What is the 'greenest' way to dispose of a microwave oven?

Question

I don't want to just throw it in a dump, I want to dispose of it eco-responsibly.

Answer 1

Depends, what is it...I am always looking for Sharp Half Pint or Munchkin microwaves to fix and re-sell!

If not, and it works, doante it to the Goodwill.

Answer 2

Take it to your county recycling center. That's the only way they can be disposed of. Period!

Answer 3

If it is working: Freecycle or thrift stores.

If you're in Europe, then the WEEE directive requires its proper disposal (with the responsibility falling to the original manufacturer). In most cases this seems to be delegated to the shop, or the local authority. Speak to the shop where you buy your new one, or contact your local authority to find out how to dispose of it. Otherwise, a scrap metal yard may take it.

All electrical items (circuit boards and the like) contain metals such as cadmuim, mercury etc that it would be unfortunate to go to landfill.

Answer 4

Or just the dump would be fine.

Answer 5

Give it to your neighbor as a late Christmas present.

Answer 6

Paint yourself and the microwave green, then throw it into a bush (green).

Answer 7

there are some useful magnets in a microwave take them out use them and put the rest of the microwave on the sidewalk with a "free" sign on it

Answer 8

I don't think there is any environmental danger in a used microwave?  The regular trash would be fine, I believe.  It is not like an old battery, or the like. 

Answer 9

Just chunk it in the dumpster.

Answer 10

scrap yard...metal-money

Answer 11

Greenest way is not disposal, it is reuse!  If it still works post it on freecycle.  If it doesn't work you should search for a Scrap Metal recycler.  Visit you Countys recycling programs for more information.

Alameda County-Stopwaste.org

SF SFenvironment.org

San Mateo County RecycleWorks.org

Answer 12

Look into what your city wants for disposal.  There is usually a particular method one had to take to get rid of microwaves, computers, and other similar items.  Why are you throwing it away?  if it still works, donate it to a business or community organization that could make use of it, or take it to Good Will or a thrift store.  Or, give it to any penniless college student you know!