Eco-menace microwaves

MICROWAVES are causing an environmental nightmare, research suggests.

They are now often thrown away in perfect working order after as little as six years in use. Two decades ago, they were kept in homes for ten to 15 years. Researchers at Manchester University say that half of all microwaves dumped still work – while a further 30 per cent only require minor repairs, such as a new bulb or a fuse.

Lead researcher Alejandro Gallego Schmid said: ‘Discarded electrical equipment, such as microwaves, is one of the fastest growing waste streams worldwide.’