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Microwave Recycling in San Luis Obispo, CA

Microwaves go free in a City of San Luis Obispo bulky collection or as e-waste at the IWMA drop-off at Cold Canyon Landfill (county residents, no cost).

See all 3 options

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

3 ways to get rid of a microwave in San Luis Obispo

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

  1. CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · San Luis ObispoNo 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. City of San Luis Obispo Bulky Item Collection (San Luis Garbage)Pickup service · San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo residentsFree
    How it works

    Single-family customers get up to 3 free scheduled bulky item collections a year (one during each Clean Up Week); multi-family complexes get up to 12. Items up to 200 lbs; book at least 5 days ahead through the account holder at (805) 543-0875.

    Cost & rules
    • Before you go: Book at least 5 days ahead through the account holder.

    Official page (opens in new tab)

  3. Cold Canyon Landfill Household Hazardous Waste, E-Waste and Mattress Drop-Off (SLO County IWMA)County service · San Luis Obispo CountySan Luis Obispo County residentsFree
    How it works

    IWMA household hazardous waste and e-waste drop-off at Cold Canyon Landfill, 2268 Carpenter Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 8 a.m.–3 p.m.; (805) 549-8332. Free for SLO County residents up to 15 gallons or 125 pounds per visit. The landfill also takes mattresses and box springs free (up to three per resident); a safety vest is required for e-waste drop-off.

    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 (13)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

  • City of San Luis Obispo bulky item collections (San Luis Garbage flyer) (opens in new tab) · San Luis Garbage (Waste Connections)
    • City of San Luis Obispo single-family customers are allowed up to 3 free scheduled bulky item collections a year. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Bulky items may weigh up to 200 lbs; small bulky examples include microwaves and computers. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Bulky pickups must be called in at least 5 days before the regular pickup day by the account holder at (805) 543-0875. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Residential Hazardous Waste Disposal (SLO County IWMA) (opens in new tab) · San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority
    • SLO County residents may drop off up to 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous waste per visit at no cost; HHW and e-waste are accepted for residential drop-off. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Hazardous Waste: accepted waste streams (SLO County IWMA) (opens in new tab) · San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority
    • E-waste accepted at the HHW facilities includes TVs and small appliances such as microwaves; stoves, refrigerators and freezers are not accepted. 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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