Microwave disposal near you costs $0 to $200+ in 2026. Best Buy accepts microwaves for free at any store. Dropcurb picks up curbside microwaves same-day for $79. Full-service junk removal companies charge $99–$240+ with on-site estimates.
| Disposal Method | Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Buy in-store drop-off | Free | Immediate | You can drive it there yourself |
| Municipal e-waste event | Free | Periodic (check city schedule) | Can wait for the next event |
| Recycling center drop-off | Free–$20 | Same day | You have a vehicle and time |
| Craigslist/Facebook "free" listing | Free | Hours to days | Microwave still works |
| Donation (Goodwill, Salvation Army) | Free | 3–14 days | Microwave in working condition |
| City bulk or e-waste pickup (311) | Free | 2–8 weeks | Not in a hurry |
| Regular trash (where allowed) | Free | Next trash day | Your city permits it |
| Dropcurb | $79 | Same day | Want it gone today, at curb |
| LoadUp | $75+ | 1–3 days | Need someone to come to you |
| 1-800-GOT-JUNK | $150–$240+ | 2–3 days | Multiple items, full service |
How Do I Get Rid of My Microwave?
The fastest free option is dropping it off at Best Buy. Every Best Buy location accepts microwaves for free recycling—no purchase required. Walk in, hand it to customer service, and walk out.
If you can't transport it:
- •Book curbside pickup: Place the microwave at the curb and book Dropcurb for $79 same-day removal. Works for broken or working microwaves.
- •Schedule city pickup: Call 311 or check your city's public works website. Some cities include microwaves with regular e-waste collection. Others require scheduling bulk pickup (2–8 week wait).
- •Check regular trash rules: Some municipalities allow countertop microwaves in regular curbside trash. Call your waste hauler to confirm—rules vary by city.
How Do I Dispose of a Broken Microwave Near Me?
Broken microwaves have fewer options since charities and free listings won't take them:
- •Best Buy in-store recycling: Accepts broken microwaves for free at all locations. This is the cheapest option if you can transport it.
- •Recycling center or transfer station: Search Earth911.com with your zip code to find e-waste drop-off locations near you. Most accept microwaves for free or under $20.
- •Dropcurb curbside pickup ($79): Place the broken microwave at the curb, book online, and a local hauler picks it up same-day.
- •Regular trash: Some cities allow small broken appliances in regular trash. Check with your waste hauler before putting it in the bin.
Safety note: Never open a microwave yourself. The high-voltage capacitor inside can hold a lethal charge even when unplugged. The magnetron may contain beryllium oxide, which is toxic if the ceramic insulator breaks.
Need a microwave gone today? Dropcurb picks it up curbside for $79 same-day. No drop-off, no waiting.
Get Instant PricingWhat Should I Do With an Old Microwave?
If the microwave still works, you have options beyond disposal:
- •Donate it: Goodwill and Salvation Army accept working microwaves. Habitat for Humanity ReStore takes them in some locations. You may get a tax deduction receipt.
- •Sell or list free: Working microwaves sell for $10–30 on Facebook Marketplace. Or list for free—someone will pick it up within hours.
- •Give to a shelter or church: Local shelters, churches, and community organizations often need small appliances.
If it's broken, recycling is the responsible choice. Microwaves contain recyclable metals (steel, copper, aluminum) and hazardous components that shouldn't go to landfill where avoidable.
Can You Put a Microwave in the Trash?
It depends on where you live. Microwave disposal rules vary by municipality:
- •Cities that allow it: Many cities permit countertop microwaves in regular curbside trash since they don't contain Freon or mercury. Check with your waste hauler.
- •Cities that prohibit it: Some jurisdictions classify microwaves as e-waste, requiring separate recycling. Penalties for improper disposal range from warnings to fines.
- •Best practice: Even where allowed, recycling is better. Microwaves contain valuable metals (steel, copper, aluminum) and electronic components that can be recovered. Best Buy offers free in-store recycling at every location.
Microwave Disposal Cost Comparison [2026]
Here's what professional removal services charge to pick up a microwave:
| Service | Microwave Pickup Cost | Multiple Items? | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Buy (in-store) | Free | Yes | Walk-in drop-off |
| Dropcurb | $79 | $19–$39 per additional | Per-item, instant online |
| LoadUp | $75+ | Bundle discounts | Per-item, upfront online |
| Junk King | $99+ (minimum) | Volume-based | Free on-site estimate |
| 1-800-GOT-JUNK | $150–$240+ | Volume-based | On-site estimate only |
How to Dispose of a Microwave With Dropcurb
- 1
Place the microwave at the curb
Set it near the street or at the end of your driveway. Countertop microwaves weigh 30–50 lbs—easily carried by one person.
- 2
Book online in 60 seconds
Visit dropcurb.com/book, select small appliance, and see your exact price. No phone calls, no estimates.
- 3
Get same-day pickup
A local hauler grabs the microwave the same day. They handle proper disposal and recycling.
Microwave at the curb? Dropcurb removes it same-day for $79. Book online in 60 seconds.
Book Microwave Removal