How To Dispose Of Lawn Mower

When your lawn mower reaches the end of its life, figuring out how to dispose of lawn mower equipment properly is crucial for both safety and the environment. Responsibly getting rid of an old mower means considering local recycling programs or hazardous waste disposal guidelines. This guide will walk you through every option, from donation to scrap metal, ensuring you can clear your garage without harm.

Your first step is to identify what kind of mower you have. The disposal method changes significantly depending on whether it’s a gas-powered model or an electric/battery-powered one. Gas mowers contain fluids and parts that are considered hazardous waste, while electric mowers have different components, like batteries, that need special handling. Let’s break down the pre-disposal checklist.

Pre-Disposal Checklist For Your Lawn Mower

Before you move your mower an inch, you need to prepare it. This process makes it safe for transport and acceptable for recycling centers or scrap yards. Rushing this step can lead to rejection or fines.

Drain All Fluids From Gas Mowers

This is the most important step for gas mowers. You must remove all gasoline, engine oil, and sometimes coolant. Never toss a mower with fluids still inside.

Run the engine until it stalls to use up as much fuel as possible from the carburetor.
Siphon or drain the remaining gasoline from the tank into an approved container. Take this to a hazardous waste or gasoline recycling facility.
Tip the mower on its side (air filter up) and drain the engine oil into a pan. Store this oil in a sealed container for recycling.

Remove The Battery

If your mower has a separate battery, disconnect it. This includes lead-acid batteries from riding mowers or lithium-ion batteries from cordless models. These are almost always recycled separately.

Primary Disposal And Recycling Options

With your mower prepared, you have several responsible paths to choose from. The best option for you will depend on the mower’s condition, your location, and how much effort you want to put in.

Local Scrap Metal Recycling

For non-working gas mowers (with fluids drained) and old electric mowers, a scrap metal yard is a top choice. The steel and aluminum have value.

Call ahead to confirm they accept lawn mowers and ask about any preparation requirements.
Transport the mower to the facility. They will typically weigh it and pay you by the pound for the metal.
This is an excellent way to ensure the metal is melted down and reused, keeping it out of a landfill.

Municipal Hazardous Waste Or Bulk Pickup

Many city or county waste management departments offer specific disposal services. This is often the easiest, though not always free, option.

Check your municipality’s website for “bulk item pickup” or “household hazardous waste (HHW)” events.
Schedule a pickup or find the drop-off location and hours. There may be a small fee involved.
Follow their instructions precisely for how to prepare and where to place the mower for collection.

Retailer Take-Back Programs

Some home improvement stores or outdoor power equipment retailers offer recycling programs, especially for batteries and engine oil.

Stores like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or local dealerships may host seasonal trade-in events or accept old mowers for a discount on a new one. It’s always worth asking when you are shopping for a replacement. They often have partnerships with recycling firms to handle the process correctly.

Alternative Options For Working Or Repairable Mowers

If your mower still has some life left in it, consider these paths. They extend the product’s life and benefit someone else directly.

Donation To Charities Or Community Groups

Many organizations would welcome a working lawn mower. This gives your old machine a second life and supports a good cause.

Contact local charities, churches, or community gardens. They often maintain properties and may need equipment.
Look for organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which sometimes accepts working outdoor power tools.
Ensure the mower is in safe, working order and clean it up before donation. Include any manuals you have.

Selling Or Giving Away Online

The internet makes it simple to find a new home for your mower. Even a non-working mower can be valuable to a tinkerer or for parts.

Take clear photos of the mower from multiple angles.
Write an honest description. Note if it runs, what’s wrong with it, and that fluids have been drained (if applicable).
Post it on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Freecycle. You can set a low price or list it for free “as-is.” It will likely be gone quickly.

Special Considerations For Different Mower Types

Not all mowers are the same. Here are the key disposal differences for the main types you might have in your shed.

Disposing Of A Gas-Powered Lawn Mower

Gas mowers require the most care due to their engine fluids and fuel system. The core steps are: drain all fluids, remove the spark plug wire for safety, and then choose recycling or scrap. The carburetor and fuel lines may still contain traces of gasoline, so handle with care and never incinerate. Always transport it in the trunk of a car or a truck bed with good ventilation.

Disposing Of An Electric Or Battery-Powered Mower

For corded electric mowers, the main component is the motor and metal housing. You can typically recycle these as scrap metal after removing the power cord (which may have its own recycling stream). For battery-powered mowers, the lithium-ion or lead-acid battery must be removed and recycled separately at a designated battery drop-off point, which many electronics stores provide. The mower body itself can then go to scrap metal.

Disposing Of A Riding Lawn Mower

Riding mowers follow the same rules as push gas mowers but on a larger scale. You’ll have more engine oil and gasoline to drain, and likely a large lead-acid battery to remove. Due to their size, your options may be limited to scrap metal yards (which often send a truck), bulk pickup services, or selling for parts. Their tires may also need separate disposal if they are not accepted by the scrap yard.

What Not To Do When Disposing Of A Mower

Avoid these common mistakes that can harm the environment, create safety hazards, or even get you in trouble.

Do not leave it at the curb without arranging for bulk pickup. This is usually considered illegal dumping.
Never put a gas mower in a standard landfill dumpster. The fluids can leach into the soil and groundwater.
Avoid abandoning it in a field or wooded area. This is littering and pollutes the environment.
Do not attempt to burn or dismantle it with power tools without proper knowledge. Fuel tanks can explode, and blades are very sharp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Throw A Lawn Mower In The Dumpster?

No, you should not throw a lawn mower in a regular trash dumpster. Gas mowers are prohibited due to hazardous fluids, and the size and metal content of all mowers typically violate waste service rules. You must use a proper disposal channel like recycling, scrap, or bulk pickup.

How Do I Dispose Of A Lawn Mower Battery?

Lawn mower batteries must be recycled separately. Take lead-acid batteries (common in riding mowers) to an auto parts store or hazardous waste facility. Lithium-ion batteries (from cordless mowers) should go to a dedicated battery or electronics recycling drop-off, often found at big-box stores.

Is There Any Value In An Old Lawn Mower?

Yes, even a broken mower has value as scrap metal. You can get a few dollars for its weight in steel. A working or easily repairable mower has much more value and can be sold online or donated to someone in need of it.

Will A Scrap Yard Take My Lawn Mower?

Most scrap metal yards will accept a lawn mower once all fluids, gasoline, and batteries have been removed. It is essential to call them first to confirm their policy and any preparation requirements. They will pay you based on the current price for mixed metal.

How Do I Dispose Of Old Gasoline From My Mower?

Old gasoline is household hazardous waste. Do not pour it on the ground or down a drain. Store it in a sealed, approved container and take it to a local hazardous waste collection event or facility. Some service stations or auto parts shops may also accept it for recycling.

Disposing of your old lawn mower responsibly is a straightforward process once you know the steps. By taking the time to drain fluids, remove batteries, and choose the right end-of-life path, you protect your local environment and contribute to recycling efforts. Whether it becomes scrap metal, gets a second life through donation, or is broken down for parts, you’ve handled the task the right way.