A microwave is a common household appliance that needs to be scraped eventually when it either becomes old or breaks down.
A microwave worth in scrap metal is about $3 – $10. Old microwaves are priced less as they are composed of light iron only and this is considered the cheapest kind of metal.
If you disassemble the microwave first and separate its composite parts, you get to fetch more money out of it. When the used parts of an old microwave are sold, you can get between $20-150.
Below is the price range of each part of a microwave which you can get by selling them and it depends on the condition of the part:
- Magnetron – $10-75
- Transformer – $10-75
- Turntables – $5 -30
- Turntable roller rings – $4-15
- Turntables drive couplers – $3-10
- Turntables drive motors – $3-20
- Cooling fans – $5-20
- Capacitors – $5-25
- Fuse holders – $2-6
- Shelf brackets – $3-10
- Vent fans – $10-40
- Diodes – $3-10
- Thermal fuses – $3-12
The price range mentioned here is based on my personal experience of scrapping 2 microwaves in the past. It may vary depending on the place you are scrapping and the condition of the microwave.
Can you scrap a microwave?
Yes, you can scrap a microwave in exchange for a good amount of money by disassembling it rather than taking it directly to the scrap yard.
There are valuable metals like copper and others in the microwave which when taken out from the appliance, can help you get more money.
In microwave, a magnetron, transformers, a large capacitor, heavy-duty wire, and a small motor are present. Out of these all, capacitor and motor should be left inside and sold as mixed metal.
The magnetron can be sold along with the transformer at the motor price. If it is in working condition, you can even try to sell it on eBay. The copper wire present in the transformer can either be cut and pulled out or sold at the motor price.
Apart from copper, there is no other precious metal present in a microwave. The reusable parts in the microwave should be considered while scrapping it.
Do scrap yards take microwaves?
Yes, scrap yards take microwaves and you need to take the microwave to the scrap yard as they do not come to collect it.
It has been observed that microwaves are refused by some scrap yards as they have the policy to reject PCBs. In earlier models of microwaves, PCBs were there in the capacitor which is not dangerous if inside the capacitor but it might be bad for the scrap yards as they shred appliances so they have to contend with it in their waste stream.
In the recent microwaves, PCBs are not present in the capacitors but scrap yards still ban all of them. It is better to dismantle your microwave before taking it to the scrap yard. Also, if you could sell magnetron, copper wiring, and capacitors on eBay, you can get a fairly good price.
How to take apart microwave for scrap?
To take apart a microwave for scrap safely, follow the below-mentioned steps:
1. Collect tools required
These tools are required to take apart the microwave as the bare hands could not do it.
- Screwdrivers
- Wire cutters
- Pliers
- Alligator clips
2. Take off the back cover
For this, remove the screws that are attached to the back panel.
3. Discharge the capacitor
The capacitor is near the big chunk of metal that is the transformer. With the alligator clips, touch both terminals of the capacitor. If you get a loud sound, it indicates the capacitor is discharged and you are good to go.
4. Remove the rear panel
This will give you access to the microwave. Inside, there may be another panel that you need to remove. Also, take out other components like wiring and fans. Use a magnet to separate ferrous and non-ferrous metal.
5. Remove large components
As the screws are removed and wires are cut, you could be able to remove large components of the microwave like fans and motherboards. Plastic and insulations have to be removed wherever possible.
6. Remove copper
Copper is mainly present at the power supply which is a large metal cube with one face removed. In this, wires are put into and out of it. Also, copper coils and other valuable metals are present which you should remove.
7. Don’t open the parts with warning labels
If there are any parts with warning labels, you should not open them for safety reasons. You should get them out of the way by removing the areas around them but don’t open them. Some toxic substances may be present in them.
8. Last step
Before taking to the scrapyard, remove all the plastics. It is advised to take the motor out that operates the turntable so that metals inside can be separated.
The more you can disassemble your microwave, the more you will get by scrapping it.
How much money can you get for scrapping a microwave?
Scrapping a microwave can get you approximately $3 – $10 which can be either a little more or a little less depending on how you break things and separate the scraps.
To get a better price for your scrap, you should do the following things:
Separate the scrap
Scrap yards will count all the scraps at the lowest-priced metal unless you separate them. For instance, if you have a bucket full of copper, aluminum, and brass, the scrapyard owner will give you the price of aluminum even when the price of copper is high. When you separate each metal, you get a high price.
Ferrous and non-ferrous metal
In the scrapping world, there is a huge difference between ferrous metal and non-ferrous metal. Microwaves are mainly ferrous metals but contain non-ferrous metals as well like aluminum, copper, and brass, and are sold at a high price.
Sell on eBay
Separate motor and magnetron from the microwave which can be even sold as old parts on eBay if in working condition.
Scrapping microwave magnetron, is that possible?
Yes, it is possible to scrap microwave magnetrons. When you pull it out of the microwave, it can be sold along with the transformer at the motor price.
The magnetron is a device in the microwave that creates arbitrary microwave radiation and can heat the food. A magnetron along with the transformer sets the correct level of voltage required.
If the magnetron is in working condition, you can try selling it on eBay, It can fetch you a good amount.
Does microwave have copper?
Yes, microwaves have copper which is primarily present in the transformer. Along with this, this red metal is also present in the relay coils, main coil, and shading coils of the fan motor.
The copper can be sold at about $2.50 a pound at the scrap yard. If your microwave is dead and needs scrapping, it is always wise to separate the copper metal from it and sell them at the scrap yard.
Conclusion
Like any other appliance, it is tough to scrap a microwave and you get less price for it. If you can disassemble them before taking them to the scrap yard, you can get a lot more money.
It is found that a microwave when scrapped as a whole will give you $3 – $10 but when disassembled with separated scrap, you can fetch anything between $20 – $150.