Yes, you can absolutely sell a microwave for scrap metal. While you can take the whole unit to a scrapyard and sell it for mixed "shred" steel prices, you will get a much higher payout by breaking it down to extract specific valuable metals like copper and aluminum.
Yes, you can absolutely scrap a microwave for money. A whole, intact microwave usually nets between $2 and $6 as scrap steel, but stripping it down to its internal components can yield anywhere from $10 to $20+ depending on metal prices.
Yes, a microwave is essentially a treasure trove of scrap metal. The outer casing is made of steel, and the inside contains valuable metals like copper (in the transformer and wires), aluminum (heat sinks and magnetrons), and circuit boards with traces of silver or gold.
Every scrap yard is different, but many do accept common household appliances such as refrigerators or microwaves.
Recycle It
Recycling your old microwave is a great, eco-friendly way to get it off your hands. Some recycling centers will even offer cash incentives, particularly if you're tossing more than one appliance at once. Check out RecyclerFinder.com, your utility company website or local government for more information.
Good news! Microwaves can be recycled with your electronics OR your scrap metal. Be sure to ask your recycling center operator to see if your center has a preference. If you choose to put your microwaves with your scrap metal, CAPACITORS MUST BE REMOVED.
Copper is the leading choice in scrap metal values today. In early 2026, current prices for premium grades have surged well past $4 per pound, making it highly lucrative for waste management operations.
Yes, a typical microwave contains about 1 to 3 pounds of copper, mostly concentrated in the internal transformer and fan motors. While this makes it a popular appliance to salvage for scrap metal, the exact amount depends on the size and manufacturer of the unit.
Top Electronics with the Most Gold Content
Desktop and Laptop Computers: Motherboards, CPUs, and RAM modules in older computers (especially pre-2000s) contain significant amounts of gold. A typical desktop computer can have up to 0.2 grams of gold, primarily in connectors and circuit boards.
Scrap metal buyers: Many scrap yards pay for appliances based on their metal content. Repair enthusiasts: Some people buy broken appliances to fix or salvage them.
Microwaves contain valuable circuit boards with gold, silver, and copper traces. Toasters feature nichrome wire heating elements and aluminum frames.
We collect all kinds of scrap metal including, but not limited to: washing machines, cookers, dishwashers, car batteries, boilers, radiators, bikes, copper cylinders, cars, TV's, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, gates, bed frames, gym equipment lawn mowers, cast iron baths, alloy wheels and pretty much any electronic ...
To make $100 from scrap aluminum, you need anywhere from 55 to 200 pounds, depending on your local scrap yard’s payout rate.
Air conditioners and heat pumps contain the most copper of any household appliances. A standard residential unit contains between 4 kg and 23 kg (999 to 50 lbs) of copper, primarily located in the condenser, evaporator coils, and compressor motors.
Precious metals (like gold, silver, and platinum) are the highest-paying scrap materials. Among widely handled industrial base metals, copper is the most lucrative.
Key points to consider include: Scrap metal prices fluctuate based on market conditions. Not staying updated on these values can result in selling your scrap for much less than it's worth. Scrap yards offer varying prices for different metal types and grades, making it essential to know these distinctions.
Yes, you can absolutely scrap a microwave for money. A whole, intact microwave usually nets between $2 and $6 as scrap steel, but stripping it down to its internal components can yield anywhere from $10 to $20+ depending on metal prices.
Best ways to dispose of old microwaves
Yes, a microwave is essentially a treasure trove of scrap metal. The outer casing is made of steel, and the inside contains valuable metals like copper (in the transformer and wires), aluminum (heat sinks and magnetrons), and circuit boards with traces of silver or gold.
A 20-year-old microwave is generally safe to use if it is physically intact and functioning correctly. However, microwaves of this age are far beyond their standard 10-year lifespan and carry higher risks of failing safety mechanisms, degraded door seals, and electrical short circuits.
Old Microwave Collection
If you don't have the time or enough waste to justify going to the tip, it may be time to book a collection. A Man & Van service can get rid of your old microwave as well as other tricky waste like fridges and broken laptops.
The "lemon microwave trick" is a natural, chemical-free way to deep-clean your microwave. By boiling a bowl of water and lemon juice, the steam softens baked-on food splatters and grease while the citrus cuts grime and neutralizes stubborn cooking odors.