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Microwave Recycling in San Francisco, CA

Recology treats microwaves as e-waste: drop them free at the SF Transfer Station or include a non-working microwave in a bulky item pickup.

See all 3 options

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

3 ways to get rid of a microwave in San Francisco

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

  1. CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · San FranciscoNo 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 →

  2. Recology SF Transfer Station (Public Disposal Area)Drop-off · 501 Tunnel Avenue, San FranciscoFree
    Where

    501 Tunnel Avenue
    San Francisco, CA 94134

    Hours

    Monday–Friday 7 am–4:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday 7:30 am–4 pm. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

    Cost & rules

    Microwaves

    AcceptedFree (documented)
    Fees for microwaves
    Minimum disposal fee (all loads)$60.00 per visit
    Uncovered load$20.00 per visit
    • Limit: Up to 30 electronic items per month free when not mixed with other material.

    Full details & sourcesOfficial site (opens in new tab)

  3. Recology San Francisco Bulky Item CollectionPickup service · San FranciscoSan Francisco residentsFree
    How it works

    Curbside bulky item pickup by appointment for San Francisco residents: two no-charge collections a year for buildings of 5 units or fewer and one per unit in larger buildings, up to 10 items per appointment.

    Official page (opens in new tab)

Before you go

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

California rules

More California rules (6)
Where this information comes from (17)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

  • SF Transfer Station & Hazardous Waste Facility (opens in new tab) · Recology San Francisco
    • A $60 minimum disposal fee applies to all loads. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Uncovered loads are charged an extra $20. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Mattresses & box springs (unusable) (SF Recycles) (opens in new tab) · San Francisco Environment Department
    • SF Environment lists the transfer station public dump as serving businesses and residents. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Universal & Electronic Waste - Recology San Francisco (opens in new tab) · Recology San Francisco
    • Up to 30 electronic items per month are free if delivered without other material. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Recology counts microwave ovens as electronic waste to drop off at the SF Transfer Station. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Bulky Items - Recology San Francisco (opens in new tab) · Recology San Francisco
    • Buildings of 5 units or fewer get two curbside bulky collections a year at no additional charge; each unit in larger buildings gets one. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Up to 10 items per collection appointment. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Recology Bulky Item Recycling Pick-up Service (SF Recycles) (opens in new tab) · San Francisco Environment Department
    • SF Environment: free service for San Francisco residents only. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • SF Environment lists non-working microwaves as accepted by Recology bulky item pickup. 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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