Other Customer Service Support

[DeeJay1957]

I see that the last post was about a year ago, so pre-COVID.  I'd like to find out if anything has changed.

I recently ordered a mid-sized microwave oven from BB -- the shipping info says that it's being shipped through UPS and that I should get it very soon.

I realized somewhat late that I should have nailed this down sooner, so last night I went to the closest store, Signal Hill, California, and was told that the recycling program was currently suspended.  As with the previous poster, I can believe that any given store clerk just might not always have the correct answer, so I'd like to see if there's any way to confirm this.  (I also tried calling the store, and got an automated response that the phone answering system was currently eperiencing heavy volume, please call back later, *click*.)

These truly are rare times, so I can accept this all with good grace, but I really would like to get rid of the older microwave as soon as I reasonably can. A little advice, please.

[SeanM-BBY Retired: Social Media Specialist]

Good afternoon, DeeJay1957,

Welcome to our forums, and thank you for posting your question!  I actually found myself in a similar situation back in March when I upgraded my home microwave, and the shutdowns began to change the way we operate when it comes to the different services Best Buy is able to provide, so I’d be happy to address your question.

It sounds like there may have been a misunderstanding on the part of the associate you spoke to at our Signal Hill, CA store, and I apologize for any confusion this conversation may have caused.  While our recycling program was temporarily suspended earlier this year, our recycling program is accepting products once again. 

You’ll find more information on what we can and cannot accept for recycling here, but in terms of your microwave, this would be something you’d have to arrange to be hauled away by our Geek Squad or Best Buy Home Delivery team, when a replacement product is delivered by Geek Squad or Best Buy Home Delivery.  As it sounds like your microwave is being delivered via UPS, we’ll be unable to arrange for the recycling of your current microwave.

I hope this answers your question, but if you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to visit our Support Forums again.

All the best,

[DeeJay1957]

Of course, the response here is pretty disappointing.  If there was better information posted anywhere, I would have made a better, more informed decision about even whether to shop at Best Buy. I could have arranged to drop off the old and pick up the new appliance at a local store, rather than have it shipped by UPS. It's understandable that Best Buy chose that method for delivery, but even if I had known the implications, there was no notice that that's how it was coming until it was too late to cancel the order.

(By the way, I got the same response, "no local recycling", at a second local Best Buy store, but there at least I got the not-much-help advice to call around to see if any other store or group would take it, I guess as electronic waste.)

I believe I've seen elsewhere that stand-alone used appliance recycling pick-up can be arranged through Best Buy, or course at a higher cost ($99 or so) than if arranged as part of a purchase.  Do you know if this program is available anywhere?  Is there any point of asking about this at a local store (Southern California)?

[hockeycanuckjc Community Veteran · Accepted solution]

Your county is in a Shelter in Place order so it is natural that in the Purple Tier, that is suspended.

If you have a local waste mangement company that picks up your bins, etc you can call them. I know that in my area where I live (BAY area) they arrange to pickup stuff on demand for free 2 times a year that cannot be normally disposed of.