Many electronic stores will take your old microwaves and electronics for that reason. They will usually recycle the rest for you. Some major retailers, including Best Buy, have electronic waste drop-off boxes on site. You can find your nearest drop-off location online.
If the microwave no longer works then most transfer stations will accept them and recycle the metal. I suggest you go to your local dump/tip/transfer station and ask... you will likely see a pile of old fridges, freezers, ovens etc and you can add your microwave to the pile.
Drop it off at the Local Garbage Center or Landfill
Call your local landfill or garbage center and ask how to dispose of the microwave legally. They usually have special dumpsters or bins for electronics and small appliances. This way, you'll probably avoid paying a fee for the pickup service.
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.
Appliances, computers, TVs, batteries, light bulbs, and even old clothes and bedding can all be diverted from landfills. Many of these items are not accepted in curbside bins and must be disposed of at hazardous waste sites or through vendors that will refurbish or recycle them properly.
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.
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.
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.
As of February 8, 2006, Universal Wastes such as microwaves are considered electronic waste and are illegal to be placed in the regular trash or dumpster. More information on California's Universal Waste Rule can be found by clicking on the provided link below.
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.
Using a microwave with rust inside poses potential risks to both your safety and the quality of your food. While minor surface rust may be manageable with proper attention and coatings, extensive rust or compromised structural integrity may necessitate replacing the microwave.
We take all kinds of tech for recycling, no matter how old, how big or where you bought it.
A replacement may seem more convenient, but repairing your microwave is often more cost-effective and easier. There's no reason to replace a quality appliance if one of its parts has failed or if the problem is a relatively easy fix.
The magnetron and the transformer are typically the most expensive parts of a microwave. Replacing a magnetron can cost anywhere between $100 and $200, depending on the make and model of the microwave, and replacing a transformer costs between $100 and $300.
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.
Every scrap yard is different, but many do accept common household appliances such as refrigerators or microwaves. If you have an old appliance and you're not sure what to do with it, contact your local scrap yard.
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.
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.
Most HHW, including electronics, can be placed in your regular trash. However, reusing and recycling used electronics is the best way to conserve natural resources and reduce environmental impacts. For more information on HHW and collection programs, please refer to TCEQ HHW Resources.
Over-the-range microwave installation costs $100 to $300 for a standard replacement. Installing a built-in microwave costs $220 to $580. Adding an electrical outlet, cabinetry, or vents costs $150 to $600 more on average. A handyman or electrician charges $50 to $100 per hour for labor.
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.
Most household appliances, including laundry machines and dishwashers, can be tossed in your dumpster. The only thing to watch for are appliances that run on freon. If you want to get rid of a refrigerator, freezer or air-conditioner, be sure to remove the freon compartment prior to disposal.