Not Trash, Not Curbside
A microwave contains a circuit board, a transformer and a metal case, so many cities and states classify it as e-waste and bar it from the trash — San Jose, for example, says microwaves 'cannot be placed in your garbage.' There's no single national trash ban, and state e-waste laws differ (some cover only screens, others include small corded appliances), so it comes down to your local rules. Either way, microwaves are rarely accepted in curbside recycling, so plan to recycle it as electronics or scrap, or donate it.
Recycle It as Scrap Metal or E-Waste
A microwave is mostly recoverable metal — a steel case plus copper and aluminum in the transformer and magnetron — so scrap-metal yards and electronics recyclers commonly take them. State guidance in New Hampshire confirms a microwave 'can be recycled with your electronics OR with your scrap metal.' One rule for the scrap route: the capacitor must be removed first (a charged capacitor is a fire hazard in scrap piles), which the facility handles — you don't remove it for the electronics route. Not every yard accepts microwaves, so call ahead, and use a municipal e-waste or HHW event where available.
Retailer Haul-Away & Donation
Unlike phones and small electronics, Best Buy does NOT take microwaves at its free in-store recycling counter — they only go through its paid haul-away service ($49.99 when a new appliance is delivered, or $199.99 standalone for up to two large items; prices can change, so confirm at bestbuy.com). Home Depot and some manufacturers will remove an old unit when you buy and have a replacement delivered. If the microwave still works, donate it — Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts clean, working countertop microwaves (rules vary by location; over-the-range units are often declined, so call first).
One Safety Rule
Unplug the microwave, but do NOT open the case or try to remove parts. A microwave's capacitor can hold a dangerous electrical charge even after it's unplugged, so leave any disassembly to the recycler or scrap yard. The appliance itself isn't hazardous waste — the risk is purely that stored charge. Wipe it down, and if you're donating it, make sure it runs.