Deciding what to do with an old microwave oven is not difficult if you understand your options. It begins with an honest assessment of your microwave's condition. Once you have done so, you can make an intelligent decision about its fate.

Give Away

If your microwave still works well and has been thoroughly cleaned, then consider giving it away to someone who can benefit from it. A friend or family member who lives away from home in a college dorm could certainly use a microwave. An older relative who has never purchased a microwave oven might be happy to have it. A young person just starting out with a first apartment could use a microwave. Charities such as the Goodwill and Salvation Army often accept donated small appliances in good working condition. Churches, synagogues, temples and mosques may have a need for a microwave oven. These organizations often have meetings, celebrations or other functions when food is served. Does your break room at work have a microwave? Could the teachers at your child's school use a microwave in their faculty lounge? The bottom line is that if you have a good used microwave oven, then there are likely several groups or individuals who may gladly accept the donation and in many cases you can write it off your taxes.

Throw Away

If your microwave has seen better days and you cannot possibly give it away, then you should dispose of it. However, you should check with your local sanitation department for any special requirements for disposal. Many municipalities handle electronics and appliances differently than regular trash. Appliances contain harmful chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mercury. Some communities do not offer recycling services for microwave ovens. Therefore, you may need to find a recycling site on your own. There are now a number of locations where you can mail items like microwaves for recycling.

Keep It

Keeping an old, but still functioning microwave might not be a bad idea. Use it as a backup if you are trying to reheat several items and one microwave does not accommodate everything. There may be an occasion where having an extra microwave would come in handy.

Source:

Goodwill Industries International

Earth911.com: Recycling Resources

EurekaRecycling.org: A-Z Recycling and Safe Disposal Guide

Resource:

Environmental Protection Agency: Pollution Prevention Recycling