Are you tired of using your microwave to warm up that cold plate of spaghetti?
Or have you accidentally set the timer for 20 minutes instead of 2 and ended up with a burnt mess? Whatever your reason, breaking a microwave is not as difficult as it may seem.
Microwaves are common kitchen appliances that many of us rely on for quick meal preparations.
However, there may come a time when you need to intentionally render your microwave unusable, whether for disposal, replacement, or other purposes.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how to break a microwave, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. Breaking a microwave can be dangerous and should only be done with proper precautions. Use this guide responsibly to avoid any unintended injuries or damage.
What Will You Need?
Before we get started, there are a few items that you will need to have on hand. These include:
- A new microwave (if you plan on replacing your broken one)
- Protective gear, such as gloves and goggles
- Heavy-duty scissors or wire cutters
- Screwdriver
- Hammer or mallet
- Large garbage bags or containers for disposal of broken pieces
Once you have all the necessary items, you can break your microwave.
10 Easy Steps on How to Break a Microwave
Step 1. Unplug the Microwave
Before doing anything else, ensure your microwave is completely disconnected from any power source. This is crucial for your safety. Locate the microwave’s power cord and firmly pull it out from the electrical outlet. Double-check that the microwave is no longer receiving any electrical power by attempting to turn it on.
This step should always be the priority to avoid the risk of electric shock or any unintended electrical hazards.
Ensure you are standing on a dry surface and away from water sources while unplugging the appliance. Once you have successfully unplugged the microwave, you can safely move on to the next steps.
Step 2. Remove the Turntable and Interior Parts
After ensuring that the microwave is unplugged, open the microwave door and carefully take out the turntable, roller ring, and any other removable interior parts. These components are typically made of glass or plastic and can shatter if not handled with care.
Set these parts aside in a safe place, as they will be dealt with separately during the disposal process.
Removing these items will also make it easier to access and disassemble other parts of the microwave in the following steps. Make sure the interior of the microwave is empty before proceeding further.
Step 3. Unscrew and Remove the Outer Casing
With the microwave unplugged and the interior parts safely removed, it’s time to take off the outer casing.
Use a screwdriver to unscrew all the screws that are holding the microwave’s outer shell in place. These screws are usually located at the back and sometimes on the sides of the appliance. Carefully lift and remove the outer casing to expose the internal components of the microwave.
Be mindful of sharp edges and any remaining small parts that might be hiding under the casing. Place the screws and the outer casing in a safe spot or a container designated for disposal. Proceed with caution as specific internal components might still hold residual electrical charge.
Step 4. Cut the Power Cord
With the outer casing removed, you will have easier access to the internal wiring, including the power cord. Put on your protective gloves and goggles to safeguard against potential hazards.
Using heavy-duty scissors or wire cutters, carefully snip through the power cord close to where it enters the microwave. This action will ensure that the microwave cannot be powered on again, eliminating any risk of accidental activation.
Properly dispose of the severed power cord according to your local electronic waste regulations. After cutting the power cord, you can move forward to dismantling other internal components as needed.
Step 5. Break the Magnetron
The magnetron is the component responsible for creating the microwave radiation that heats your food. It is typically located behind a protective cover within the microwave’s internal structure.
To access the magnetron, identify any remaining screws or fasteners that are keeping the magnetron cover in place and remove them with your screwdriver. Once the cover is off, you will see the cylindrical magnetron.
- Warning: The magnetron contains hazardous beryllium oxide, which should not be inhaled or touched. Handle this component with extreme care, and do not attempt to disassemble it further. Wearing protective gloves and goggles is essential.
Using a hammer or mallet, carefully strike the magnetron to break its structure. This will render the microwave incapable of producing microwave radiation. Make sure to collect any broken pieces and place them into your designated disposal container.
Avoid direct contact with any powdered materials that may escape from the magnetron.
Step 6. Remove the Control Panel
Next, locate and remove the control panel of the microwave. This panel typically includes buttons, knobs, and an electronic display. Start by identifying the screws or clips securing the control panel to the main body of the microwave and use a screwdriver to remove these.
Carefully detach the control panel from its connections, as it may be connected to various wires. Set the control panel aside and place any screws or small parts into your disposal container.
This step ensures that the microwave can no longer be operated or repaired easily.
Step 7. Dismantle the Transformer
The transformer is a significant, heavy component that helps convert electrical energy to the high voltage needed to operate the microwave. Locate the transformer, which is usually positioned near the base of the microwave’s internal structure.
Using your screwdriver, remove any screws or fasteners holding the transformer in place. Once the screws are removed, carefully lift the transformer out of the microwave.
Be cautious while handling the transformer as it can be quite heavy and may have sharp edges. Dispose of the transformer by local guidelines for electronic waste.
Step 8. Break Down the Microwave’s Frame
With most of the internal components removed, it’s time to dismantle the microwave’s metal frame. Using a hammer or mallet, strike key points along the microwave’s frame to weaken its structure. Focus on the corners and areas where the metal is joined or welded.
Continue to apply force until the frame begins to bend and break apart. Collect and sort any pieces of metal, ensuring they are disposed of properly. This step will further prevent the microwave from being reassembled or reused.
Step 9. Break the Glass Door
Before proceeding with this step, put on your protective gear, including gloves and goggles. Using a hammer or mallet, carefully strike the microwave’s glass door until it shatters. Be meticulous to ensure that you don’t harm yourself or anyone nearby.
Collect all pieces of broken glass and handle them with care. Place the shattered glass into your designated disposal container, ensuring no small shards that could cause injury are left behind.
Step 10. Dispose of All Components Safely
Now that the microwave is completely disassembled, it’s crucial to dispose of all components responsibly. Refer to your local electronic waste disposal regulations to dispose of each part properly.
Many communities offer electronic recycling programs or designated drop-off locations for hazardous materials.
Ensure that all pieces, including dangerous materials like beryllium oxide from the magnetron, are dealt with appropriately to avoid environmental damage or personal injury.
Following these protocols will help you comply with safety and environmental regulations.
By following these steps, you can successfully and safely break down a microwave, ensuring that it is rendered unusable and ready for proper disposal.
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Rushing the Process
Safety should be your top priority when dismantling a microwave. Rushing through the steps may lead to accidents, such as cuts from sharp components or exposure to hazardous materials. Take your time to follow each step carefully and wear appropriate safety gear.
2. Disregarding Safety Gear
Never skip wearing protective gloves, goggles, and other safety equipment. Proper protective gear significantly reduces the risk of electrical shocks, exposure to harmful substances like beryllium oxide, and injury from sharp edges or broken glass.
3. Ignoring Local Disposal Regulations
Improper disposal of electronic waste can harm the environment and harm the community. Always research your local regulations for electronic waste disposal and follow them accordingly.
4. Attempting to Repair or Reuse Components
Once a microwave has been disassembled, it should not be reassembled or used again. Attempting to repair or reuse any of its components can lead to safety hazards and is illegal in many places.
5. Skipping Steps
Each step is essential in adequately dismantling a microwave. Skipping steps may result in an incomplete disassembly, making it easier for someone to repair or reuse the appliance. Make sure to follow each step carefully
You can check it out to Turn Off Vent Fan on GE Microwave
Conclusion
How to break a microwave is a process that requires careful preparation and strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent injury and environmental harm.
Following the detailed steps outlined above, you can ensure that the microwave is completely disassembled and all components, especially hazardous ones like beryllium oxide, are handled and disposed of responsibly.
Safety gear is non-negotiable throughout this process, and understanding local electronic waste disposal regulations is crucial.
By taking your time, following the guidelines, and not skipping steps, you can effectively render a microwave unusable and prepare it for proper disposal, contributing to a safer and cleaner environment.