microwave oven

[Scrapper2010]

Does anyone know if I can just take a microwave to be recycled, or is there something inside that I should remove first?

[Addam]

There is a motor in there...but not worth the time...or the mess of removing it.

Be picky at your own risk

[tjlock]

Actually, depending on your scrap yard, they may refuse it if the microwave still has the radon plate in it. I had 2 one day and he said that they couldn't take them unless they were removed.

[Mick]

Try, though. I've taken microwaves to two different yards with no problems.

[Scrapper2010]

Just wanted to update, they took they microwave as is, no questions asked. Thanks for the help.

[tjlock]

That is a good deal, wish our scrap yard would take them as is.

[TheMetalizer]

Near me, microwaves are taken without a problem. Inside each microwave is one giant transformer that can be sold for copper breakage or motor price. There is also a small amount of industrial grade wire. You may want to experiment with cutting these out and selling them. If you come across a large number of microwaves, it WILL be worth it!

Also to keep in mind: every microwave has a magnetron. Magnetrons are the microwave generating devices inside of microwave ovens, and they are made of a copper core and have several magnets. There is a small market for used magnetrons, but they are sold on Ebay and possibly at repair shops near your scrap yard.

they may refuse it if the microwave still has the radon plate in it. I had 2 one day and he said that they couldn't take them unless they were removed.

There is no such thing as a radon plate. Radon is a noble gas. There is nothing like that in microwaves. I have no idea what your yard man was talking about.

[Scrapper2010]

Since then I've gotten five more microwaves. I've been taking the motors out of them. Just takes a few minutes, it's worth it for me.

[eesakiwi]

I have done a post about Microwaves. Tells you almost (I'm always learning..) everything you need to know.

[bluemeate]

also dont forget to throw a small oven burrito in there first to see if it still works for resale!

[Billiard MD]

The yard I go to will take them as long as the capacitor is taken out...

[newattitude]

One of my yards is NADA about microwaves because of the magnetron. so I just break them down and turn them in at the other yard and so far they haven't said anything. I just dont' turn in the tube from the magnetron.

[hobo finds]

I remove the megatron and mix them in with my electric motors

[zakmattingly]

They only thing dangerous in the magnetron are the two pink ceramic pieces. They contain berylium oxide which is a carcinogen and more toxic than lead. So long as you don't smash 'em and breath it in you should be fine. I take it all apart and cut those ends off to get at that chunk of copper in between 'em.

[mjseidel1]

Wonderful .... Just smashed those two pink ceramic pieces on my first microwave today, at least it was outdoors.

[Dumpster-Dee]

mj....please read through these threads and learn how to do things safely before you hurt yourself.

[newattitude]

Omg, I never smashed one I didn't know they had anything in them but I'm too afraid to now what with zakmattingly said about the berylium in them. Do you cut below the pink ends? So the copper I'm assuming is in the fat middle part of the magnetraon then. I think I'm happy not breaking them!

[zakmattingly]

Do you cut below the pink ends?

I cut right up against the fat part just to keep a safe distance from it since I use a hacksaw. Don't wanna slip up. And yeah Dee, I busted my first one too. Just wouldn't make a habit of it. Thought about just putting a mask on and breaking it off but rather not risk it. Trying to find a safe way to dispose of 'em. I don't like putting 'em out with the trash. Been individually wrapping 'em in newspaper and puttin 'em in a plastic coffee container labeled "TOXIC" for now.

[newattitude]

Thanks Mechanic! is that link a part of this site? How do you access it from here I dont see a way.

[Dumpster-Dee]

did you try clicking on the address ? that worked for me, attitude.