Examples of What Can Be Created Using Recycled Microwaves
Microwaves are often made using stainless steel. This is the most recyclable metal on Earth!
February 12, 2024
What To Do With Your Old Microwave
Recycling your e-waste, such as old microwaves, is becoming an increasingly important part of recycling. So, if you’re looking to replace your microwave, it’s a good idea to first research what to do with your old one. We do offer our own appliance disposal service, however there are some other ways to recycle your old appliance.
Why Should You Dispose Of Your Old Microwave Responsibly?
So, now that you know how to dispose of your microwave responsibly, you may be asking why. What’s the point?
Unfortunately, climate change is becoming an undeniable threat too large for anyone to ignore. Over 98% of scientists around the world agree that climate change is being aggressively accelerated by our own actions and habits. The consensus is that we may now only have ten years to attempt to reverse a catastrophic climate event.
Old appliances come under the umbrella term of electronic waste, or ‘e-waste’. The amount of e-waste produced year on year is growing . 2021 saw 57.4 million metric tons of e-waste produced around the world. As of 2023 there is over 347 million metric tons of unrecycled e-waste on earth.
Sadly, the UK is currently the second-highest contributor to e-waste. New research shows that, by 2024, we will become the largest contributor. This means it’s more important than ever that we do our bit to make change happen!
When E-waste is not disposed of properly it releases toxins like mercury, chlorofluorocarbons and lead into the natural world. Not only that, but precious metals are going to waste too. Within the waste, there is an estimated 52 billion dollars worth of gold, silver, iron, palladium, copper, and more.
Around 60% of e-waste comes from household appliances like microwave ovens. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you are responsibly disposing of your electronic waste. By doing this, you allow:
- Materials and components to be recycled
- Raw materials to be salvaged
- Harmful substances to be controlled, and not left to ruin the natural environment.
Appliance City’s Recycling Service
We offer our very own recycling service!
For £25, we will take your old appliance upon delivery of your new one, and recycle it on your behalf.
Managing a household is hard work! Let us deal with some of the hassle for you, and help save the environment too.
However, if you’d prefer to recycle your microwave yourself, you can do. Firstly, head to the RecycleMore website to find your closest recycling centre. Then, take everything you need to recycle to them, and they’ll handle the rest.
Microwaves are categorised as small household appliances.
What Happens To Recycled Microwaves?
- After you’ve taken your microwave to your closest recycling centre they are taken to a hammer mill. Here they are smashed and broken down into little bits.
- The fragments are put on a conveyor belt and sorted by ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Ferrous metals are magnetic so these are easily sorted. A vacuum will suction any light debris off of the fragments too, such as dirt.
- Some components contain both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. These are collected at manual picking points on the recycling journey.
- Any batteries are removed and all the material that can be collected is sent to specialists. The plastic will go to a specialist company for further refinement, and the metals head to smelters.
FAQs
No, you cannot put a microwave in the bin. Not only do many local councils have legislation against it, but it is also harmful to the environment. Instead, you should look into recycling your microwave.
If you have rust on the inside of your microwave, you should stop using it. This is because it can leak microwave radiation, which is harmful. If you find rust on the inside of your microwave, you should safely dispose of it.
Product Deals by Category
AEG Series 5000 Built In Combi Microwave For Tall Housing KOX36506EM - STAINLESS STEEL
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AEG Series 5000 Built In Combi Microwave For Tall Housing KOX36506EM - STAINLESS STEEL
In Stock
Save 5% with voucher code: AEG5
