Microwave Recycling in Madison, WI
Microwaves go to Madison large item pickup or the drop-off sites ($15 only for residents without City recycling) or to Dane County Clean Sweep ($10).
See all 5 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.
Wisconsin rules
- Microwave ovens are major appliances under Wisconsin law. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.01 Definitions (opens in new tab)
- The statute lets a microwave oven go to a landfill if its capacitor has been removed (and handled as required). Source: Wis. Stat. 287.07 Prohibitions on land disposal and incineration (opens in new tab)
Where this information comes from (17)
Where this information comes from
Checked October 26, 2026
- What Can I Donate? (opens in new tab) · Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin
- Through the Dell Reconnect partnership, Goodwill recycles electronics free year-round at all its South Central locations except the Outlet, any brand, working or not. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Goodwill cannot accept cabinet or CRT TVs, microwaves, washers, dryers, dishwashers or refrigerators of any kind. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Donate Items - Habitat ReStore of Dane County (opens in new tab) · Habitat for Humanity of Dane County
- ReStore takes washing machines, dryers, refrigerators and freezers 10 years old or newer, clean and fully working; microwaves should be five years old or newer. Checked October 26, 2026.
- ReStore offers free pick-up of select donations, including appliances and home furnishings, usually within three to five days. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Dane County Clean Sweep (opens in new tab) · Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables
- For Dane County households: hazardous waste $15 per trip, TVs or computer monitors $15 each, microwaves $10 each, refrigerant items (fridges, freezers, A/C, dehumidifiers) $35 each. Out-of-county households pay $75 per trip for hazardous waste and cannot bring TVs, microwaves or refrigerant items. Checked October 26, 2026.
- As an E-Cycle Wisconsin collector, Clean Sweep accepts electronics only from Dane County residents and K-12 schools; proof of Dane County residency is required. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Large items and appliances (opens in new tab) · City of Madison Streets Division
- Large items are things too big for the carts, such as couches, mattresses, tables, pianos, tires, microwaves and air conditioners; they can be scheduled for curbside pickup or taken to a drop-off site. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Residents fill out a large item work order and choose the Sunday to set items out; the work order must be completed before setting items out. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Since January 1, 2025, the Streets Division no longer provides large item collection for multi-family properties with more than 8 units. Checked October 26, 2026.
- If the City collects your recycling from a green cart, you do not pay recycling fees for listed large items at pickup or drop-off. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Large item fees apply both for curbside pickup and at the drop-off sites; those who must pay buy a fee sticker beforehand, as attendants cannot take payments. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Items with Fees (opens in new tab) · City of Madison Streets Division
- Per-item fees apply only to residents whose recycling is not collected by the Streets Division; others have the cost covered by the Resource Recovery Special Charge. Checked October 26, 2026.
- $15 fee items include dorm-style refrigerators under 50 pounds and microwave ovens. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Drop-off sites (opens in new tab) · City of Madison Streets Division
- Madison residents and taxpayers can use the drop-off sites; proof of residency or taxpayer status is required. Checked October 26, 2026.
- TVs, computers, and electronics (opens in new tab) · City of Madison Streets Division
- Electronics recycling at the drop-off sites is only for people who live or own property in Madison; not for businesses. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Wis. Stat. 287.01 Definitions (opens in new tab) · Wisconsin Legislature (Wisconsin Statutes)
- Microwave ovens are major appliances under Wisconsin law. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Wis. Stat. 287.07 Prohibitions on land disposal and incineration (opens in new tab) · Wisconsin Legislature (Wisconsin Statutes)
- The statute lets a microwave oven go to a landfill if its capacitor has been removed (and handled as required). 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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