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Microwave Recycling in Palo Alto, CA

A microwave can go out as one of up to three individual items on a Palo Alto GreenWaste Clean Up Day (two a year for single-family homes).

See all 2 options

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

2 ways to get rid of a microwave in Palo Alto

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

  1. CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · Palo AltoNo 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. GreenWaste Clean Up Days (Palo Alto)Pickup service · Palo AltoPalo Alto residentsCost not listed
    How it works

    Palo Alto single-family households get two pre-scheduled Clean Up Days a year: up to three bulky items (200 lb or less each) and up to three individual items, set at the curb by 6 a.m. on the scheduled day.

    Cost & rules
    • Counts as one of up to three individual items (under 60 lb, no larger than 3x3x3 ft) on a scheduled Clean Up Day.

    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 (10)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

  • GreenWaste of Palo Alto: Clean Up Day (opens in new tab) · GreenWaste of Palo Alto
    • GreenWaste gives Palo Alto single-family households two pre-scheduled Clean Up Days a year. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Up to three individual items under 60 pounds and no larger than 3x3x3 feet, such as microwaves. 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