Where To Dispose Of Microwave: Safe Disposal Options

The best place to dispose of a microwave in the U.S. is usually a local e-waste drop-off site, appliance recycling center, scrap-metal recycler, or municipal bulky-item program. Some retailers and appliance stores also accept old microwaves.

Do not place a microwave in the trash or recycling bin until you check your local rules. Programs differ by city, county, and state. If the microwave still works, donating or giving it away keeps it in use and may be the simplest option.

1. Check Whether the Microwave Still Works

A working microwave can often be reused instead of recycled. Test it only if the unit looks safe and has no damaged cord, sparks, smoke, burning smell, broken door, or other serious fault.

Good reuse options include:

A local charity or thrift store
A community center
A housing nonprofit
A school, church, or shelter
A neighbor or family member
A reuse website or local giveaway group

Clean the inside and outside before offering it. Share the brand, model, age, size, and known faults. Be honest if the turntable, keypad, light, or heating function does not work.

Some charities do not accept used appliances because of storage, safety, or testing limits. Call first rather than making an unnecessary trip.

Do not donate a damaged microwave

Do not give away a microwave that:

Has a cracked or broken door
Has a frayed power cord
Sparks during use
Smells like burning plastic or wiring
Shows signs of fire or water damage
Runs when the door is open
Has severe rust around the door or cooking area

A microwave that seems unsafe should go to a recycling or disposal program instead.

2. Use a Local E-Waste or Appliance Recycling Program

A local e-waste or appliance recycling program is often the most reliable option for a broken microwave. These programs may recover steel, copper, aluminum, glass, and electronic parts.

Start with these sources:

Your city or county waste department
Search the official government website for “microwave disposal,” “appliance recycling,” or “e-waste.”
Your state environmental agency
State agencies often list approved electronics recyclers and collection events.
Earth911’s recycling search tool
Search by ZIP code and item type. Confirm acceptance with the location before you go.
A certified electronics recycler
The Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) R2 directory can help you find recyclers with recognized electronics-management practices.
A household hazardous waste program
Some local programs accept small appliances with electronic parts, even when the microwave is not legally classified as hazardous waste.

A microwave may be listed under several categories, including:

Small appliance
Large appliance
Electronic waste
Scrap metal
Household appliance
Bulky waste

This difference matters. A site that accepts televisions may not accept microwaves. Ask directly before loading the appliance into your vehicle.

3. Ask a Scrap-Metal Recycler

Many scrap-metal yards accept microwaves because they contain valuable metal. However, each yard sets its own rules.

Call and ask:

Do you accept countertop and over-the-range microwaves?
Do you accept appliances from households?
Must the microwave be separated from other materials?
Is there a drop-off fee?
Do you offer payment for the metal?
Do you accept units with glass doors?
Do you remove the cord or other parts?

Some yards accept the whole appliance. Others accept only certain metal parts or charge a handling fee.

Do not take the microwave apart at home to increase its scrap value. A microwave contains a high-voltage capacitor. The capacitor can hold a dangerous electrical charge even after the appliance is unplugged.

4. Check Retailer and Appliance-Store Take-Back Options

Some retailers offer appliance haul-away or recycling when you buy a replacement. The service may apply only to certain appliance types, delivery areas, or purchase methods.

Before scheduling service, ask:

Does the service include microwaves?
Does it include countertop models, built-in models, or both?
Must you buy a new appliance?
Is the old microwave disconnected before pickup?
Are there extra charges?
Will the retailer recycle it or send it to a third party?

A store’s general recycling program may accept batteries, packaging, or phones but not microwaves. Confirm the exact item.

For an over-the-range or built-in microwave, ask whether the service includes removal from the wall or cabinet. Many pickup crews will not disconnect hardwired units or remove appliances that require electrical or carpentry work.

5. Use Your City’s Bulky-Item Pickup Service

Some U.S. cities collect microwaves through bulky-item pickup. Others place microwaves in a separate appliance or e-waste category.

Check the local rules before putting the appliance at the curb. The city may require:

An online reservation
A pickup fee
Placement at the curb on a specific day
Removal of doors or loose parts
A separate electronics appointment
A limit on the number of appliances
Proof that the resident lives in the service area

Do not assume that a scheduled bulk pickup accepts every large item. Read the accepted-item list or call the waste department.

If your city does not provide pickup, a private junk hauler may accept the microwave. Ask where the item will go. A low-cost pickup is less useful if the appliance is simply dumped or sent to an unsuitable landfill.

Can You Put a Microwave in the Trash?

Sometimes, local trash rules allow a microwave in the garbage. In other areas, the waste company bans appliances or requires a special pickup.

The answer depends on the local service provider, not just the appliance itself. Check:

Your city or county waste website
Your private trash hauler
Your apartment or property manager
The transfer station or landfill
Local recycling event details

Do not put a microwave in a curbside recycling bin. Standard recycling systems are designed for materials such as bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard. A microwave can damage sorting equipment and may be rejected as contamination.

If local rules allow disposal in household trash, protect workers by making sure the unit is unplugged, empty, and free of loose glass or sharp parts. Do not place a damaged appliance in a bag that could tear.

How to Prepare a Microwave for Disposal

Prepare the microwave based on the disposal method. The goal is to make transport safe without opening the appliance.

Before drop-off or pickup

Unplug the microwave.
Remove all food, racks, and loose items.
Wipe away grease and food residue.
Remove the glass turntable only if the program asks you to do so.
Secure the power cord with a loose tie.
Measure and weigh the microwave if the service has size limits.
Keep the door closed during transport.
Use two people for heavy or over-the-range models.

Do not tape the door shut if the tape could damage the finish or interfere with the recycling process. Do not remove the door, casing, capacitor, magnetron, or other internal parts.

For an over-the-range microwave

An over-the-range microwave may be attached to a wall bracket, cabinet, vent, or electrical connection. If you are not trained to disconnect it safely, hire a qualified appliance installer or electrician.

Never pull on the power cord or try to remove a hardwired unit while it is connected to power.

Microwave Disposal Options Compared

Use this table as a starting point. Local rules and fees can change the result.

Option	Best for	Possible cost	Main limitation
Donation or giveaway	Working, safe microwaves	Often free	The organization may refuse used appliances
E-waste drop-off	Broken or unwanted microwaves	Free or fee-based	Acceptance rules vary
Scrap-metal recycler	Heavy or damaged units	Free, fee-based, or payment	Some yards accept only certain parts
Retailer take-back	Replacing the microwave	May be included or charged	Often tied to a new purchase
City bulky pickup	Residents needing home pickup	Free or fee-based	Appointment and item rules may apply
Private junk hauler	Fast removal	Usually paid	Disposal destination may be unclear
Household trash	Only where local rules allow it	Usually included	Not accepted by many services

The most environmentally useful choice is usually reuse when the microwave is safe and functional. If it does not work, recycling or a documented appliance-disposal program is usually better than an unknown hauler.

What Not to Do With an Old Microwave

Avoid these common mistakes:

Do not place it in the curbside recycling cart.
Do not open the metal case.
Do not cut the power cord unless the recycler requests it.
Do not burn, crush, or dismantle it.
Do not leave it beside a dumpster unless the property manager allows it.
Do not put it outside for a “free” pickup without checking the collector.
Do not donate a microwave with a damaged door or serious electrical fault.
Do not assume that a retailer accepts all appliance types.
Do not transport a heavy unit alone if it could fall or cause injury.

A microwave may look like a simple metal box, but its internal high-voltage parts make home dismantling unsafe.

Does a Microwave Count as Hazardous Waste?

In many areas, a household microwave is handled as an appliance, e-waste, or scrap metal rather than as household hazardous waste. The exact classification depends on state and local rules.

Do not pour cleaning chemicals into the microwave or place other hazardous materials inside it. If the microwave was contaminated by chemicals, fire, floodwater, or a laboratory use, tell the disposal facility before delivery.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends checking local and state programs for electronics and appliance recycling. Local agencies decide which collection sites accept specific items and how they must be prepared.

How Much Does Microwave Disposal Cost?

Microwave disposal may be free, but a fee is common for pickup, special handling, or private hauling. The cost can depend on:

Your city or county
Whether you drop it off or request pickup
The microwave’s size and weight
Whether it is built in
Whether you buy a replacement
Whether the facility pays for scrap metal
Whether you need stairs, disconnection, or extra labor

Ask for the full price before scheduling service. Confirm whether the quote includes labor, transportation, recycling, and disposal fees.

A free option may be available through a local e-waste event, scrap-metal yard, retailer take-back program, or municipal drop-off site.

Quick Decision Guide

Choose the first option that fits your microwave:

It works and is safe: Offer it for reuse or donate it.
It is broken but intact: Contact an e-waste or appliance recycler.
It is mostly metal or badly damaged: Call a scrap-metal recycler.
You are buying a replacement: Ask the retailer about haul-away.
You need home pickup: Check municipal bulky-item service.
It is built in or hardwired: Arrange safe removal before disposal.
You are unsure about local rules: Call the city, county, or waste hauler.

Key Takeaways

Check local rules before disposing of a microwave.
Do not put it in a curbside recycling bin.
Donate it only if it works safely.
Use e-waste, appliance recycling, scrap-metal, or bulky-item services for unwanted units.
Never open or dismantle a microwave because its capacitor may retain a dangerous charge.
Ask retailers and private haulers where the appliance will go.
Get help with over-the-range or hardwired models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I dispose of a microwave for free?

Free options may include a city e-waste event, municipal drop-off site, retailer take-back service, scrap-metal yard, or local giveaway. Availability depends on your ZIP code and the condition of the microwave. Call before visiting.

Can I recycle a microwave at Best Buy?

Best Buy’s recycling services and accepted-item rules can change by location and appliance type. Check the company’s current recycling page or contact your local store before bringing a microwave.

Can I leave a microwave next to the dumpster?

Only if your property manager or local waste service allows it. Many apartment communities and waste companies prohibit appliances beside dumpsters. Unauthorized dumping may lead to removal fees or fines.

Should I remove the microwave door before disposal?

No. Do not remove the door or open the microwave unless a qualified service specifically handles that work. Ask the recycler whether it wants the unit intact.

Can I sell a broken microwave for scrap?

Possibly. Scrap yards may accept a broken microwave, but payment and acceptance rules vary. Call first, and do not dismantle the appliance yourself.

Can I put a microwave in a dumpster?

Only when the dumpster owner and local waste rules permit it. Some dumpsters ban appliances, electronics, or items with glass. A dedicated recycling or appliance program is usually the safer choice.

Final Recommendation

For most U.S. households, begin with your city or county waste website and search for microwave disposal, appliance recycling, e-waste, or bulky-item pickup. If the microwave still works, reuse is the better first choice. If it is broken, use a verified recycler, scrap-metal yard, retailer take-back program, or approved municipal service.

Keep the microwave intact, unplugged, and secure during transport. If it is built in, hardwired, or visibly damaged, arrange qualified help rather than taking it apart yourself.

Where To Dispose Of Microwave: Safe Disposal Options