Microwave Recycling in San Carlos, CA

A microwave counts as the one e-waste item on a free Recology bulky collection in San Carlos.

See all 2 options

Checked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check

2 ways to get rid of a microwave in San Carlos

Tap an option to see the address, hours, cost and rules.

CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · San CarlosNo haulingWe recycle it for youFrom $90.00
How it works
Book online, set out your microwave and we’ll pick it up and recycle it for you. You see your price before you book and pay only after pickup.
Book a pickup →
San Carlos Bulky Item Collection (Recology San Mateo County)Pickup service · San CarlosSan Carlos residentsFree
How it works
Recology coordinates bulky item collections in San Carlos: two curbside Bulky Item Collection appointments a year at no additional charge for residential customers (1 large appliance, 1 bulky item, 1 e-waste item, up to 2 cubic yards of bagged material). Recology (650) 595-3900.
Official page (opens in new tab)

Before you go

Remove the glass turntable; some operators can’t take the glass.
Ask whether it’s priced as an appliance or as electronics.

More about microwaves

California rules

Microwave ovens are on CalRecycle's list of electronic devices not to throw in the trash. Source: CalRecycle: Waste Banned from the Trash (opens in new tab)
Microwave ovens are major appliances under the special-handling rules. Source: DTSC: Certified Appliance Recycler (CAR) Program (opens in new tab)

More California rules (6)

DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Source: DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab)
It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Source: CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)

Where this information comes from (12)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

RethinkWaste Single-Family Household Service Guide (opens in new tab) · RethinkWaste (South Bayside Waste Management Authority)
- The RethinkWaste/Recology service guide is for residents of Belmont, Burlingame, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Carlos, San Mateo and West Bay Sanitary District. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Residential customers receive two curbside Bulky Item Collection appointments per calendar year at no additional charge. Checked October 26, 2026.
Public Works | San Carlos, CA (opens in new tab) · City of San Carlos
- The city says Recology coordinates bulky item collections and RethinkWaste operates the Shoreway transfer station. Checked October 26, 2026.
Bulky Item Collection - Recology San Mateo County (opens in new tab) · Recology San Mateo County
- Recology San Mateo County bulky collections take: 1 e-waste item (computer monitor, microwave, television). Checked October 26, 2026.
CalRecycle: Waste Banned from the Trash (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
- Microwave ovens are on CalRecycle's list of electronic devices not to throw in the trash. Checked October 26, 2026.
DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Checked October 26, 2026.
DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Checked October 26, 2026.
CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
- CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Checked October 26, 2026.
DTSC: Certified Appliance Recycler (CAR) Program (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- Microwave ovens are major appliances under the special-handling rules. Checked October 26, 2026.

“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.

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