Last updated: July 2026

A microwave cannot go in your household recycling bin. It is classified as e-waste and contains materials including lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals that can contaminate soil and water if they end up in landfill. Your four main disposal options are: council kerbside booking, drop-off at a recycling centre, selling or donating, or booking a rubbish removal service.

E-waste is the fastest-growing waste type in Australia. Up to 95% of an electrical appliance's materials can be recovered for reuse and recycling. Putting a microwave out with general rubbish wastes those recoverable materials and risks hazardous substances leaching into landfill.

Option 1: Book a council kerbside collection

Most NSW councils accept large appliances including microwave ovens on their kerbside collection service, but the process is different from your regular bin day.

• Check your council's website for their e-waste or bulk waste collection page. Not all councils accept microwaves kerbside, and not all councils that do collect them will send them to a recycler rather than landfill.
• Book a collection date through the council's online form or by phone. It is illegal to dump old appliances on the street.
• Set your microwave out on the morning of your booked date, not before.

Load limits and accepted items vary by council. Check the booking confirmation for your council's specific rules before putting anything out.

Option 2: Drop off at a community recycling centre

NSW has a network of community recycling centres where you can drop off household problem waste.

The drop-off is free for household residents. Businesses are not eligible to use these services.

What happens to a recycled microwave?

At an accredited recycling facility, a microwave is dismantled and the different components are sorted. Up to 95% of the materials in an electrical appliance can be recovered, including copper wiring, steel casing, plastic parts, and glass. These materials are processed and reused in new products.

At 1800ewaste, a similar service provider, the company's website states that "up to 95 to 98 percent (by weight) of items are being recycled" at their accredited facilities.

Microwaves contain hazardous substances including lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic that must be handled correctly during this process. This is why the appliance cannot go in general rubbish.

Option 3: Sell, donate, or scrap it

If the microwave is still working, you may be able to sell it through Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, or donate it to a charity shop.

If it is broken, scrap metal yards will often take it for the copper and steel inside. The components recovered from recycled appliances include glass, copper, plastics, metals, and precious metals.

If you are not sure whether the microwave is safe to pass on, have it assessed by a repair technician before selling. It is illegal to dump old appliances on the street.

Option 4: Book a rubbish removal service

If you cannot get to a drop-off point and do not want to wait for a council booking, a rubbish removal service will come to your property and take the microwave away. The service typically includes same-day collection and drop-off to an appropriate recycling facility.

Common questions

Can I put a microwave in the recycling bin?

No. Microwaves are classed as e-waste and must not go in your household recycling or rubbish bin. They contain hazardous materials that require proper handling.

Does the council collect microwaves for free?

Most NSW councils accept microwaves through their kerbside bulk waste or e-waste collection service, and for residents it is generally free. However, you need to book in advance. Check your council's website for their current service and any load restrictions. Be aware that not all councils send collected e-waste to recyclers rather than landfill.

Can I leave a microwave on the nature strip?

Not without a council booking. It is illegal to dump old appliances on the street.

Is microwave disposal free?

Council kerbside collection and community recycling centre drop-off are free for household residents. Professional rubbish removal services incur a fee.

Skip the council wait

Paul's Rubbish Removal picks up microwaves and other e-waste directly from your property in Sydney, same day when you book before 10am. Fully insured.

See electronics and e-waste removal in Sydney or call 0407 125 125.