When your microwave oven dies, you’ll need to know how to dispose of microwave properly. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as the best way to get rid of a microwave oven will vary depending on where you live. However, this article will provide an overview of the most common ways to get rid of a microwave oven, so you can choose the option that’s best for you.
Where to Dispose of Microwave Ovens?
There are a lot of ways you can dispose of an old microwave. You can donate it, bring it to an electronic store, or take it to the landfill. The best option for you all depends on what kind of condition your microwave is in and how much money you want to spend.
- If your microwave is still in good condition, you can donate it to a local thrift store or charity. Most of these stores will accept microwaves and other small appliances as donations. They’ll usually give you a tax deduction for your donation, too.
- If your microwave is broken or outdated, you can drop it off at an electronic store. Some stores will take old microwaves and recycle them for free, but they may charge you to recycle other items like speakers or laptops.
- If your city has an annual bulk waste pickup day, you can set your microwave out along with the rest of your trash on that day. Your local government should have more information on when and where these events are taking place.
- If your microwave is really old and inefficient, your utility company might pick it up for free when you upgrade to a newer model. Contact your utility company to see if they offer this service.
- Finally, if none of the above options work for you, you can always send your microwave back to the manufacturer. Some manufacturers will send you a postage-paid envelope for this purpose, and they’ll recycle your microwave properly for free.
How to Recycle a Microwave?
If you’re not sure whether or not your municipality offers free e-waste recycling, do a quick internet search for “electronics recycling near me.” You can also check with your municipal government or any of the companies listed in Google’s results page after doing this initial search. Once you’ve located a recycling center that accepts microwaves, call them to ask about their policies regarding microwaves. Some only accept microwaves as drop-offs, while others will only accept microwaves for pick up. Ask about any associated fees and contact your local government to see if they offer free waste and recycling services.
Don’t forget to ask whether or not the center accepts other types of e-waste like computers, televisions, printers or scanners.
Can You Throw a Microwave in the Trash?
There are many factors to consider when deciding if you can throw a microwave in the trash. The first place to look is your city or municipality website, as they will have laws about what can be put in the dumpster. If you’re not sure, you can also call the garbage company directly.
Your city may also have a bulk pick-up day where you can leave big items on the curb next to your trash without incurring a fine. However, many places consider microwaves as e-waste and have special rules for their disposal.
If you’re not sure whether or not it’s okay to put your microwave in the trash, it’s better for the environment to bring it to a microwave recycling center. Even though your microwave may not contain hazardous materials, it’s still better to recycle it for the parts and materials.
So, can you throw a microwave in the trash? It depends on your location. Be sure to check your city or municipality website to see what the laws are and if there are any special rules for disposing microwaves. If you’re not sure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and recycle it at a recycling center.
Is It Safe To Take Apart A Microwave?
In general, yes, you could be relatively safe in doing this as long as you are mindful of a couple of key things.
To begin, make sure the microwave is disconnected from any electricity before opening the cabinet, and don’t disturb the ceramic insulator on the magnetron or otherwise create tiny fragments that can get stuck to your fingers and cause harm. If you really want to know what the magnetron looks like on the inside, I would suggest a Wikipedia search first before trying anything else.
Additionally, if there are large capacitors that are part of the rectifier for producing control voltage they should also be shorted out using something metal or conductive such as a screwdriver.
What Are The Risks Of Trying To Fix A Broken Microwave Yourself?
If you’re not a trained electrician, there is a very real danger of being shocked when trying to fix a broken microwave. There is also the risk that you could cause further damage to the appliance if you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s often better to send a broken microwave for recycling rather than attempting to fix it yourself. Parts for cheaper microwaves can often be more expensive than buying a new one. So, unless you’re confident in your ability to repair it, it’s often best to have a professional take care of it for you.
When to Replace Your Microwave?
When to replace your microwave is not always an easy question to answer. There are, however, a few clear indicators that can help you make a decision.
- The first is if your microwave is over six years old – at this point, it may be time for a new model with updated features.
- If you’re experiencing multiple stacking problems – i.e. multiple repair issues at once – it’s often more practical to simply buy a new one.
- Additionally, if the magnetron is damaged or burned, it’s usually best to just go ahead and replace the entire appliance.
By following these simple tips, you can make the decision of when to replace your microwave much easier.
Conclusion
Microwaves are a great appliance to have in your home, but they can be expensive and tricky to dispose of. As you’ve seen from the information we provided here, there is no one-size-fits all answer when it comes to how to get rid of an old microwave oven. We hope that by providing these tips on disposing of microwaves; you will be able to make an educated decision about what method works best for you and your family.
