How To Dispose of A Microwave Oven
Do you want to upgrade your microwave oven for a change? That is a fine idea until you came across your old microwave, and you ask yourself, how in the world would I dispose of this bulky thing? Microwave ovens are under the category of electronic waste or e-waste. E-waste has a significant impact on the environment; that is why there is a proper way how to dispose of a microwave oven.
Ways to Dispose of Your Microwave Oven
There are a lot of options on how to discard broken appliances with your local trash company, at recycling centers, or in department stores. You should be aware of how to dispose of a microwave oven properly for everyone’s safety. Microwave ovens shouldn't just be thrown in the trash. To dispose of a microwave in the right way, you should take it to a garbage center, sell it, or donate it. Here are all the proper ways to dispose of old or broken microwave ovens.
Recycling
Are you planning to dispose of your old oven but don't know how to dispose of a microwave oven? Try to recycle. Recycling is almost the best option on how to dispose of a microwave oven. These appliances can't be put in with your other cardboard and plastic recycling, so they need to be recycled in other ways. Bring your microwave somewhere that offers electronic recycling. Even better, they can use your disposed microwave for spare parts. If you want to do away from big-box retailers, you can also drop your microwave off at an appliance repair shop. They can fix it, resell it, or use it for parts. With both of these options, always make sure to call ahead, so you would know where to safely take your microwave to.
It is also helpful to search for "electronic recycling near me" online to ensure more secure disposal. These recycling centers specialize in disposing of e-waste and other appliances. The centers may strip the appliance for parts to be sold or used as replacements or redistribute items to charities and non-profit organizations, which is a very notable way to dispose of your microwave ovens or any other broken appliances.
You should also remember to inquire about any fees to prepare the payment for the disposal service. Other services are offered for free, but with certain guidelines. For instance, you may only have a certain number of bulky items picked up per month or year, or they may require to be within a size range or weight limit.
On the other hand, if you want to throw away the microwave instead of recycling it, call your local garbage service to see if they can come and pick it up. Most homes have a designated day where the garbage service will pick up large items, but often bulky appliances need special treatment. And if you can't get someone to come to you, bring the microwave to them.
Selling or Donating A Microwave
When you want to buy a new microwave and dispose of your old microwave that still works, your best options are to either sell it or donate it. Not only are you either making a little bit of money or helping someone in need, but you're also going above and beyond recycling – reusing. There's a for buying and selling used electronics, and decently priced microwave ovens won't be on the market for long.
Why Should You Dispose of Your Microwave Oven Properly?
As mentioned above, microwave ovens are under the category of electronic waste, which greatly impacts the environment. The threat of climate change is becoming too big for any of us to turn away heads. The amount of e-waste being produced is growing year after year.
Electronic waste releases toxins like mercury and chlorofluorocarbons and goes into the environment when it’s not disposed of properly. Not only that, but precious metals are going to waste too.
If you prefer a recycling method on how to dispose of a microwave oven, these appliances usually come under small household items, and here's how they are recycled:
After bringing it to a local recycling center, they are taken to a hammer mill, smashed, and broken down into bits.
The fragments are put on a conveyor belt and sorted by ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
Batteries are removed, and materials that can be collected are gathered and sent to specialists. Plastic materials go to a specialist company for refinement, and the metals are brought to the smelters. Find out more about disposing appliances.
Conclusion
We hope you will realize that there are many benefits to recycling your electronic appliances after reading this. The reason why you want to get rid of any of your appliance doesn’t matter at all, but it does matter that you go about it responsibly. There are various ways to either recycle, throw away, or sell and donate your microwave. And in this article, it is emphasized that you should not only learn how to dispose of a microwave oven properly but also know why it is necessary to do so.
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