Knowing how to dispose of a lawn mower is a common question for gardeners at the end of a mower’s life. It’s not as simple as putting it out with the trash, and doing it wrong can harm the environment or even be illegal. This guide will walk you through every safe and eco-friendly option, ensuring you part ways with your old machine responsibly.
How to Dispose of a Lawn Mower
Your path to disposal depends entirely on the condition of your mower. Is it broken beyond repair, or could it have life left in someone else’s shed? Let’s break down your choices.
Option 1: Repair or Donate (The Greenest Choice)
Before you think about disposal, consider if your mower can be saved. This is the most eco-friendly route by far.
- Assess for Repair: Often, an old mower just needs a new spark plug, air filter, or sharpened blade. A simple tune-up can add years of life. If you’re not sure, a local small engine repair shop can give you a quote.
- Donate for Reuse: Many charitable organizations, community gardens, or vocational schools accept working lawn equipment. Call ahead to confirm. This gives your mower a second life and helps someone in your community.
- Sell or Give Away: List it on online marketplaces or community boards. Even a non-working mower can be valuable to a hobbyist looking for parts. Clearly state its condition to avoid any confusion.
Option 2: Recycling (The Responsible Standard)
For mowers that are truly dead, recycling is the way to go. They contain valuable metals, like steel and aluminum, and hazardous fluids that must be handled properly.
Step-by-Step: Preparing Your Mower for Recycling
- Drain All Fluids: This is the most critical step for safety and the environment. You must remove all gasoline and oil. Run the engine until it stalls to use up most fuel, then use a siphon pump for the tank. Tip the mower to drain the oil from the crankcase into a proper container.
- Remove the Battery (if electric): If you have a cordless electric mower, take out the battery pack. This often needs to be recycled separately at a battery drop-off point (found at many hardware stores).
- Find a Recycling Center: Search for “scrap metal recycling” or “household hazardous waste” facilities in your area. Many cities hold special collection days for large items. Some retailers also offer take-back programs.
- Transport Safely: Place the drained mower in your vehicle, ensuring no residual fluids can leak. Bring the containers of drained oil and gas to the facility too—they will dispose of them correctly.
Option 3: Retailer Take-Back Programs
Some stores that sell lawn mowers will take your old one when you buy a new one. This is often called a “trade-in” or “take-back” program.
- Major home improvement and garden centers sometimes offer this, especially during seasonal promotions.
- Always ask when purchasing a new model. It can be a very convenient solution, as they handle the logistics of recycling.
- Be prepared: they may charge a small fee for this service, but it’s usually worth the hassle it saves you.
Option 4: Municipal Bulk Waste Pickup
Many local garbage services offer scheduled bulk waste pickup days. This is a last resort if recycling isn’t available.
- Check the Rules: Contact your city’s waste management department. Rules vary widely. Some require you to schedule a pickup, while others have specific drop-off locations.
- Follow Preparation Guidelines: They will almost always require you to drain all fluids from the mower. If you don’t, they may refuse to take it and you could be fined.
- Place it Correctly: Put the mower at your curb on the specified day, separate from your regular trash. Don’t forget to remove the battery if it’s electric.
What NOT to Do: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Taking shortcuts can create big problems. Please avoid these actions.
- Don’t Put It in the Regular Trash: It’s too large and contains hazardous materials. Your garbage collector will not take it.
- Never Dump Fluids: Pouring gasoline or oil onto the ground, down a drain, or into a sewer is illegal and poisons soil and water. A single quart of oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water.
- Avoid Illegal Dumping: Abandoning a mower in a field, woods, or vacant lot is littering on a large scale. It carries heavy fines and hurts your local ecosystem.
Special Case: Disposing of a Gas Lawn Mower
Gas mowers need extra care due to their fuel and oil. The fluid-draining step is non-negotiable. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, many small engine shops or recycling centers will do it for a minor fee. It’s worth it to ensure it’s done safely.
Special Case: Disposing of an Electric Lawn Mower
The main concern here is the battery. Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires if damaged or disposed of incorrectly. Always take the battery to a dedicated battery recycler. The mower body itself, once the battery is removed, can often be recycled as scrap metal more easily than a gas model.
Why Safe Disposal Matters to Every Gardener
As gardeners, we care for our peice of the earth. Responsible disposal protects the soil we grow in and the water that nourishes our plants. It keeps toxins out of landfills and allows valuable materials to be reused. It’s the final, important step in the lifecycle of your garden tool.
FAQs: Your Lawn Mower Disposal Questions Answered
Q: Can I just leave my old lawn mower at the curb?
A: Only if your municipal waste service has a scheduled bulk pickup and you have followed their rules, which always include draining fluids. Otherwise, it will likely be left there and you may face a penalty.
Q: Where can I take old gasoline from my mower?
A: Take it to the same household hazardous waste facility that accepts the mower. Many auto parts stores also accept used motor oil for recycling. Never mix gas and oil together if they are separate.
Q: Is it worth fixing an old lawn mower?
A> It often is. Simple parts are inexpensive. If the engine block isn’t cracked and the deck isn’t rusted through, a repair is usually cheaper and greener than buying new.
Q: Do scrap yards pay for old lawn mowers?
A: Sometimes, but don’t expect much. The value is in the weight of the clean metal. If you’ve drained it and it’s mostly steel, you might get a small amount of cash. Call local yards for their policies and prices first.
Q: How do I dispose of a riding lawn mower?
A: The process is the same as for a push mower, just on a larger scale. Drain all fluids (gas, oil, hydraulic fluid). The battery must be removed. You will likely need to trailer it to a recycling center. Some scrap metal yards may offer pickup for large items.
By choosing to dispose of your lawn mower responsibly, you’re making a positive choice for your garden’s environment and your community. A little extra effort now ensures that your old workhorse doesn’t become a burden on the planet. With these clear steps, you can handle this task with confidence and move on to your next gardening project.