It seems like newer microwaves come out every year, but many people still have an old one gathering dust in a kitchen corner.
In that case, it’s essential to uncover what to do with an old microwave.
E-waste is rapidly becoming a global problem and If you’ve never read a book or watched a documentary about the world’s waste problem, you should.
It’s absolutely horrifying, About 50 million metric tons of e-waste is produced each year in different countries of the world but only 17% of it is actually recycled.
The fastest way you can tip the scales back to a more sane balance is to stop throwing away electronics haphazardly.
Your old microwave doesn’t have to be a burden on the planet.
Instead, opt for the environmental friendly solutions in this guide.
What to do with an old microwave
The planet is currently battling an e-waste problem.
Thankfully, you don’t have to contribute to it.
If you recently purchased one of the high-end microwaves with a ton of features, it’s only sensible to think of getting rid of the old one.
If you think it’s time to throw it away, don’t! There are several ways to properly dispose of an old microwave.
Here are a few usable options.
Donate
Many nonprofit organizations are always in need of old electronics.
Computers, laptops, and monitors are in high demand.
Old microwaves are also put to a great use.
If your old microwave is still usable and working properly, consider donating it to a worthy cause.
You can contact local charities or call up the Red Cross to find out what they can do with an old microwave.
Like many other organizations, food banks need all the help they can get.
They are always in need of microwave ovens for their kitchens.
If you have an old microwave lying around, consider donating it to the local food bank.
Not only will you find an environmental friendly way to dispose of your microwave, you’ll also help out families in need.
Four out of five people you ask will have no clue on what to do with an old microwave.
If you’re one of the few that does know, consider spreading the word.
If your friends or family have old microwaves, don’t offer to throw them away.
Inform them about the benefits of donating.
This simple gesture will help protect the environment and improve a life in some way.
Sell it on online marketplaces
In a typical household, a microwave is an extremely useful and convenient household appliance.
You can use it to quickly heat up your food and reheat leftovers, among other things.
If your microwave is still working properly and you’re ready to get rid of it, consider selling it online.
There are hundreds of microwaves on sale on the internet right now, so being thorough is essential.
Check online marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist every day to see what they’re offering.
With some luck, you will find an individual who needs an old microwave and is willing to give you cash in return.
This option is beneficial even if you don’t have the time or energy to sell.
The most important thing is passing on the items responsibly.
Sell it to a repair shop for parts
Old microwaves are excellent for parts.
Many repair shops are willing to buy your old microwave if it’s still working.
Even if the appliance has sustained damage, you can always sell the parts separately.
There are lots of valuable parts on the microwave that a repair shop would require to fix other broken microwaves perfectly.
All you need is to have them removed from the appliance.
You can either try calling a repair shop or searching online for services that accept old microwave parts.
In many cases, a repair shop is willing to pay for your microwaves’ removal from your home.
Either way you’ll get a sweet deal.
It might not be tons of money but such a deal is better than nothing.
Use warranty for manufacturing repair
If your microwave is still under warranty, it’s wise to use that warranty for repair.
Surprisingly, not many people know about this option.
Manufacturers are more than willing to fix their appliances without charging you the typical service fee.
This is a great option if your old microwave isn’t working properly because of some damage.
You can have the appliance fixed and enjoy it for a few more years.
This will get rid of your waste issue while saving you some time and money on repairs.
In order to qualify for a free repair, find the device’s receipt, warranty card as well as the manual.
Look through the warranty’s fine print to see what it says about repairs and replacement.
Also phone the manufacturer’s customer service line and ask what they will do in your particular case.
This is one of the better options to use and it saves you time and money.
Whether your microwave is already damaged or not, if you have a warranty, use it before calling a repair man.
If the appliance has sustained some damage, the manufacturer will usually fix it without costs to you.
Drop it off at a retail store that takes old appliances
You can also find a retail outlet that will accept your aged microwave.
If you have a retail store in your area that deals with electronics, they may take your old appliances, especially if they are still in good condition.
They usually recycle the microwaves and other electronics through public donations and don’t charge anything for recycling them.
You can give them a call and ask what they do with the old home appliances.
If you’re lucky, you can get some money off the cost of a replacement appliance if you end up buying one.
People with newer models are more likely to find a retail shop that will accept their old appliances.
Many of these retail outlets are interested in the newer electrical components that are installed in the microwaves.
If you have an older microwave, it may not be worth the effort to find a shop that will get rid of your appliance.
Return it to the manufacturer for recycling
Most modern microwaves have a special symbol on the back to let you know how to properly discard them.
If your microwave has a symbol with arrows pointing down, it means you should return it to the manufacturer.
The appliance will then be recycled or scrapped in a manner that’s environmentally friendly.
Consider giving the manufacturer a call first to arrange the return.
Some manufacturers won’t take back microwaves if you can’t show your proof of purchase.
Make sure you don’t toss the appliance’s box and manual after the purchase.
If you’re not sure where your appliance was made, contact the company’s customer support and they will be able to help you out.
Find out the address of the manufacturer’s repair service center nearest to you and drop it off in person.
Find a nearby electronic recycling center
Recycling your microwave can be a very simple process.
Contact your local municipality and find out what type of waste disposal they accept.
In most cases, they will send the waste to an electronic recycling center near you.
These centers won’t charge you money or ask you to do any work.
They just want your appliances so they can recycle them properly.
If you want your microwave to be recycled, call the municipality first and find out what they will do with it.
Some will give it to a recycling center while others won’t.
If they don’t provide the service, contact a local electronics recycling center or warehouse to take it away.
Some of these centers are willing to take old appliances and dismantle the parts for reuse.
You can set up a pick up time with them over the phone or online.
Gift it to a loved one
No matter how old the microwave seems, it will always make a great gift for someone.
Gifts are always welcomed by everyone and a microwave is no exception.
You can keep your old appliance in the basement and offer it to a friend or family member who’s looking for a used microwave.
This way you’re getting rid of your microwave while making another person happy.
Use this to make your loved ones happy without spending too much money or time.
In return, they’ll always remember your thoughtfulness every time that they look at the appliance.
Gifting is also a great option for parties such as Christmas and birthdays.
Check whether local utility companies will discard it
If you don’t like the idea of giving your microwave to someone, or if you don’t have anyone in mind to give it to, call your utility company and find out if they will discard it.
Some electricity providers offer free pickup for appliances provided that they’re not damaged badly.
They’ll recycle them and shred the appliances into tiny pieces.
It’s best to take a look at your appliance first before calling them.
If possible, see if the microwave is still working properly before getting rid of it.
The utility company will often salvage some of the parts that are still in decent condition and they’ll recycle the rest.
It’s great to know that they will take home appliances like microwaves, refrigerators, and more.
Final Thoughts
There are many options for recycling your microwave.
The steps to go through may be a little complex at the beginning but once you get used to it, you won’t have any problems.
Being environmentally friendly and saving energy will always be good reasons to recycle your old microwave.
If you can’t find an appliance repair service near you or don’t want to take your appliance in for repairs, consider some of these options.
FAQs
Can microwaves go out with recycling?
Sometimes a microwave can get damaged and stop working properly.
There is certain unavoidable damage that will cause the microwave to stop working.
The parts inside can easily break or become faulty.
In this case, simply throwing it away is a better option than using it and risking your safety.
Most microwaves contain materials that are dangerous and not suitable for the environment.
In this regard, recycle your microwave properly so it can be disposed of safely.
Can you put a microwave in the bin?
Well, no. It will most likely end up in a landfill where it will take years to break down.
The best way to get rid of your microwave is to give it away or drop it off at a recycling center.
What happens to the old microwaves?
Old microwaves are usually recycled.
They are taken apart so the different components can be reused in new appliances.
Some old appliances like microwaves and refrigerators contain materials that cannot be reused easily but most of them do contain some useful parts that can be used in other appliances
