Microwave Recycling in San Mateo, CA

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

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 Mateo

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

CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · San MateoNo 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 Mateo Bulky Item Collection (Recology San Mateo County)Pickup service · San MateoSan Mateo residentsFree
How it works
Two curbside Bulky Item Collection appointments per calendar year at no additional charge on your regular collection day (Feb 1–Dec 31): 12 bags plus 1 large appliance, 1 bulky item and 1 e-waste item.
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 (11)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

Bulky Items - Recology San Mateo County (opens in new tab) · Recology San Mateo County
- Residential customers receive two curbside Bulky Item Collection appointments per calendar year at no additional charge. Checked October 26, 2026.
- 1 e-waste item (monitor, microwave, television) per pickup. Checked October 26, 2026.
Special Recycling Programs | San Mateo, CA (opens in new tab) · City of San Mateo
- The City of San Mateo says Recology San Mateo County is its hauler and residents get 2 on-call cleanups a year. 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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