How to Dispose of an Old Microwave Safely and Legally

Published October 31, 2026 · Home Appliance Removal editorial team

A microwave is small enough to carry out to the curb, which is exactly why so many end up in landfills. It does not have to be that way: most of a microwave is steel, copper and circuit board that recyclers can recover. Here is how to get rid of one properly.

First: is it really dead?

Some microwave faults are cheap to fix. A unit that runs but does not heat often has a failed high-voltage diode, magnetron or door switch; a dead display can be a blown fuse. On a built-in or over-the-range model that cost several hundred dollars, a repair can make sense. On a basic countertop unit, replacement is usually cheaper than a service call.

Never open the cabinet

Your disposal options

Recycling center

In the Charlotte area, Mecklenburg County's full-service recycling centers accept small appliances along with other household items. Check the county's facility list for current hours and accepted materials before you go.

Retailer take-back

Some electronics and appliance retailers accept old small appliances for recycling, sometimes free and sometimes for a small fee. Policies change, so call the store first.

Haul-away with a new purchase

If you are buying an over-the-range microwave with installation, ask whether removal of the old unit is included. It often is, and it saves you unbolting the old one from the cabinet.

Donation

A clean, fully working microwave less than about five years old is worth offering to a charity resale store or a neighbor. See our guide to donating used appliances in Charlotte.

Removing an over-the-range microwave

1. Turn off the circuit at the breaker and unplug the unit (the outlet is usually in the cabinet above).
2. Have a helper support the microwave from below. These units weigh 50 to 65 pounds.
3. Remove the bolts through the upper cabinet, tilt the microwave forward off the wall plate and lift it clear.
4. Keep the mounting plate if the new unit uses the same pattern; otherwise unscrew it from the wall.

The EPA's recycling basics explain why keeping electronics out of the trash matters. For larger kitchen appliances, see our stove and oven removal guide.