Abstract: Method of recycling hermetically encapsulated alternative compressor units used in household refrigerators and an apparatus for implementing the method. The method includes precise cutting of the envelope of the compressor unit using a cutting device. After the compressor unit has been solidly mounted on a rotatable plate with its axle in vertical position, the base portion of the envelope is titled over at least 90° in such a manner that the oil emulsion and the ozone-damaging gases CFC and HCFC can be drained from the base portion, and can be collected completely and eliminated in a manner that does not damage the environment.