How to Dispose of a Microwave in Wisconsin
Updated
Short answer
Microwaves are the one exception in Wisconsin's appliance landfill ban: one can go to a landfill only after its capacitor has been removed. In practice, take it to an appliance drop-off: the Janesville landfill charges $15, the Town of Union center $5 small or $10 large, and Beloit $20 as a scheduled appliance.
The rule
Wis. Stat. s. 287.07(1m)(a) bans major appliances from landfills, "except that a person may dispose of a microwave oven in a solid waste disposal facility in this state if the capacitor has been removed" (Wis. Stat. s. 287.07). The capacitor can hold a charge after the microwave is unplugged, so that is not a home project.
Local options
- Janesville landfill appliance area: $15 (city page).
- Town of Union center: $5 small, $10 large (fee sheet).
- City of Beloit: $20 as a scheduled appliance.
A microwave on its own rarely justifies hiring a hauler, but it adds very little to a bigger load.
Quick answers
Can I throw a microwave in the trash in Wisconsin?
Only once its capacitor has been removed. Otherwise it is covered by the major appliance landfill ban. The Janesville landfill takes microwaves for $15.
Rather not haul it yourself?
Tell us what needs to go and where. A local crew sorts the recycling, donation and landfill streams for you and replies with a price first.