Does anyone know what this box is and if it is hazardous?

Originally Posted by eesakiwi

It will be Aluminium duct tape around a transformer or a RF component. Most of the time its a small sheetmetal box soldered onto the board.
Nothing really dangerous.

I hope the OP is getting the transformers out of the microwaves, thats where the $ is if they are Copper wire wound ones.

I am maybe 50% of the time. If they are larger, over the stove, or particularly old, I do take the panels off to get the transformer, and then throw the rest in shred. However the smaller and newer ones Ive found arent worth the time.... they are a lot smaller and often aluminum windings in the transformer, not copper.



But there was an OLD and HEAVY microwave I got a few months back, the transformer alone was 18lbs. After getting the copper out of it there was a bit over 4lbs of straight up copper. So... like anything, have to evaluate which are worth taking apart and which arent. That is also dependent on how much free time I have and how much space I have.... More free time, and more space == hgher chance Ill take it apart.... less free time, less available space == less likly Ill take it apart.