For functioning microwaves

• 1). Ask friends and family if they or any they know needs a microwave. Students going to college or young families starting a new home may appreciate an appliance hand-me-down.
  
  
• 2). Donate the working microwave to a local Goodwill store. Find out about any tax breaks you may be entitled to from your donation.
  
  
• 3). Sell the used appliance at a yard sale or online marketplace such as Craigslist or eBay.
  
  

For non-functioning microwaves

• 1). Find a local e-recycling program--earth 911 is a good resource. Certain parts can be salvaged for other uses, but often the recycling company will take the whole unit.
  
  
• 2). Contact your local Goodwill to see if they will accept donations of non-functioning appliances. Some donation centers take these appliances and then fix and sell them.
  
  
• 3). Contact your waste management provider if none of the above options work for you. Many waste management companies have special outsized item pickup days.