How To Dispose Of A Lawn Mower

You’ve reached the point where your trusty lawn mower has finally given up the ghost. Maybe it’s a terminal engine knock, a cracked deck, or it’s just too old to be worth fixing. Whatever the reason, you’re now left wondering how to dispose of a lawn mower. It’s not as simple as putting it out with the trash. Lawn mowers contain hazardous materials and recyclable metals that need special handling. This guide will walk you through every safe and responsible option, ensuring you clear space in your shed without harming the environment.

Getting rid of a lawn mower responsibly is a multi-step process. You can’t just drag it to the curb. First, you need to prepare it for disposal, and then you can choose the best path forward based on your mower’s condition and your local resources. Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Safety First – Prepare Your Mower for Disposal

Before you move the mower an inch, you must make it safe. This protects you, the handlers, and the environment. Here’s your pre-disposal checklist:

Drain All Fluids: This is the most critical step. Gasoline and oil are flammable and toxic. Siphon or drain the gasoline from the tank and the fuel line into an approved container. Next, drain the engine oil by tipping the mower (carburetor side up) into a drain pan. Never pour these fluids down a drain or onto the ground.
Remove the Battery: If you have a riding mower or a model with a battery, disconnect and remove it. Batteries are almost always recycled separately.
Disconnect the Spark Plug: This prevents any accidental starts while your moving the mower around. Simply pull the wire boot off the plug.

Step 2: Explore Your Responsible Disposal Options

Once your mower is drained and safe, you have several excellent choices. The best one depends on whether the mower still has life in it or is truly dead.

Option A: Recycling – The Greenest Choice

Most of a lawn mower is metal, which is highly recyclable. This is often the best way to dispose of a lawn mower that is beyond repair.

Scrap Metal Yards: Call local scrap metal recyclers. If you bring them a clean, fluid-free mower, they will often take it and may even pay you a small amount for the metal.
Municipal Recycling Programs: Many cities and towns hold household hazardous waste (HHW) collection events or have permanent drop-off facilities. They accept drained mowers for proper recycling. Check your local waste authority’s website for details.

Option B: Retailer or Manufacturer Take-Back

Some companies offer take-back programs, especially when you buy a new model.

Where You Buy: Retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s sometimes offer haul-away services for old outdoor power equipment when you delivery a new one. Always ask at the time of purchase.
Manufacturer Programs: Certain manufacturers have recycling initiatives. A quick search of the brand’s website can tell you if they have a program in place.

Option C: Donation or Resale (If It Works)

If the mower still runs or needs only a minor, inexpensive repair, don’t trash it! Someone else might gladly take it.

Local Charities: Habitat for Humanity ReStore or similar organizations often accept working lawn equipment.
Sell or Give It Away: List it on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Freecycle. Be honest about its condition. A non-working mower can be a great find for a hobbyist who enjoys repairs.

Option D: Junk Removal Services

For a fee, services like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? will come to your home, pick up the mower, and ensure it’s disposed of responsibly. This is the most convenient, but also the most costly, option.

Step 3: Handle the Hazardous Materials Properly

The fluids you drained need their own special disposal. Never mix them together.

Gasoline: Take it to a local HHW collection event. Some auto parts stores or gas stations also accept old fuel for recycling.
Engine Oil: This is one of the easiest to recycle. Most auto parts stores (AutoZone, Advance Auto) and many quick-lube shops accept used motor oil for free.
Battery: Return lead-acid batteries to any store that sells them; they are required by law to take it back for recycling.

What NOT to Do When Disposing of a Lawn Mower

Avoid these common mistakes that can lead to fines or environmental damage.

Don’t Put It in Regular Trash: Curbside garbage collectors will almost always reject a lawn mower. It’s against the rules in most places.
Never Dump Fluids: Contaminating soil and groundwater is illegal and harmful. It’s also a fire hazard.
Avoid Illegal Dumping: Abandoning a mower in a vacant lot or woods is littering and carries heavy penalties. It’s also just plain irresponsible.

Special Case: How to Dispose of an Electric Lawn Mower

Electric mowers are simpler but have their own considerations. The main component is the lithium-ion battery.

Remove the battery pack. This is the most valuable recyclable part.
Take the battery to a dedicated battery recycler. Many big-box stores have drop-off bins for rechargeable batteries.
The mower body, once the battery is removed, can often be recycled as e-waste or scrap metal. Check with your local e-waste recycler.

Making the Final Decision: A Simple Flowchart

Still unsure? Follow this logic:

Does it start and run? → Donate or sell it.
Is it broken beyond economic repair? → Drain fluids, then recycle.
Do you want maximum convenience? → Use a junk removal service.
Are you buying a new one? → Ask about retailer haul-away.

Taking the extra time to dispose of your mower correctly is a small but meaningful act. It keeps toxins out of our land and water, recovers valuable materials, and keeps useful items in circulation. With these steps, you can confidently clear out that old machine and maybe even help someone else in the process. The whole process is easier than you think once you know the right path.

FAQ: Lawn Mower Disposal Questions

Can I leave my old lawn mower at the curb?

Almost certainly not. Regular trash services are not equipped to handle bulky items with hazardous fluids. They will likely leave it behind, and you could be fined for improper disposal. Always check with your local sanitation department first.

Where can I take a lawn mower for disposal near me?

Start by searching for “household hazardous waste disposal [Your City]” or “scrap metal yard [Your City].” Your local government’s waste management website is the best source for accurate, local information on events and drop-off locations.

Is it worth fixing an old lawn mower?

It depends on the cost of repairs versus the price of a new model. If the engine block is cracked or the repair bill exceeds half the cost of a new mower, recycling is usually the more sensible choice. Simple fixes like a new blade or spark plug are often worth it.

How do I get rid of an old riding lawn mower?

The process is the same, just on a larger scale. Drain the gasoline and a much larger quantity of engine oil. Remove the battery. Then, use a junk removal service, a scrap metal yard that accepts large items, or a retailer haul-away program for riding mowers. Their size makes donation a great option if they still work.

What parts of a lawn mower are recyclable?

The vast majority of it! The steel deck, engine block, and metal components are all recyclable. The tires, plastic parts, and sometimes the carburetor may need to be separated or disposed of differently, but a good scrap yard will handle that.