loading
reading
writing
saving
searching
Free inoperative microwave (Garden Grove)
condition:
salvage
make / manufacturer:
GE
QR Code Link to This Post
The glass plate is included, but I don't have the plastic coupler:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=microwave+plate+coupler&adgrpid=183611435942&hvadid=779590139899&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9031076&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=2919421776684009780--&hvqmt=b&hvrand=2919421776684009780&hvtargid=kwd-424411749353&hydadcr=28327_14486276_2061536&mcid=3366c3e7f776329ea6af50e0874cb94b&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_4dy346h2hg_b
Oh yes, and one other thing. I asked Google AI: "Are microwave ovens made with precious metals?" And it said this:
Yes, microwave ovens contain small amounts of precious metals, primarily used in their electronic components for conductivity and corrosion resistance.
While they are mostly made of common materials like steel, aluminum, and copper, they contain the following precious metals:
Precious Metals in Microwaves
Gold: Found in the circuit boards (PCBs) and integrated chips (ICs). It is typically used as a thin plating on connectors, pins, and as ultra-thin bonding wires inside chips to ensure reliable electrical signals.
Silver: Present in relay contacts, which are used to switch high-voltage components on and off. It is also found in the silver traces on keypad membranes (the flexible laminate behind the buttons).
Palladium: Minute amounts may be found in certain ceramic capacitors or specialized electronic components, though this is less common and in extremely small quantities.
Common Valuable Metals
The majority of a microwave's scrap value actually comes from base metals rather than precious ones:
Copper: The most valuable non-precious metal, found in the large transformer windings, the magnetron, and the power cord.
Aluminum: Often found in the heat sink fins on the magnetron and sometimes in the internal frame.
Brass: Used for the prongs on the power plug and some internal connectors.
Important Safety Warning
Dismantling a microwave to extract these metals is extremely dangerous for two main reasons:
High-Voltage Capacitor: This component can store a lethal electrical charge even after the microwave has been unplugged for weeks.
Toxic Materials: Older magnetrons may contain Beryllium Oxide (often white or pink ceramic), which is highly toxic if crushed and inhaled. Some older components may also contain thorium.
These community discussions and guides detail the precious metals in microwaves, the common valuable metals present, and the safety precautions needed when dismantling them:
https://www.okonrecycling.com/industrial-scrap-metal-recycling/steel-and-aluminum/household-appliances-valuable-scrap-metal/#:~:text=Many%20household%20appliances%20contain%20significant,without%20realizing%20their%20recycling%20potential.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ScrapMetal/comments/1rmn8vm/what_metal_is_the_gold_stuff_in_a_microwaves/#:~:text=RootLoops369,RootLoops369