How to Dispose of a Microwave? 5 Options [2026]

Microwaves are classified as e-waste in most states because they contain a magnetron tube, capacitors, and circuit boards that should not go into landfills. The magnetron contains beryllium oxide ceramic, which is toxic if broken and inhaled. The high-voltage capacitor can hold a lethal charge even after unplugging.

Because of these components, many municipalities ban microwaves from regular trash collection. The good news: most disposal options are free or low-cost.

In most cities, no. Microwaves are classified as e-waste or bulky items and are banned from regular curbside trash in California, New York, Illinois, and 22 other states with e-waste laws.

Even in states without e-waste bans, most trash haulers will skip a microwave left at the curb during regular collection. It is too heavy for automated trucks and classified as a non-standard item.

The penalty for improper e-waste disposal ranges from $50 to $25,000 depending on the state. California fines start at $1,000 per violation. In practice, most homeowners receive a warning sticker on the item and a notice from their waste hauler.

E-waste recycling centers accept microwaves at no charge in most areas. The recyclers recover steel, copper, aluminum, and circuit board metals from the appliance.

Best Buy accepts microwaves for free recycling at all US locations through their electronics recycling program. No purchase required. Drop off during store hours — there is usually a dedicated recycling station near the entrance or customer service desk.

Home Depot and Lowe's accept microwaves for recycling when you purchase a new appliance and pay for haul-away (typically $25-$50 added to delivery). This is not free, but it is convenient if you are already buying a replacement.

Goodwill accepts working microwaves at drop-off locations. They resell functional appliances and recycle non-working ones through e-waste partners.

Search "e-waste recycling near me" or check earth911.com to find the closest free drop-off location. Most counties have at least one permanent e-waste collection site.

Microwave disposal ranges from free to $200 depending on how you handle it.

• •Free: E-waste recycling center drop-off, Best Buy recycling, city bulk pickup, or listing on Facebook Marketplace for someone to pick up.

• •$79: Dropcurb curbside pickup. Set the microwave at the curb, book by 2 PM local time, and a local hauler picks it up the same day.

• •$25-$50: Retailer haul-away when purchasing a new appliance through Home Depot or Lowe's.

• •$130-$200+: Full-service junk removal from traditional full-service junk removal or similar companies. This makes sense only if you are removing multiple items — their minimum truck load charge applies regardless of item count.

A standard microwave contains 20-35 pounds of steel, plus small amounts of copper wiring and an aluminum cavity. At current scrap rates, the metal content is worth $1-$3 at a scrap yard.

The transformer inside the microwave contains copper windings worth $0.50-$1 if separated. Some scrappers remove the transformer and sell it separately, but this requires disassembly and carries an electrical hazard from the capacitor.

For most people, the scrap value does not justify the trip. Free recycling center drop-off or curbside pickup is more practical.

No, unless you have electrical experience. The high-voltage capacitor inside a microwave can store a lethal charge (2,000+ volts) even after the unit is unplugged. This charge can persist for days.

If you need to disassemble a microwave for recycling or scrap, discharge the capacitor first by shorting it with an insulated screwdriver while wearing rubber gloves. Better yet, leave disassembly to the recycling center — they have trained technicians and proper equipment.

Do not smash or crush a microwave. The magnetron tube contains beryllium oxide ceramic, which produces toxic dust if broken. Intact disposal through recycling or junk removal is the safest approach.