Microwave Recycling in San José, CA
Microwaves are on San José’s Junk Pickup list; ReStore San Jose accepts working ones as donations.
See all 3 optionsChecked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check
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.
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 (16)
Where this information comes from
Checked October 26, 2026
- ReStore Donation Criteria (opens in new tab) · Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley
- ReStore accepts refrigerators, washers, dryers, microwaves and other appliances as donations. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Appliances must be in perfect working condition, undamaged and clean. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Acceptance is at ReStore staff discretion after in-person review. Checked October 26, 2026.
- San José residents: Have junk to get rid of? (opens in new tab) · City of San José
- Residents can schedule a no-cost curbside Junk Pickup through San José 311. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Junk Pickup is available at no cost for single-family homes and multi-family complexes, owners and renters. Checked October 26, 2026.
- All items must come from your residence. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Requests may include up to 12 items. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Items and Instructions for Junk Pickup (opens in new tab) · City of San José
- San José Junk Pickup accepts this item with set-out instructions: Remove the glass tray and secure the cord. 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.
How we check our information