Recycle It Check out RecyclerFinder.com, your utility company website or local government for more information. If your microwave is broken, contact an electronic repair shop to see if they'll use it for parts.
Best Option: Recycle Your Microwave
Recycling e-waste is free and convenient. You can take the old appliances to the e-waste recycling center.
In California, for example, the only legal way to dispose of it is to go through a microwave recycling facility or retailer take-back program.
A standard microwave would be worth between $5 and $10 in scrap metal at most locations. The scrap value is primarily in the steel casing found in most microwaves, with some copper in the motor.
Microwaves can be recycled with your electronics OR with your scrap metal. If you choose to put your microwaves with your scrap metal, CAPACITORS MUST BE REMOVED. According to NRRA's metal vendor, in addition to environmental concerns, capacitors can store energy and are fire hazards in scrap piles and dumpsters.
Try resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse to restore power. If you're still having no luck, the problem could be with an internal fuse.
Sell the appliance to a local buyer online. The average used microwave sells for $25 but the return can be up to $100 for nicer models. Start a listing with one of these popular sites: eBay.
If your microwave is in good condition, you can expect between $5-$25. If you're pawning a newer microwave that serves a dual purpose (like a microwave/toaster oven in one), you may earn a bit more.
If you're trying to determine how much you'll pay to fix this handy kitchen appliance, you've come to the right place. Microwave repair costs depend on the labor and materials required to complete the repair. It costs an average of about $175 to repair a microwave, with a range of about $50 to $500.
We take all kinds of tech for recycling, no matter how old, how big or where you bought it.
Retail Store Programs: Many major retailers like Best Buy, Staples, and Office Depot have in-store electronics recycling programs that may accept old microwaves, though policies can vary by location 5 7.
If you need help getting rid of your microwave and are looking to dispose of it properly, book a pickup online with LoadUp today and get appliance removal service as soon as the next day. We offer professional microwave removal and disposal nationwide. Our average cost for microwave disposal starts at $75.
As an e-waste item, microwaves cannot be placed in your garbage because they are made with toxic materials and can leach dangerous chemicals into the environment. Dispose of microwaves with e-waste.
Before you toss out your non-working or old microwave, consider that many microwaves and appliances are considered electronic waste or e-waste. There is a proper way to recycle microwave ovens and other e-waste that have reached the end of their useful life cycle.
With normal usage for an average family and good maintenance, a microwave often lasts for 7 to 8 years. If the microwave is used less frequently by a single person or a couple and is well-maintained, the lifespan can increase to up to 10 years.
Pawnshops only loan you about 25% to 60% of an item's resale value. If you pawn a piece of jewelry worth $1,000, you might get a loan amount of between $250 and $600, but you won't get the value of the item. And, of course, you'll risk forfeiting a $1,000 piece.
Sometimes, pawn shops will even buy appliances. If you have a refrigerator, microwave, air conditioner, or stove, you might make some good money if it is in decent condition. Jewelry is another popular item at pawn shops.
Take Your Microwave to an Electronic Waste Recycling Center
If your local recycling center doesn't accept appliances, you can check with an environmental conservation group such as GreenCitizen, which accepts mail-ins. Send your microwave to them and they will recycle it for you for a small fee.
Old microwaves will have plenty of valuable copper wires, and old appliances such as kettles, blenders and coffee makers are also a good bet. You can also sell old stove tops for scrap if you're replacing them.
When Best Buy evaluates your device, we provide a competitive offer based on several factors, including age, condition, required accessories and current resale prices, which can all affect the trade-in value of your items. Use our estimator at BestBuy.com/TradeIn to help estimate what your item may be worth.
If the cost of repairing a microwave comes close to or exceeds the price of a new one, it might make more financial sense to replace it. However, if the costs of repairing are relatively low and the microwave isn't too old, it could be worth repairing the microwave.
Most injuries from microwave ovens are the result of heat related burns from overheated food or liquids. If microwave ovens are used while broken or altered, it is possible for them to leak electromagnetic radiation. Microwave radiation leaks are hard to detect because you can't smell or see microwaves.
Keep the microwave unplugged for 5-10 minutes. The waiting period allows the internal components of the microwave to reset, ensuring a clean slate when you plug the microwave back in and reprogram your desired settings. Check for any evidence of damage on the plug and outlet before plugging them back in.