Wondering how to dispose of a microwave?
Maybe your microwave just died. Or, maybe you’re undergoing an entire kitchen renovation. Maybe your old microwave is left over from your college apartment, and you just want something new.
You might be tempted to toss your old or broken microwave right into your regular trash bin or rental dumpster. However, don’t do so just yet.
Because of their electrical components, microwave ovens are considered e-waste in some places, and improper disposal will get you some serious fines and/or into a bit of legal trouble.
So, here is what you should know when you’re considering microwave disposal:
The outer casing of a microwave oven is usually a metal wrap-around enclosure, all contained within a single piece. The inside panels and doors are usually made from stainless steel and coated with acrylic enamel. These metal walls reflect radiation inwards towards the food.
Inside the microwave oven, however, are its electromechanical components. These include things like motors and switches. There is also a magnetron tube, which is used to regulate radiation levels in order to cook food.
The radiation created in the magnetron moves through a wave guide device, which is located wherever the food is placed, and then it passes through the stirrer fan, which causes the food to heat up. These are all made of metal, and the hardware that links each part together is usually a mix of both metal and plastic pulleys, gears, nuts, screws, etc.
Be wary of this. Used microwaves leak radiation, making it hazardous waste after a point. This can make microwaves tricky to properly dispose of.
Some recycling services consider microwaves to be e-waste. According to the EPA, this is a term used to describe “electronics that are nearing the end of their usual life, and are discarded, donated or given to a recycler.”
E-waste contains toxic substances, and therefore must be taken to an e-waste recycling center to ensure proper disposal. However, according to Statista, only 20% of this waste is properly documented, collected and recycled.
A local garbage center will not accept microwaves, or other appliances, with household trash. This is primarily due to, as mentioned, the hazardous effects of the appliance parts. Different laws in different localities will affect recycling programs for appliances such as microwaves.
Electronic waste, or e-waste, contains toxins that are damaging to the environment as well as our human bodies. And, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), roughly 40 million metric tons of it is produced each year.
One of the largest environmental impacts of electronic waste is the damage it causes our atmosphere. When e-waste isn’t properly disposed – and instead is shredded, melted or burned – dust particles and other toxins release into the air, creating pollution and causing damage to our respiratory health.
Additionally, if electronic waste is dumped illegally into landfills or other places, heavy materials and flammables can seep into the surrounding soil and contaminate the groundwater.
Improper microwave disposal will affect crop growth for local farms. Groundwater also has the potential to carry the radioactive toxins to ponds, rivers, streams and lakes. If those sites are reached, the water will become unsafe for animals, plants, and entire communities who rely on them for drinking water.
Electronic waste also contains things like mercury, lead, zinc, nickel, flame retardants, lithium, and other harmful toxins. If consumed, these contaminants are detrimental to human health and can severely damage our major organs. They also negatively impact the human reproductive system, which causes birth defects.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as many as 12.9 million women work in the informal waste sector, potentially exposing them to this toxic e-waste and putting their unborn children at risk. And according to the NIEHS,
“Children, who are especially vulnerable to the effects of e-waste, often work, live, and play in or near e-waste recycling centers.”
In order to prevent toxic electronic waste and ensure proper disposal, there are a number of ways to dispose of your old microwave safely.
If your old microwave isn’t necessarily broken, then there isn’t any reason to throw it out. There are plenty of second-hand retail stores and charity centers that will take your old, working microwaves.
A lot of times, these stores will have a designated drop-off program that will make donating your old microwave and electronics unbelievably easy.
By donating, not only are you preventing toxic e-waste emissions, but you’re helping someone in need. A local business could certainly benefit from a generous donation.
Certified electronic recyclers, or e-waste recyclers, must adhere to the high environmental standards required to manage used electronics. So, by leaving your old microwave in the hands of professionals, you eliminate the threat of your microwave leaking radiation or toxins. This makes disposal eco friendly for everyone.
There are electronic recycling centers all over the country, and you should be able to find your nearest location with a quick Internet search. Earth911 has a search function that helps you find one near you.
If microwaves aren’t explicitly listed on their website, give them a call to see if they will accept yours. If not, they’ll probably have a suggestion on what to do with it.
Broken microwaves still have some value in their working parts. 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.
However, your best bet and call ahead and verify that they are accepting microwaves as electronic waste. Again, it’s better to be safe than sorry before leaving your old microwave on their doorstep.
If it’s a matter of broken parts, try taking your microwave to a local appliance repair shop or home improvement stores. Many have replacement parts available. They might be able to restore it to working condition, and if not, they’ll probably be able to disassemble it for parts.
There's no sense in disposing of a working microwave if all it needs is some spare parts. Different stores will have different inventories, however. Even if the microwave cannot be repaired, the parts can still be utilized. Either way, it’s a win-win.
Some choice manufacturers offer a take-back program that allows you to return your broken or old microwave for its parts. This, like an e-waste recycler, ensures proper disposal, and you can trust that no harmful toxins are being released into the environment on your behalf.
Sometimes, if your microwave has busted and you’re in the market for a new one, retailers will offer a “trade-in” incentive. Although not all manufacturers allow this, it won’t hurt to ask.
Some—but not all—local garbage collectors have e-waste drop-off locations. Contact your regular garbage service to see if this applies to you, and you just might get lucky.
Some communities have designated e-waste disposal days, where they assign a specific period for community members to come dispose of their electronic waste. A lot of times, you can find these sort of events in the local newspapers, or you can always contact your local authorities.
Last, but certainly not least, you can always sell your old or used microwave yourself, especially if it is still in average condition. Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist are great online marketplace services that will help get your old microwave off your hands.
There are tons of broke college students and people moving houses who are looking to buy used microwaves for cheap, and these online platforms are usually the first place they turn to.
We’ll go ahead and end on one final note of caution regarding microwave removal. Of course, it’s easier to throw your broken microwave into your regular trash bin and call it a day. However, doing so is putting not only your own life, but also those of others, at risk.
To avoid a guilty conscious, or worse – a bit of legal trouble – make sure you take the time and care to dispose of your microwave properly. With just a tiny bit of extra effort, you can do your part to fight toxic e-waste AND get rid of your old microwave.
Start doing your research today! We promise it’s a lot easier than you think.
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