Now that you’ve picked out your brand new microwave, you need to figure out what to do with the old one. In this post, I will discuss 5 ways you can dispose of your old microwave. Note that these methods may not be available in all areas. Also, some of these methods may cost you additional money.
1. Send it With The Microwave Installers of the New Microwave
Some microwave retailers have a “deal” where they will haul away the old microwave at no additional cost. Usually, these specials are for customers that are installing a built-in or over the range microwave.
Many stores will offer this opportunity year around, but some retailers only offer this during special events like Black Friday or President’s Day sales. Even if it isn’t expressly stated, ask. Also, if they can’t waive the haul away fee, ask the store to discount the fee off the price of the microwave. If the store isn’t willing to play ball, find another store that will.
I believe retailers are willing to take away the microwave for free because they have the ability to have them repaired at a lower price, then resold. Another option is to break the parts down and sell them to manufacturers looking for cheap parts.
2. Sell it on eBay, Amazon, or Craigslist
Another option you have is selling your used microwave on eBay. This is a great opportunity to make a few dollars on something that has zero value to you.
This option is for you if you feel comfortable selling items online. This option is also a great opportunity if you don’t mind the online world on haggling.
When listing your product online, be perfectly clear of the condition. Also, list what works, what doesn’t work, and why you are selling it. Finally, let the potential customers know that this sale is final, no take backs!
The best places to sell this type of product are eBay or Craigslist. Selling on eBay will net you a larger client base, but you may have to eat the cost of shipping. Selling on craigslist limits your clients, but you will save on shipping costs.
As I mentioned, selling your used microwave online is great for you because you can make a few dollars on a product that
Fist, they can break down the microwave for parts. It’s possible that they have a microwave that isn’t working also, instead of buying a new one, they take the parts from your microwave and add them to their microwave. Another option is buyers of used microwaves are going to break down the microwave into parts and resell them locally or online.
Another reason someone may buy a used microwave online is buyers use the microwave to make YouTube videos. Don’t be surprised if you see your microwave featured in a video of some sort.
3. Take Yout Microwave to Your Local junkyard
Another option is to take your used microwave to the local junkyard. Junkyards will take just about anything. Look online for your nearest microwave, also see if they will accept microwaves.
Junkyards will accept your used microwave because they will attempt to break it down and sell it for parts. Some junkyards have a “pick your part” sales method where they tell you where the part is located, but it’s your responsibility to get the part. Once you pick the part, you return to the front office and pay for the item.
4. Take it to Your Local Recycling Center
Another option is to take your microwave to the local recycling center. The recycling center is different than a standard junkyard because the end goal is to repurpose the materials.
Contact your local recycling center to determine the process of submitting your microwave. Some centers will allow you to place the microwave on the curb, and they will pick it up. Other centers will require you to bring it to the location.
Recycling your microwave is a great option because the pieces can be repurposed and won’t end up sitting in a landfill. Although your microwave may not work, there are many parts that can be recycled. Everything from plastics to metals and copper can be recycled to make something else.
Another benefit of taking your microwave to a recycling center is they may pay you for the parts. If the parts have value, like copper or aluminum, you can receive a few dollars for doing a good deal.
5. Schedule a Pickup with Your Local Garbage Collection Agency
Another option is to contact your garbage collection agency to see if they will collect your microwave. Garbage collection agencies call this “bulk pickup.” The process to have your garbage men to collect your old microwave is
- Contact the collection agency
- Pay costs (if any)
- Place the microwave out on the curb on the same day as your normal collection.
Note: there may be an associated cost for using
Bonus Tip: Leave it Outside Around Collection Time
Another option you have for disposing of your microwave is to just set the thing outside. Depending on where you live, you may have people that drive by looking through your garbage. These people are looking for stuff to salvage. As the saying goes “one man’s trash, is another man’s treasure.”
This process is simple, simply set your microwave outside the day before your normal collection. Don’t be surprised if the microwave is gone before your garbage is picked up.
The people that collect the microwave will either attempt to repair it, resell it, or take it to a junkyard/ recycling center.
The only downside to this option is if no one picks it up from the curb. If no one picks it up, then you have to remove it from the curb and place it in the garage or kitchen. Finally, you’ll have to use one of the other options listed above.
Note: this tip will only work if you live in a highly populated area. This will work if you work in a city or suburb. This may not work if you live in a rural area.
Conclusion
So, these are the 6 ways you can dispose of your microwave. The easiest is having the old microwave hauled away when the new one is installed. The most difficult is attempting to sell the microwave online.
Which of these methods have you tried? How difficult was contacting your garbage collection agency?
Leave a comment below!
Additional questions
Can you put a microwave in a dumpster?
This depends on the state and local authorities. Some locations will allow you to put a microwave in a dumpster, while other locations will consider it illegal. Also, it is illegal to put your garbage in a commercial dumpster without permission.
Does Best Buy recycle microwaves?
Best Buy recycles microwaves through a haul away program. Best Buy will install your microwave, then take the old one away free of charge.