Microwaves are one of the most-disposed-of small appliances in the US - approximately 12 million units reach end of life each year. Most have $3-$15 in scrap value (copper transformer + steel) and can be disposed of free at retailer take-back programs or sold to scrap yards. This guide covers all disposal options + the unique scrap value calculation for the magnetron transformer.
Where to dispose of an old microwave (USA, 2026)
| Option | Cost | Best for | Notes |
|---|
| Free haul-away with new microwave delivery | Free with new purchase | Most US households | Best Buy, Lowes, Home Depot, Costco, Sears include |
| Best Buy recycling kiosk | Free | Working/broken microwaves | Max 3 items per day per US store |
| Staples electronics recycling | Free | Working/broken microwaves | All US stores |
| County HHW facility | Free | Last resort | Always accepts free |
| Habitat for Humanity ReStore | Free pickup | Working microwaves | Tax-deductible receipt |
| Goodwill / Salvation Army | Free | Working microwaves | Most US locations accept |
| Scrap yard cash buyback | $3-$15 cash | DIY break-down | Strip transformer + magnetron + steel |
| Mobile scrap pickup | Free for 500+ lb loads | Bulk renovation | Multiple appliances |
What's inside a microwave (scrap breakdown)
A standard countertop microwave (25-40 lbs):
| Material | Approximate weight | Scrap value |
|---|
| Magnetron + transformer (copper coil) | 4-8 lbs | $12-$32 (copper at $3-$4/lb) |
| Steel chassis + housing | 15-25 lbs | $1.20-$4.50 (steel at $0.08-$0.18/lb) |
| Aluminum waveguide + heat sink | 0.5-1 lb | $0.30-$0.85 |
| Glass turntable + base | 1-3 lbs | $0 (not metal-recoverable) |
| Plastic housing + door | 3-6 lbs | $0 (not recyclable as scrap) |
| Electronic circuit boards | 1-2 lbs | $0.50-$2.00 (mixed metals) |
| Wiring + transformer leads | 1-2 lbs | $0.30-$1.50 (copper) |
Total scrap value: $15-$40 if DIY-stripped + sorted. $3-$10 for whole microwave delivered intact.
The biggest single value item: magnetron transformer (4-8 lbs of copper = $12-$32). This is why DIY break-down maximizes value.
DIY microwave break-down (for scrap maximization)
WARNING: Microwave capacitors retain dangerous voltage (5,000+ volts) for weeks after unplug. Use proper safety precautions:
- UNPLUG the microwave + leave unplugged for 1+ week (capacitor discharge)
- Wear safety glasses + thick gloves
- Remove screws from outer housing (typically 5-10 Phillips head)
- Identify the magnetron (cylindrical metal can, typically 2-3 inches diameter)
- Discharge the capacitor by short-circuiting with insulated screwdriver (touch the two terminals together)
- Disconnect wires from magnetron + transformer
- Pull the magnetron + transformer (often joined as one unit)
- Extract copper wire from the transformer windings (largest scrap value)
- Recycle the steel chassis at scrap yard
- Bundle + label by metal type for scrap yard
Time: 30-60 minutes per microwave with basic tools.
Safety note: If you're uncomfortable with capacitor discharge, take to a scrap yard intact + accept the lower whole-unit price ($3-$10) rather than risk injury.
State e-waste laws + microwaves
Microwaves are typically classified as "small appliances" rather than "covered electronics" under state e-waste laws. The 25 states with mandatory e-waste recycling generally don't cover microwaves specifically. However:
- Modern smart microwaves (WiFi connected, app-controlled) may classify as covered electronics
- Older standalone microwaves typically NOT covered
- Built-in over-the-range microwaves treated as kitchen appliances, not electronics
For dishwashers + refrigerators with built-in electronics: refer to Small Business Electronics Recycling for state-specific rules.
Working microwave donation
If your microwave is still working + in good condition:
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore: free pickup for working microwaves; tax-deduction receipt
- Goodwill Industries: most US locations accept (call ahead for some)
- Salvation Army: same as Goodwill
- Local women's shelter: appreciate kitchen appliance donations
- Religious organizations (churches, mosques, synagogues): some accept
- Buy Nothing groups: free pickup by members
- Facebook Marketplace "FREE" listings: usually picked up within 24-48 hours
Fair Market Value for 3-5 year-old working countertop microwave: $20-$80.
Common microwave failure modes
| Symptom | Likely problem | Repair cost |
|---|
| No power, no display | Door switch or fuse | $30-$80 repair, often DIY |
| Power but no heating | Magnetron failure | $100-$200 repair (often more than replacement value) |
| Sparking inside | Waveguide damage or food residue | $25-$100 repair |
| Loud humming, no rotation | Turntable motor failure | $30-$80 repair |
| Display dim or flickering | Power supply or control board | $80-$200 repair |
| Won't start, beeps | Control board failure | $80-$250 repair (often more than replacement value) |
Most US microwaves are replaced rather than repaired when major components fail.
Microwave safety + EMI
Older microwaves (pre-1995) may have higher EMI (electromagnetic interference) emissions + door seal degradation. If you're replacing an old microwave:
- Modern units (post-2010) emit 20-50% less EMI than older
- Modern door seals last 8-15 years vs 5-10 for older units
- LED display vs incandescent uses 70% less electricity
- Inverter microwaves (Panasonic, Sharp): more even heating, smaller footprint, longer life
Cost benchmarks (USA, May 2026)
- Free haul-away with new appliance: free (included in $25-$75 delivery)
- Best Buy + Staples free recycling: free (up to 3 items per day per US store)
- County HHW: free
- Mobile scrap pickup (500+ lb): free
- Mobile scrap pickup (under 500 lb): $30-$80
- DIY scrap maximization: $3-$15 cash (after 30-60 min of work + safety precautions)
- Replacement microwave (countertop): $80-$300
- Replacement microwave (built-in over-the-range): $200-$700
Sources
- US EPA Sustainable Materials Management appliance data
- US Department of Energy appliance lifecycle data
- Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) microwave scrap rates
- Consumer Reports microwave reliability data
Last verified: 2026-05-23. Appliance disposal + scrap rates vary by US region - confirm with local scrap yard or appliance retailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I dispose of an old microwave?
Free haul-away with new microwave delivery (Best Buy, Lowes, Home Depot, Costco, Sears include in $25-$75 delivery fee). Best Buy recycling kiosk (free, max 3 items per day at every US store). Staples electronics recycling (free, all US stores). Habitat for Humanity ReStore + Goodwill + Salvation Army (working microwaves only). County HHW always accepts free.
How much is an old microwave worth at scrap?
DIY-stripped + sorted: $15-$40 (magnetron transformer is 4-8 lbs of copper = $12-$32). Whole microwave delivered intact: $3-$10. Steel chassis: $1.20-$4.50. Aluminum waveguide + heat sink: $0.30-$0.85. The magnetron + transformer are the high-value items - DIY break-down can yield 4-10x more than whole-unit price.
Will Best Buy take my old microwave?
Yes - Best Buy accepts microwaves at recycling kiosk in every US store, max 3 items per day. Free for non-customers, no purchase required. Best Buy is the most-convenient option for households without delivery-bundled haul-away. Staples also accepts microwaves at every US store.
Can I scrap a microwave?
Yes - scrap value $3-$15 for whole unit at most scrap yards, $15-$40 if DIY-stripped + sorted. Major value: magnetron transformer (4-8 lbs of copper, $12-$32). DIY break-down: 30-60 minutes with basic tools. WARNING: capacitors retain 5,000+ volts for weeks after unplug - discharge with insulated screwdriver before handling internal components.
Will Habitat for Humanity take my old microwave?
Yes if working - Habitat for Humanity ReStore offers free pickup for working microwaves in good condition. Donations go to families in need. Tax-deductible receipt. Fair Market Value for 3-5 year-old working countertop microwave: $20-$80. Schedule pickup via local ReStore website.
Is it safe to open an old microwave?
WARNING: Microwave capacitors retain 5,000+ volts for weeks after unplug. Always: (1) unplug 1+ week before opening, (2) wear safety glasses + thick gloves, (3) discharge capacitor with insulated screwdriver (short the two terminals). If uncomfortable: take to scrap yard intact + accept $3-$10 whole-unit price rather than risk injury. Common DIY injuries: electric shock, cuts from sharp metal edges.
Does my microwave have valuable parts inside?
Yes - the magnetron transformer contains 4-8 lbs of copper ($12-$32 at $3-$4/lb scrap), making it the most valuable single item. Steel chassis: $1.20-$4.50. Aluminum waveguide: $0.30-$0.85. Electronic circuit boards: $0.50-$2.00 (mixed precious metals). Total DIY-strip value: $15-$40 with 30-60 min of work.
What about smart microwaves (WiFi connected)?
Modern smart microwaves may classify as 'covered electronics' under state e-waste laws (25 US states have these). For households: standard microwave disposal still applies (haul-away with new purchase, retailer recycling). For business + commercial: may require certified ITAD disposal. Most older standalone microwaves NOT covered under e-waste laws.
How do I dispose of an over-the-range microwave?
Same options as countertop microwaves. Often easier when paired with new dishwasher or range purchase (delivery service handles disconnect + haul-away). DIY removal: 2-person job due to size + weight (40-60 lbs). Remove venting + electrical first. Built-in over-the-range microwaves cost more to replace ($200-$700) but scrap value similar to countertop ($3-$15).
Should I repair or replace a broken microwave?
Most US microwaves are replaced rather than repaired when major components fail. Repair costs often exceed replacement value: magnetron failure $100-$200, control board $80-$250, vs replacement microwave $80-$300 (countertop) or $200-$700 (built-in over-the-range). Repair makes sense only if: under warranty, antique/specialty unit, or very recent purchase.