How to Get Rid of a Microwave

getting rid of an old microwave responsibly

Updated August 20, 2021

The lifespan of an average microwave is 5-10 years, so there will likely be several times throughout your life when you’ll need a way to dispose of your microwave.

Throwing a microwave in with your regular weekly trash pickup isn’t allowed and can get you fined in many places.

We’ve gathered everything you need to know if you have an old microwave that you need to get rid of.

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infographic on how to get rid of a microwave

Donate

One of the easiest ways to get rid of anything is to donate or offer it for free on internet marketplaces, like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

This usually only works for items that are still in good working condition.

If your microwave still works, make sure to clean it inside and out to remove any remnants of food before taking it to Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, or other local donation centers.

Taking a photo and listing it online for free could get it picked up from your porch within a matter of hours or days.

Schedule Bulk Trash Pickup

Some municipal weekly trash pickup services offer bulk trash pickup if it is scheduled ahead of time while others only offer it a few days out of the year.

Not every company does but double-checking with your local provider is worth a call.

Rent a Dumpster

rent a dumpster to get rid of old appliances

Renting a dumpster to get rid of a microwave is only cost-efficient if you have a lot of other unwanted items to get rid of.

If you do a house cleanout and decide to rent a dumpster, be sure to ask the rental company what items they accept in their dumpster.

Not every company will allow appliances, so being as specific as possible when describing your intentions with the dumpster will help you avoid any unexpected charges and fees.

Hire a Junk Removal Company

One of the easiest ways to get rid of an old, broken-down microwave is to hire a junk removal service.

This is especially true if you have a few large items that you no longer wish to keep.

Not all junk removal companies will remove and recycle appliances, but the ones that do can be in and out of your house in under 20 minutes.

Hiring a junk removal company to get rid of your old microwave is affordable, fast, and requires zero labor on your end.

Hometown makes it easy to find reputable, locally-owned junk removal companies in your area.

You can request free quotes from as many providers as you’d like to ensure you get the best price and customer service.


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