E-waste is currently the fastest growing type of municipal waste in America. But how to get rid of a microwave? Is there an alternative to microwave recycling?
Although e-waste represents only 2% of America’s trash, it makes up 70% of the overall toxic waste that enters our landfills. Now, think about this – only a slim 15% of our appliances ever get recycled.
Every year, were tossing away close to 6.9 million tons of metals, glass, and valuable materials. By 2030, well produce 81.6 million tons of e-waste globally.
Let’s start with recycling microwaves — almost every household has at least one, and we buy new models every five years. Unfortunately, many don’t know that you can recycle microwaves quite easily.
So, before you think about tossing your old microwave, follow the recycling guidelines in this blog.
Microwaves Are Generally Considered E-Waste As an e-waste item, microwaves cannot be placed in your garbage because they are made with toxic materials and can leach dangerous chemicals into the environment. Dispose of microwaves with e-waste.
Drop it off at the Local Garbage Center or Landfill
If you still decide to do it the Homer Simpson way and give your microwave “back to the Earth”, you can as well drop it off yourself.
Call your local landfill or garbage center and ask how to dispose of the microwave legally. They usually have special dumpsters or bins for electronics and small appliances. This way, you’ll probably avoid paying a fee for the pickup service.
Even so, I strongly advise against sending your microwave to the landfill.
Hazardous waste or not, your microwave will take a thousand years to decompose. And there’s definitely a better way to dispose of it without harming the environment.
If You live in the San Francisco Bay Area, bring your microwave to GreenCitizen Drive-through Recycling Drop-off center in Burlingame.
Not only will you help the environment and support a local business, but also help this model of e-waste recycling spread to other metropolitan areas.
Use the Municipal Waste Center or Your Local Trash Pick-up Company
The easiest way to get rid of the old microwave is to leave it to the waste collectors alongside your household trash. After all, a microwave is not hazardous waste, right?
But now listen to this!
Different states and municipalities treat electronic waste and small appliances differently. So there are good chances that leaving your microwave at the curbside is illegal where you live.
In California, for example, the only legal way to dispose of it is to go through a microwave recycling facility or retailer take-back program.
But let’s just stop here for a second.
Even if there is no law against dumping your microwave, it doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do.
I mean, isn’t there enough trash on this beautiful planet already?
Why does your Microwave waste half its Power?
FAQ
Can you put a microwave in a normal bin?
Can you take a microwave to the scrap yard?
How do I dispose of a microwave in Georgia?
Can you recycle a microwave?
If you can, recycle your microwave. Taking your old microwave to an e-waste recycling center is an eco-friendly way to dispose of it. And because e-waste recycling centers take appliances apart to separate any materials that can be repurposed, it’s a great way to help conserve resources.
How do you dispose of a microwave?
Check with your local trash or recycling center to see if they will pick up a microwave, and if not, where you can dispose of your microwave safely. Many communities also hold annual or quarterly cleanup days where household hazardous waste and old appliances will be taken and disposed of properly.
Can you throw a microwave in the trash?
Due to regulations and the impact of e-waste on the environment, you can’t just throw your microwave in the trash when you no longer need it. Instead, you have options to discard broken appliances with your local trash company, at recycling centers, or in department stores; or you can sell or donate appliances that still work.
Are microwaves safe for garbage disposal?
Microwaves are not acceptable for garbage disposal because they contain hazardous materials such as lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, and other toxins. Not only that, but their capacitors can cause electric shocks if damaged during disposal.