How to Dispose of a Microwave

Microwaves have become an essential electronic appliance in most households, but like any other appliance, they eventually reach the end of their lifespan. Microwaves and microwave ovens cannot be put in with your household waste or general waste collections, as they are classified as WEEE waste or e-waste. Therefore, when it’s time to get rid of your old microwave, it’s essential to do so in the correct manner. 

Sell the Old Microwave Oven

If the old microwave is still working why not sell it. There are lots of selling sites online like eBay and Facebook marketplace. List the microwave oven on these sites and wait for the bids to fly in. You can even ask for would be buyers to collect the microwave from your location. So you have the microwave collected and you get paid for it.

Give Away the Microwave Oven

Check to see if any family or friends would want your microwave. You could have a family member who may have just moved into a new house and may need your old appliances. Your friend could have started a new cooking business and may want any unwanted appliances.

Donate the Microwave

Alternatively for a working microwave, why not take it to your local charity shop. You will be donating the old appliance to a good cause, disposing of it responsibly. You will need to contact your local charity shop before dropping the microwave oven off, just to make sure they accept microwaves and electrical appliances.

Recycle the Old Microwave

If the microwave is broken then you can look at recycling it. Take the old microwave to your local recycling centre. There will be an electronic waste section where you will find all kind of electrical and electronic equipment that is no longer needed. At your local recycling centre the microwave will be deconstructed into its basic components. Recycling is a great option for disposing of old microwaves since they contain many recyclable components such as steel, copper, and plastic. The metal components will be separated into ferrous and non ferrous materials, after which they will be smelted. Most electrical waste will be recycled like this. 

Repair the Old Microwave

Repair the broken microwave, you could try this yourself or take it to a specialist company that repairs electronic equipment. You can then either reuse the fixed microwave or look to sell or donate it. Repairing the old machine will normally be cheaper then buying a new microwave, and is a much better option for the environment.

Bulky Waste Collection

Get rid of your old microwave by arranging a bulky waste collection by your local council. Most councils will offer this service for household appliances and other white goods. The wait time can be well over a fortnight for this service so expect to wait. Councils charge for a bulky waste collection so please also bear that in mind.

Hire a Professional Waste Removal Company

This will not be the cheapest option to dispose of your unwanted microwave but it will be the most convenient. The waste management company will turn up at your door, on a date you choose and collect the old microwave oven, disposing it for you. Check online for what companies are in your area. Some would say the cost is a small price to pay for the peace of mind.

Can you Put a Microwave in a Skip?

No, you cannot put a microwave oven in a skip. Microwaves are classified, just like any unwanted electronics, as WEEE waste or e-waste and therefore hazardous. Therefore you must not dispose of your microwave in a hired skip.  

Summary: How to Dispose of a Microwave

Here is the basic methods of microwave disposal:

1. Sell the microwave

2. Donate the microwave

3. Recycle microwaves

4. Repair the old microwave oven

5. Organise a bulky waste collection

6. Microwave oven disposal services

In conclusion, disposing of an old microwave safely is essential to prevent any harm to the environment and prevent any further climate change.