How to Dispose of a Microwave: Safe, Non-Hazardous Options
How to dispose of a microwave safely - a full guide to help you make the best decision for you! If your microwave is no longer operational, or you just got an exciting upgrade, you might be wondering what to do with old microwave appliances. Disposing of electronic waste and old microwaves is a bit different from getting rid of other types of items, since these items may contain dangerous chemical compounds and are not biodegradable. Unlike common garbage, which should break down in a landfill, an old microwave or other appliances will only rust and degrade. Fortunately, recycling microwaves is an option or even donation at the appropriate facilities. Check the services offered by Jifffy Junk!
How to Dispose of a Microwave?
There are many ways to dispose of old kitchen appliances. The important thing is to make sure you do it safely, with little to no impact on the environment. Some of the ways that we can help you get rid of a microwave include: donating and recycling. As an eco-friendly junk hauler, we strive to do everything we can to ensure that old kitchenware is out of your hair in a jiffy!
Best Option: Recycle Your Microwave
If you’re considering microwave disposal because it’s no longer operational, the most environmentally and socially responsible choice is to have the appliance recycled. Even though it's no longer in working condition, it may contain both hazardous materials and also valuable metals that should be reused. The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that small appliance waste accounted for 1.6 million tons in 2010 alone, and less than 7% of that total was recovered for recycling. Recycling e-waste is free and convenient. You can take the old appliances to the e-waste recycling center. When you take the appropriate steps to dispose of your unwanted appliances appropriately, you can become part of the solution to a very real issue.
While your curbside pickup or local waste removal company may not pick up appliances, there are specialty electronics recycling facilities that remove any potentially hazardous components before harvesting usable metals and parts. They are professional in proper disposal of microwave ovens and keep them out of a landfill.
They’re not always easy to locate, but it's worth trying to find them as tossing an old microwave in the trash is a potential legal issue and certainly not the most earth-conscious choice.
Donate Working Microwaves
When you’re remodeling your kitchen or replacing your old microwave, donating appliances that are still in working condition is a safe and responsible option. Donation facilities can help you free up space for a new microwave, while helping someone less fortunate gain access to a working appliance they may not be able to afford at full retail price.
Sell Them If It's Not Broken!
Sometimes, what's junk to us, could be of value to someone else. When it comes to an old microwave that's still working, your best bet may be to try listing it on resale sites such as Facebook marketplace or OfferUp. Sometimes, even local appliance repair shops might take you up on it.
Look for Local Scrap Yards
Most folks aren't familiar with contacting their utility provider when it comes to disposing of microwaves. However, this option is far from a long shot. Several localities offer appliance recycling services through utility companies or government programs. It is possible for some utility providers to pick up unused or broken appliances and provide you with energy vouchers, refunds, or waivers in exchange.
Contact Your Utility Provider
Most folks aren't familiar with contacting their utility provider when it comes to disposing of microwaves. However, this option is far from a long shot. Several localities offer appliance recycling services through utility companies or government programs. It is possible for some utility providers to pick up unused or broken appliances and provide you with energy vouchers, refunds, or waivers in exchange.
Look for Manufacturer Buyback Program
When considering options to dispose of a microwave oven, it's important to check with the manufacturer. Oftentimes, manufacturers will take back old appliances with a buyback program. PG&E and GE are two of the more known names in appliances, and they may buy your old appliances for money. If you're the type who is loyal to one manufacturer, you may be able to make back some of what you put into the appliances you purchased.
Easy Microwave Disposal with Jiffy Junk
Since not all recycling facilities accept microwave ovens, and not all donation centers accept small appliances, simply finding a place to drop off your discarded microwave can be a challenge. Finding a new home for your old microwave doesn’t have to become a full-time job, or a permanent headache, though. Don’t spend valuable time calling every recycling and donation center you can find; rely on experienced professionals trained to make the process quick and painless.
For home and business owners in Long Island and all five boroughs of New York City, Jiffy Junk is an ideal solution for old appliance removal including broken microwaves. Our professional staff will disconnect and uninstall your microwave, then take it to the appropriate facility.
Units that are beyond repair will be taken to recycling centers that specialize in electronic waste. Appliances in working condition are donated, giving them a second chance at life. Don’t risk damage to the environment or the potential legal entanglements of improper electronic waste disposal. Get rid of your old microwave the right way, and rest easy knowing you’ve made the most ethical and responsible choice. Read more to learn about proper appliance removal.
7 Signs that Tell You Need a New Microwave
Did you know that the microwave was an accidental invention? For something that tends to work miracles for us when it comes to heating up food with a quickness, this 1975 household staple saved the day for many of us, and continues to do just that. With our busy lifestyles, the microwave makes our lives much easier. You can be sick or tired and not need to worry, because dinner can be warmed up for your kids who can use it safely. The sad part is, microwaves don't last forever.
But, on the brightside, many microwaves' lives can be extended with the right repairs and parts replaced. If you're thinking it's time to dispose of a microwave, pay attention to these tell-tell signs:
1. Burning Smell
Chances are, you've been there. We all have. It may be time to consider microwave oven disposal if you're starting to smell what could be wires burning. This could be due to an electrical issue with the microwave. This is not something to take lightly. In fact, ignoring this smell could be cause for a fire. Don't wait till it's too late, take action to get rid of the fire hazard microwave now.
2. Weird Sounds While Cooking
There comes a point when microwave sounds go from normal to bizarre. When it comes to something to take note of, there's a best case scenario and a worst case scenario. Best case, the sound is due to a drive motor needing to be replaced. Worst case, however, is that the sound is coming from a magnetron. In the worst case, disposing of a microwave is the only option.
3. Sparks or Fires
It's time to deem microwave removal necessary if you're beginning to see signs of serious electrical issues. Sparks flying out of nowhere may lead to the start of a fire. It's important to keep a check on this. Sometimes, a microwave can be fixed, but in cases where a high level of electricity is being used by a microwave, your best bet may be to toss it out.
4. The Door Won’t Fully Close
There's a right way and a wrong way for a microwave door to close. If you are having trouble with your microwave door closing, here's a tip: The door will seal tightly which ensures that radiation stays inside the microwave. If the door doesn't appear to be closing, begin looking for a reason why. It could be a simple fix such as a loose screw or food stuck within the doorway. If it's not such a simple fix, then it could be time to dispose of the microwave.
5. Malfunctioning Keypad
In some cases, a malfunctioning keypad on your microwave could be repaired. Sometimes it's due to a circuit board problem. But importantly, there are some issues that cause much more concern than others when your keypad is not operating correctly. It may be time to consider options for disposal such as recycle old microwave services. Your device could be at risk of sparking or smoking.
6. It Takes Forever Just to Reheat Lunch
You keep trying to reheat last night's leftovers. You wait, and wait, and wait. But every time you check to see if your food is warm enough to eat, you feel the dismay as your stomach growls, the food isn't getting warm as quickly as it should. If it takes much longer than it should to heat up food, you may have a circuit board problem. Generally, reduced heat is caused by a defective magnetron or circuit board, which must be repaired by a technician. If you don't want to spend money on repairs, know which appliances are cheaper to replace than to repair. After weighing your options, looking for ways to dispose of old microwaves may be the solution.
7. It's Getting Old
Your microwave has been there for you, through the ups and downs of life, it has been the go-to option for reheats and quick meals. But all microwaves have a general lifespan of seven to ten years. If your appliance has reached this threshold, it's may be best to consider getting rid of a microwave.
Why You Can't Throw out a Microwave
Throwing away microwaves can result in negative impact on our environment. When electronic devices are not disposed of and recycled, they can impact he soil and damage the groundwater. Tossing out electronics can even pollute the air and marine life.
Microwaves should never be thrown in the trash, this e-waste is hazardous to the Earth. In accordance with white goods disposal regulations, households are urged not to throw them away in domestic or general waste bins.
That's why it's best to get rid of an old microwave using one of the methods listed above.
Consider Local Laws and Regulations
Laws and regulations will vary from state to state. This makes it important for folks to understand the exact e-waste laws in their state before making the final disposal decision for this appliances. Of course, there are many solutions that are available to consider, including microwave recycling. By recycling e-waste, valuable materials can be recovered from old or no longer used electronic products.
Do's and Don'ts: Tips to Make Your Microwave Last Longer
The microwave is a household name. In fact, the increasing awareness of the microwave oven's efficiency and usefulness has led to its popularity growing steadily. Of course, a microwave's longevity and use will depend on how well you maintain it. Let's take a look at the microwave do's and don'ts that can help you keep your household staple, longer.
Do's:
If you wish to maintain your microwave following these do's of maintenance points, chances are higher that microwave recycling will be possible after its lifetime.
Placement: Distance from Wall
It's important to factor in the space you place your microwave from the wall. Not only that, but the door of the microwave and the distance from the wall can leave room for damage to both the door and the wall. For a countertop microwave, it's best to leave 3 inches of room on each side. This will ensure that the microwave has adequate air circulation.
Regular Cleaning
Did you know that the buildup of grease and grime from food splatters can lead to broken microwaves? It's true. Not only is this buildup of bacteria bad for your health, but it can diminish the efficiency of your microwave. It's best to avoid this by cleaning it regularly with the right materials once a week. Of course, if you notice obvious food splatter, clean it up immediately.
Know What Can Go In It
Although a microwave can work kitchen miracles, some food an materials just aren't meant to go into your microwave. To save yourself from microwave disposal, be sure to keep materials such as aluminum foil, metal, stainless steel, Styrofoam, and single use plastic containers out of the microwave. It's also important to remember that some foods will explode inside a microwave oven, such as fresh fruit, egg, or vegetables.
Use Correct Dishware
As we touched on above, certain materials just don't suit the safety requirements of your microwave. When in doubt, look for labels on your containers that state it is microwave safe. When it comes to ceramics or glass, you're good to go.
Use a Surge Protector to Safeguard the Electrical Components
To keep yourself from old microwave disposal, always remember to safeguard your microwave oven with a surge protector. This goes for any electrical device, but your microwave can get damaged by electrical surges due to storms, fire, and power lines getting knocked out. In fact, the most recommended surge protector for a microwave is called a Micromatic. If you use one of these, you'll be able to rely on your microwave for the long-haul.
Stir the Food Occasionally
Stirring food half-way through the time it takes you to heat the item will help you achieve a more even cooking because it eliminates cold spots and will make it much harder for harmful bacteria to survive. Keep in mind that unless the food is heated long enough, the bacteria doesn't die off.
Take Care of the Door
It's important to keep in mind that radiation waves from the microwave need to stay inside the unit. You should do your best to prevent yourself from slamming it too hard and ensure that it is securely closed. Door switches can be damaged from not properly taking care of your microwave. In fact, you could blow a fuse.
Don'ts:
If you neglect taking care of kitchen appliances, it affects the longevity and use of them. Old appliance disposal comes swiftly if you fail to follow through on the do's of upkeep for your microwave oven. Here's the list of what not to do if you wish to keep your microwave for its lifetime:
Run the Microwave Empty
To keep yourself from old microwave disposal, always remember to safeguard your microwave oven with a surge protector. This goes for any electrical device, but your microwave can get damaged by electrical surges due to storms, fire, and power lines getting knocked out. In fact, the most recommended surge protector for a microwave is called a Micromatic. If you use one of these, you'll be able to rely on your microwave for the long-haul.
Use Metal Containers
As mentioned earlier, certain materials just don't work in a microwave. To keep yourself out of the woes of microwave disposal, steer clear of metal containers. This is because metal will increase the heat inside the appliance and can lead to a fire.
Push the Weight Limit
Many microwave manufacturers such as GE have a weight limit for their microwaves. Each company has their own guidelines, but for GE, they recommend no more than 16 pounds should be placed on their turntables. Overly heavy objects can strain the unit, potentially damaging the turntable, motor, and magnetron. Keep this in mind to keep yourself from an early old microwave disposal.
Microwave Food Uncovered
Do you ever notice that keeping your reheated food lightly covered makes it taste better and doesn't overcook? There's a reason for this. You should never leave your reheated food uncovered or unattended! A lid that's not too tight will aid in destroying harmful bacteria as well. Plus, no one wants to deal with the frustration of a microwave explosion of food that's a hassle to clean up!
Cook All Foods for the Same Time
As a general rule of thumb, remember that no two foods will cook for the same amount of time in a microwave oven. Another factor to consider is what many manufacturers recommend. They say that you should allow for standing time in the microwave, generally, you should leave your food in the microwave for around half the actual reheat time afterwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Microwave Parts Worth Selling?
Yes! Any amount, even a low price for the parts is better than nothing. If you want to make some extra cash, you can look at where to recycle old microwaves. In many cases, you'll find that many appliance shops will buy your microwave for parts. You can even look into scrapping at at your local scrap yard.
How Long Does a Microwave Last?
If you don't maintain your microwave properly and use it heavily, it will only last about seven years. This is why it's imperative to take care of your microwave and the longevity of it will be sure to last.
How to Dispose of Old Kitchen Appliances?
Appliance Pickup doesn't have to be hard. At Jiffy Junk, you can count on us to properly haul away your old kitchen appliances, including microwaves. In most cases, we can help you recycle the old appliances and save you from the hassle! If you're ready to get rid of that old microwave, allow us to assist you in a jiffy.
Can Microwaves Be Recycled?
Jiffy Junk's microwave disposal NYC isn't the only location we handle these days. We're proud to serve multiple locations in an Earth-conscious way. We care about our impact on the environment. We'll be able to assist you in recycling your old microwave. We strive to break down microwaves and remove the parts out of them that can be reused.
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