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What To Do With An Old Microwave [Your Ultimate Guide]

WRITTEN by CHRISSY, LAST UPDATED ON July 20, 2024

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Got a microwave you no longer use? When it’s time for your microwave to retire from use, there are a few options available for you to consider to get rid of it. So, if you’re not sure what to do with an old microwave, don’t worry! This comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know (it definitely depends on whether the microwave still works).

Which option are you going to pick?

What To Do With An Old Microwave - Your Ultimate Guide


How Long Should You Keep A Microwave For?

The average lifespan of a microwave is around 10 years.

This number is purely an average though, because it will totally differ based on the brand, how well you take care of it, and how often you use it.

It’s a really useful kitchen appliance that works hard for it’s space, but if you have more people using it (a larger family) then it stands to reason that it may wear out more quickly than if it was just you using it.

So – take a look at yours and see.

If it’s still working well, and looking OK, then it may last you longer, but if it’s starting to show signs of wear and tear, or if it’s not working as efficiently as it used to, then it might be time for an upgrade.

Reasons You May Want To Get Rid Of Your Microwave Oven

There are a few reasons you may want to let go of your microwave, and some here that you may not have considered:

  • You’re using a standalone one, and are getting a built in version when you update your kitchen.
  • You don’t use it often enough to warrant keeping it – it’s just taking up valuable space.
  • It’s broken and can’t be mended, or is more expensive to mend than to replace.
  • It’s out of date and you want to get a newer model. Maybe one that’s more efficient / smaller etc..
  • Right now you have more than one (maybe you were recently given one as a gift, or had one given to you by a friend that’s a better version of your current one, or you’ve merged homes with your partner and you both had one).

3 Options For What To Do With An Old Microwave – That Still Works

There are a few different ways that you can get rid of an old but still working microwave that you don’t want.

After all – if it’s still in working condition it would be a waste to completely dispose of it when someone else could get lots of use out of it.

Let’s explore the three most common options:

Sell Your Old Microwave

One of the best options available for a microwave that’s in really good condition is to sell it.

You can do this by listing it on websites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

If you choose to go down this route, make sure that you do the following:

  • List all of the features of the microwave, as well as how old it is.
  • Does it still have a warranty? Has it been mended ever?
  • Be realistic about the value of the item by looking at similar products and what they are listed for.
  • Always be honest with potential buyers so that there are no surprises once they receive the microwave. The last thing you want is to have to deal with unhappy customers or refunds etc…
  • Ask for the buyer to pick it up rather than deliver it to save on delivery issues (it can be harder to post a small appliance).

Donate Your Old Microwave

Why not consider donating to a charity or a charity shop?

Just ensure that they are happy to take electrical items as some restrictions may apply with these types of things.

Give Your Microwave Away For Free

Another option is to give your old microwave away for free. There are a couple of ways you can do this:

  • List it on websites like Freecycle or Facebook Local Groups
  • You could give it away to a friend or family member who’s in need of one (remember to make absolutely sure they want it before you give it to them, as you don’t want it to be clutter in their house, or for them to take it out of obligation).

Just make sure that you wiped down the inside and outside of the microwave thoroughly before giving it away, as you don’t want to pass on any bacteria.

White microwave on white background

2 Options For What To Do With An Old Microwave – That Doesn’t Work

If you have a broken microwave that’s beyond repair, then you’ll need to find another way to get rid of it.

Here are two options for what to do in this scenario:

Recycle

Microwave recycling is the best thing to do with an old microwave that doesn’t work.

This can be done by taking it to a local recycling centre, or by contacting the manufacturer of the microwave and asking about their recycling processes.

Some manufacturers will even come and collect the item from you, which makes the whole process a lot easier.

Just make sure that you remove any food or other items from the microwave before recycling it, as these could contaminate other items in the recycling process.

Use A Deliver And Take Away Service

If you’re buying a new microwave , a lot of stockists will offer to take away your old appliance and deal with it responsibly when they deliver the upgrade.

This can save you a lot of time and energy – especially if you don’t have a local recycling unit to take it to.

However, appliance removal can have a cost attached, so factor this into your purchase price if you’re going to use this service.

Never Throw An Old Microwave In The Bin

It may feel like an easy option to throw your old microwave away – but don’t!

They are items that can cause a lot of environmental harm if they end up as hazardous waste in landfills, and so you are asked in most areas not to put them into your bin.

In fact – in the UK we have white goods disposal regulations that you should always adhere to, and in the US it is completely illegal in some states to throw microwave ovens away (Solid Waste Disposal Act).

Can Microwaves Go In The Skip?

Just as it’s not allowed to put your old microwave in your usual rubbish bin, skips are also a no-no for them. This is the same for most white goods and electrical waste – but check with your skip supplier if you’re unsure.

What To Do With An Old Microwave - Your Ultimate Guide

And that’s it! These are all of the different ways that you can dispose of an old microwave.

Just remember to always be as safe and environmentally conscious as you possibly can be with your chosen microwave disposal route.

Read Next: 30 Things To Declutter From Your Kitchen & How To Do It

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This article was written by Chrissy

Hi - I'm Chrissy... Having run my own business for 12 years as a Professional Organiser and Interior Designer, I know what works (and what doesn't!) when it comes to setting up a home that works both functionally and aesthetically. Now you can mostly find me in a coffee shop or at home, working full time on OrganiseMyHouse.com (which I setup back in 2011) sharing all my tips and ideas. My mission is to help you create a home that you love to live in every day...

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