How to Recycle Microwaves
Countertop and over-the-range microwaves best handled as electronics/e-waste; steel casing is scrap metal only when capacitor rules are met.
Quick answer
Treat a microwave as e-waste, not curbside trash or blue-bin recycling. Take it whole to an electronics recycler or a retailer electronics drop-off (many Best Buy stores accept microwaves). Do not open the case: the high-voltage capacitor can hold a shock hazard long after you unplug it. Scrap yards may take microwaves only if capacitors are removed by someone trained to do that.
- Recyclable
- Yes
- Typical value
- Usually little or no scrap payout for a whole unit; working microwaves are better donated than scrapped.
- Donate / take-back
- Available
- 1Unplug and let the unit cool
- 2Wipe out food residue
- 3Remove the glass turntable, racks, and personal items
- 4Keep the cabinet closed; do not remove the magnetron or capacitor yourself
- 5For over-the-range units, have them uninstalled from the cabinet before drop-off or haul-away
- 6Prefer intact drop-off to e-waste or retailer electronics recycling over DIY scrap prep
- Electronics / e-waste recyclers (preferred default)
- Best Buy in-store electronics recycling (microwaves commonly accepted; confirm locally)
- Municipal e-waste events / HHW days
- Retailer haul-away when replacing an OTR or countertop unit with delivery
- Scrap yards that accept intact microwaves or remove capacitors on site
Default to an electronics/e-waste recycler or retailer take-back so the unit stays intact. Capacitors can hold a dangerous charge after unplug; some scrap streams require trained capacitor removal and marked disposal (never put removed capacitors in scrap metal). Call2Recycle is not a microwave program. Landfill rules for e-waste are state-dependent; check local rules rather than assuming a blanket federal ban.
Recyclers pull steel, copper, circuit boards, and transformers out of microwaves. Keep the cabinet sealed so the charged capacitor stays isolated until a shop handles it. Smashing a unit open for copper risks shock and toxic dust from magnetron ceramics.
Appliances contain valuable materials that are worth significantly more when separated. A refrigerator sold whole might bring $10 to $20, but the copper coils, aluminum, and steel components separated can be worth $30 to $60. The right tools make this disassembly practical and safe.
Disassembly Tools
Most appliances are held together with standard bolts and screws. Having the right tools makes disassembly efficient and prevents damage to valuable components.
A socket set handles most appliance fasteners. Refrigerators, washers, dryers, and AC units typically use 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch bolts. Being able to remove these quickly lets you access the valuable copper coils and aluminum components inside.
A reciprocating saw with metal cutting blades makes quick work of cutting through appliance casings when bolts are rusted or inaccessible. Essential for extracting copper coils from AC units and refrigerators when standard disassembly isn't possible.
Material Extraction and Identification
Once you have appliances open, extracting and identifying materials correctly maximizes your return.
Heavy duty wire cutters extract copper coils from refrigerators, AC units, and washing machines. These coils are the most valuable component, often worth $15 to $30 per appliance. The extraction takes 5 to 10 minutes with the right tools.
A magnet helps you separate aluminum from steel components. The August national average for cast aluminum is $0.67/lb, while common ferrous averages run about $0.07 to $0.10/lb depending on grade. Proper separation can add $5 to $15 per appliance.
Safety Equipment
Appliance disassembly puts you up against sheared sheet metal, broken glass, and in some units refrigerant or capacitor charge. Gear up before you start.
Cut resistant gloves protect your hands from sharp metal edges and broken glass. You will encounter sharp edges during disassembly. Quality gloves prevent the lacerations that send most DIYers to urgent care.
Safety glasses protect your eyes from flying debris, metal shavings, and particles that can cause serious injury. Essential when using power tools or cutting materials.
Value recovery example: Price each recovered grade by its actual weight. August national averages include $0.67/lb for cast aluminum and $0.07 to $0.10/lb for common ferrous grades; copper coils vary with contamination and yard classification. Compare that separated total with the whole-appliance quote, and subtract tool, refrigerant-handling, transport, and labor costs before estimating a return.
Accepted
- Countertop microwaves
- Over-the-range microwaves (uninstalled)
- Units with or without the turntable
Not Accepted
- Units still hard-wired into a kitchen cabinet
- Microwaves packed with rotting food
- Home-disassembled chassis with exposed capacitors
Estimated value: Usually little or no scrap payout for a whole unit; working microwaves are better donated than scrapped.
Donation
- Thrift stores (working units; call first)
- Local community reuse groups
- High-voltage capacitor (can hold a charge after unplugging)
- Magnetron (possible beryllium oxide ceramics if crushed)
- PCB-containing capacitors on some older units
- Circuit boards and transformers
Is a microwave e-waste or scrap metal?
Both paths exist, but e-waste or retailer electronics drop-off is the safer default because you leave capacitors sealed inside. Scrap is fine only if the facility accepts microwaves and handles capacitor rules.
Is it safe to take apart a microwave?
No. Capacitors can hold a dangerous charge even when unplugged, and crushing magnetron ceramics can create toxic dust. Recycle the unit whole.
Can I put a microwave in curbside recycling?
No. Use e-waste drop-off, retailer take-back, municipal e-waste events, or a scrap program that accepts appliances with proper capacitor handling.
Will Best Buy take my microwave?
Many Best Buy stores accept microwaves through in-store electronics recycling within item limits. Confirm on Best Buy's recycling page for your store. Large appliances are haul-away only; microwaves can appear on both electronics and haul-away lists depending on size and whether you are replacing one.
Why do some scrap yards refuse microwaves?
Fire and shock risk from charged capacitors in scrap piles. Some operators require capacitor removal by trained staff or refuse whole units; others want electronics-stream drop-off instead.
Recycling centers that accept Microwaves
RecycleFind lists recycling centers that accept microwaves. Open a listing for hours, contact info, and directions.