How and Where to Recycle Your Old Microwave Oven?

Cooking up some tasty leftovers or defrosting dinner is a cinch with the microwave oven. But like all electronics, microwaves don’t last forever. So what should you do when it’s time to say goodbye to your microwave? Don’t just throw it in the trash! Recycling your old microwave oven is important to keep harmful e-waste out of landfills.

In this post, we’ll outline the best options for recycling a microwave so you can easily dispose of it responsibly. You’ll get a comprehensive list of microwave recycling programs near you to help avoid improper disposal. We’ll also explain why it’s crucial to keep old electronics out of the trash and provide tips to prepare your microwave for its final farewell. Let’s dive in!

Why Bother Recycling Your Microwave Oven?

Before we get into the how of microwave recycling, let’s look at the why. Like most electronics, microwave ovens contain metals and other materials that could be hazardous in landfills. Recycling helps keep these dangerous chemicals safely out of our environment.

Here are some key reasons to recycle your microwave:

• Microwaves contain hazardous components – From mercury switches to capacitors with PCBs, microwaves have parts that are unsafe in landfills. Recycling disposes of these dangers properly.
• Prevent harmful e-waste – Over 50 million tons of electronic waste is produced globally each year. Recycling keeps microwave appliances out of our overflowing landfills.
• Conserve natural resources – The metals, plastic and glass from recycled microwaves can be reused to manufacture new products. This saves energy and resources.
• It’s required by law – Many states have laws mandating proper electronic waste disposal to limit toxic landfill additions. Recycling is usually your obligation.

Clearly, keeping old microwaves out of the trash is smart for both environmental and legal reasons. The good news is it’s relatively easy to find recycling options for responsible disposal of this hazardous waste.

Preparing Your Microwave Oven for Recycling

Before bringing your microwave in for recycling, take a few minutes to clean it out and remove any non-essential parts. This helps the recycling facility efficiently process it.

Follow these tips to prep your microwave:

• Unplug the unit – This ensures no accidental turning on once uninstalled. Safety first!
• Remove the turntable – The glass turntable and roller ring are simple to take out. Set these aside to recycle separately.
• Clean the interior – Give the inside a quick wipe down to remove crumbs and spills. No need to scrub heavily.
• Take out racks and shelves – Remove any racks, shelves and other removable parts. Recycle these as normal metal items.
• Check for non-microwave parts – If you used the top for storage, take out any non-microwave items before recycling.

With these quick steps complete, your microwave oven will be ready for its final farewell! Now let’s explore your different recycling options.

Recycling Your Microwave Oven: Where to Bring It

You have a number of convenient choices for responsibly recycling an old microwave. Here are some of the best options to keep this electronics waste out of the landfill:

Manufacturer Take-Back Programs

Many major appliance brands now offer recycling take-back programs. Check your manufacturer’s website or call them to find out if they’ll take back your microwave for proper disposal.

For example, GE offers a recycling program that will pick up and recycle any GE branded appliance. LG also has a take-back initiative that includes microwaves. Take advantage of these convenient options if available.

Big Box Retailers and Stores

Before dropping off your microwave at the landfill, check with large retailers in your area. Many stores like Best Buy, Home Depot and Lowes now collect old electronics like microwaves for recycling.

Call ahead to ask if they’ll take small appliances from consumers. They may charge a small fee, but it’s often less than waste disposal sites. Plus it’s more environmentally friendly.

Local Municipal Programs

Your city or county may have special programs that make recycling electronics easy for residents. Start by checking your municipal or county waste management website for the following programs:

• Special e-waste collection days – Some cities or towns have designated days a few times a year when you can bring electronics like microwaves for free recycling.
• Permanent drop-off sites – Many communities have year-round e-waste collection sites where you can drop off small appliances to be recycled.
• Curbside pick-up – If your area offers curbside e-waste pick-up, you can schedule a pick-up for larger electronics items.
• Mail-back programs – Some municipal programs will mail you a special box to pack your microwave in to ship back for recycling.

Check for these local options in your zip code for convenient microwave disposal. Government programs aim to make e-waste recycling easy and affordable.

Charities and Thrift Stores

If your microwave oven is still functioning properly, consider donating it to charity rather than trashing it. Many charities like Goodwill will resell working electronics or use them for parts.

Call local charities ahead to see if they’ll accept microwaves in good working condition. Make sure to ask about any requirements or restrictions they might have on donations.

Scrap and Metal Yards

If other options don’t pan out, scrap and metal yards are a last resort for recycling. These sites will accept microwaves but may charge a fee depending on location.

The benefit is that metal yards will break down the microwave and properly recycle the valuable metals, like steel and copper. Call your local yards first to learn about prices and processes.

Electronics Recyclers

For easy, responsible recycling, look for e-waste collectors or electronics recyclers in your region. These specialty companies focus on safely recycling electronics, including major appliances like microwaves.

Search online for “electronics recycling near me” to find certified, professional recyclers in your area. Look for companies that are registered with e-cycle and check reviews. Avoid recyclers without proper certification.

This is often the simplest option. Electronics recyclers take care of the entire process for you, from pick-up to eco-friendly disposal. Call or check their website for more information on what items they accept.

Other Tips for Microwave Recycling

Beyond the standard options above, consider these extra tips for recycling your old microwave oven:

• If it’s in very good condition, sell it online or donate it for reuse. Some people search sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for functioning microwaves.
• Recycle or donate the glass turntable separately. This keeps it out of landfills and allows reuse.
• You may be able to sell usable parts, like the door, buttons or shelves, on eBay or other online marketplaces.
• Remove mercury switches and recycle these components at hazardous waste facilities. Don’t trash mercury!
• Take the time to properly wipe out food debris, oils and grease before bringing your microwave in for recycling. This avoids issues like odors and pests.
• Be aware that it’s illegal in many areas to put electronics in the trash. Make sure you use a responsible method to avoid fines.

With all these convenient options, there’s no reason your old microwave should ever end up in a landfill. Do your research and find the best local solution to give your appliance an eco-friendly farewell!

Microwave Oven Recycling Laws and Regulations

Properly recycling electronics is not just a recommendation – in many areas, it’s the law! Stay on the right side of microwave recycling requirements with this quick regulatory overview.

• At the federal level, microwave ovens are classified as hazardous household waste. It’s illegal nationwide to dispose of them in landfills.
• 25 states have landfill bans prohibiting any electronics from being thrown in the trash. Violators can face fines of over $10,000 in some states.
• Many municipalities and counties have mandatory recycling laws requiring responsible disposal of e-waste.
• Under extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, microwave manufacturers must provide recycling programs in 10 states.
• Consumers are usually responsible for taking end-of-life microwaves to approved recyclers or drop-off centers.
• Be aware of any special transportation, handling, and documentation regulations in your area for taking hazardous e-waste like microwaves to recycling centers.

Stay in compliance with all state and local laws by using approved recycling and disposal options for your end-of-life microwave oven. Never attempt to just throw it away in the trash. Responsible recycling keeps both you and the environment safe!

In Conclusion

We’ve just explored all the best options for keeping your old microwave out of landfills. From manufacturer take-back programs to specialty electronics recyclers, you have many convenient choices for recycling microwaves in your community.

The key takeaways are:

• Microwave ovens contain hazardous materials – Don’t trash them!
• Recycle microwaves using approved local programs and retailers
• Prepare the unit by unplugging, cleaning and removing parts
• Contact recyclers to arrange drop-off or pick-up
• Follow all laws and regulations for safe e-waste disposal

So next time your microwave breaks or you’re doing a kitchen upgrade, remember to recycle it responsibly. Our landfills are already overflowing with e-waste. We all need to do our part to reduce the impact from unwanted electronics. With more awareness and these handy tips, recycling those old microwave ovens will be a breeze!