on the scrap rates page under E-waste / Appliances.
Before your pickup slot
Make sure the appliance is accessible - not wedged behind furniture or stored on a high shelf - so the agent can move and weigh it without delay. If it's still plugged in, unplug it beforehand. Beyond that, no preparation is needed; the agent handles the rest, including safe handling of any refrigerant.
Getting paid
Once weighed and confirmed in front of you, payment is made on the spot - cash or UPI, your choice. There's no waiting for a follow-up call or bank transfer days later.