What's a Microwave Oven Worth in Scrap?
A typical microwave oven (14 kg) is worth about $16–$22 in scrap at Sydney benchmark rates on (mid estimate $19.09). Copper makes up about 91% of that value. These are estimates, not yard quotes. Where these numbers come from.
Based on current Australian scrap yard rates and a typical microwave oven's metal composition. Actual yard offers vary by city, load size, and material condition.
Component breakdown
A typical microwave oven weighs 14kg total. Here's where the value comes from — sorted by component, with the metal type, grade, and estimated payout.
| Component | Metal & grade | Weight (kg) | Est. mid value (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet | Steel · Light Steel | 9.0 | $0.45 |
| Transformer windings (the heavy block inside) | Copper · #2 Copper | 1.5 | $17.41 |
| Waveguide and small parts | Aluminium · Cast Aluminium | 0.5 | $1.23 |
Where these numbers come from
| Figure | Value | Source | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper spot price | A$20.01/kg | MetalpriceAPI (LME-linked market data) | Market data feed | |
| Aluminium spot price | A$4.48/kg | MetalpriceAPI (LME-linked market data) | Market data feed | |
| Steel spot price | A$0.42/kg | Fixed site estimate of A$0.42/kg | Fixed estimate, not a market feed | |
| Typical microwave oven weight and metal content | 14 kg | Our estimate of a typical unit (shown in the breakdown above) | Our estimate | |
| Grade payout rates | 12–78% of spot | Our estimate from published yard rate cards | Our estimate |
Spot prices are converted to Australian dollars per kilogram. Yard payouts are our estimates (spot × grade payout rate × regional factor), not quotes from any yard. Set when the site launched on 2026-05-16 and not updated since. No live steel scrap price feed is used. Full detail: methodology.
How yards handle a microwave oven
Yards weigh a microwave whole as light steel and pay accordingly, which undervalues the transformer sitting inside. That transformer is the one component worth removing, and it comes out with a screwdriver once the cover is off. Yards pay transformers at their own rate, well above cabinet steel, and it is a heavy lump for its size. The waveguide and small aluminium parts are not worth the time. The mistake is not a grading one but a safety one: the capacitor can hold charge long after unplugging, so leave the unit whole if you are not confident discharging it. A single microwave with the transformer left in is a marginal trip. Pull the transformer, or wait until you have several.
Before you take it in
A few minutes of preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the estimated range.
- → The transformer (visibly the heaviest internal part) contains the main copper — worth pulling out if you have time
- → Do not disassemble while powered or recently used — the capacitor can hold a lethal charge
Safety & legal notes
Microwave capacitors can retain a dangerous voltage for hours after unplugging. Discharge with a properly insulated tool or leave the unit intact for the yard.
Where to sell a microwave oven
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a microwave oven. Use our city directory to find yards in your area and see region-specific rates — payouts in regional and remote areas are typically lower than capital cities due to transport costs.
For larger items, call ahead to confirm pickup arrangements or weighbridge access. Most yards have minimum drop-off weights.
Other household appliances
Frequently asked questions
How much is a microwave oven worth in scrap? +
A microwave oven is worth approximately $16.24 to $21.96 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $19.09. The exact amount depends on the city you sell in (yards in remote cities pay less due to transport costs), the condition of the components, and how well the item is prepared before drop-off.
What metals are in a microwave oven? +
A typical microwave oven contains 9kg of steel, 1.5kg of copper, 0.5kg of aluminium, totalling about 14kg. The copper component contributes the most value (around $17.41), even though it's not always the heaviest.
How do I prepare a microwave oven for scrapping? +
Several steps lift the return: (1) The transformer (visibly the heaviest internal part) contains the main copper — worth pulling out if you have time (2) Do not disassemble while powered or recently used — the capacitor can hold a lethal charge
Where can I sell a microwave oven for scrap? +
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a microwave oven. See our <a href="/cities/">city directory</a> for region-specific yards and rates. Larger items may need pickup arrangement or weighbridge access — call ahead to confirm hours and acceptance.
Is it worth scrapping a single microwave oven? +
At $19.09 mid estimate, a microwave oven is worth scrapping if you're already taking other items to the yard. As a standalone trip, only if the yard is nearby.
Are there any safety or legal considerations with scrapping a microwave oven? +
Microwave capacitors can retain a dangerous voltage for hours after unplugging. Discharge with a properly insulated tool or leave the unit intact for the yard.