Where Can You Dispose Of An Old Microwave


Around the home, there are so many different items that should be exposed of in certain ways, that it can often get confusing. There are a lot of household materials that should be recycled rather than go in the trash. Items that we don’t dispose of often, like appliances, require a little research to figure out the proper disposal method or the waste regulations guidelines for your area.

You can dispose of an old microwave by recycling it if it no longer works or donating it if it is still in working condition. If you are not able to donate, sell or recycle you can often place your old microwave out for bulk trash pick up if your area offers this service. There are other options as well depending on where you live, but below you will find more tips on easy ways to dispose of an old microwave.

dispose of old microwave

Does waste management pick up appliances?

Often local waste management will offer bulk pick up services, but this will be dependent on your specific town. You will need to check your local bulk collection services to see if they pick up appliances. This is the easiest way to dispose of a microwave if it no longer works as you can usually just set it out in front of your home bear the curb to be picked up.

Be sure to check the specific day that your bulk collection comes and if there is a limit on how many items you are able to set out at one time. In certain areas, you may have to call your local waste collection service and let them know that you will have bulk trash to be collected.

Can you throw away a microwave?

You may be wondering if you can simply throw away a microwave as it may often be small enough to fit in an outdoor trash bin. In a lot of areas, it can be illegal to simply toss your microwave out with the trash, you will want to check your local regulations. It is also considered environmentally irresponsible to simply throw away electronics and appliances, so you should consider recycling these items first.

microwave in the trash

While it is much easier to just toss electronics and appliances, many states have programs that make disposing of these items properly very easy as well. Whether it’s bulk pick up or recycling center drop-offs, there are always easy environmentally conscious options that are better options.

Recycle microwaves near me

When you recycle your microwave, it can be recycled for re-use or re-manufacturing purposes. When it comes to recycling appliances you may have several convenient options depending on where you live. Below are a few easy options that you may have:

  • Donation center – If your microwave is still in good working order, you can usually donate them at most donation centers, like Goodwill. When it cannot be sold, these centers do their best to keep appliances out of landfills through recycling efforts.
  • E-Cycling centerCheck here to find e-cycling centers in your area where you may have to drop off your old microwave.
  • Online Marketplace – A quick way to get rid of your microwave may be to offer it on an online marketplace, like Facebook Marketplace, for free. Free items often get a ton of very quick responses from people willing to pick up your items the same day.
  • Best Buy – Yes, the store does accept appliances to recycle but beware that there may be a fee involved. Often if you are purchasing a replacement item, they will take the old item, but you should check your local store to see if they charge a fee even with a purchase. There is a fee if they haul the item away from your home. Check here for more info.
  • Green Citizen Recycling – This is a mail-in recycling program and is especially helpful when you cannot find a local drop-off location. Microwaves cost $1 per pound to recycle with Green Citizen.

The best option to dispose of a microwave is to first try and find a recycling center or donation center where you can drop off your old microwave or put an ad on an online marketplace offering your old microwave for free. These options are environmentally friendly and still very easy and convenient. If it is not possible for you to get your old microwave to a recycling center, then you can arrange for bulk pick-up or call your local landfill to see if they have special dumpsters for appliances.

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