What To Do With Old Lawn Mower

You have an old lawn mower sitting in your garage or shed, and you’re wondering what to do with it. It might be broken, inefficient, or simply replaced by a newer model. Figuring out what to do with an old lawn mower is a common dilemma, but you have several excellent options that can clear space and even put a little cash in your pocket.

This guide will walk you through every practical path, from repair and sale to responsible disposal. We’ll cover how to assess your mower’s condition, the steps for selling it, and where to take it for recycling. Let’s find the best solution for your old machine.

Your first step is to decide the fate of your mower. Don’t just drag it to the curb. Take a moment to evaluate its condition, as this will determine your best course of action. A little assessment now can save you money or earn you some.

Start by giving the mower a visual inspection. Look for obvious signs of damage, like a cracked deck or a bent blade. Then, try to identify why it’s not running if that’s the issue. Common problems include old fuel, a dirty air filter, a fouled spark plug, or a rusty carburetor.

Ask yourself these key questions:

Does the engine turn over or start with some effort?
Is the cutting deck structurally sound, or is it rusted through?
Are the wheels and handles in good condition?
How old is the mower, and what brand is it?

Your answers will guide you toward one of these main routes: repair it, sell it, donate it, repurpose it, or recycle it. We’ll detail each option below.

Evaluate If Repair Is Worthwhile

Before you decide to get rid of your mower, consider if a repair is a cost-effective choice. Sometimes, a simple fix can extend its life for years or increase its resale value significantly.

Begin with the easiest and cheapest fixes. Drain any old gasoline from the tank and fuel lines, as stale fuel is a leading cause of starting problems. Replace the spark plug and air filter; these are inexpensive parts that wear out with normal use. Clean the carburetor with a spray cleaner designed for small engines.

If these steps don’t work, you need to weigh the cost of professional repair against the mower’s value. For a high-quality mower that’s relatively young, a repair might be a smart investment. For an older, budget model, the repair bill could quickly surpass what the mower is worth.

Consider your own mechanical skill. Many repairs can be done at home with basic tools and guidance from online tutorials. If you enjoy tinkering, fixing an old mower can be a satisfying project.

Common DIY Fixes For Old Lawn Mowers

Changing the engine oil and sharpening the blade.
Replacing the spark plug and cleaning the air filter.
Draining old fuel and cleaning the carburetor.
Tightening loose cables and lubricating moving parts.

Sell Your Used Lawn Mower

Selling your old lawn mower is a great way to recoup some value and give it a second life. The key to a successful sale is honest description and good presentation.

First, clean the mower thoroughly. Hose off caked-on grass, wipe down the engine, and clean the deck. A clean mower looks much more appealing and cared-for. Take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles, showing any notable wear or damage upfront.

Next, write a detailed and honest description. Include the brand, model number, engine type (push, self-propelled, riding), and engine horsepower if you know it. State its condition clearly: “Starts and runs well,” “Needs a new spark plug to run,” or “For parts only.”

Price your mower competitively. Search for similar models on online marketplaces to see what they’re selling for. A fair price will attract serious buyers quickly. Be prepared to negotiate slightly, but know your lowest acceptable price beforehand.

Best Places To Sell An Old Mower

You have several effective platforms for selling your mower. Your local community is often the best place to start, as it avoids shipping hassles.

Facebook Marketplace: Highly popular for local sales. You can reach many buyers in your area and check potential buyers’ profiles.
Craigslist: A classic for local classifieds. It has a broad reach but requires a bit more caution when meeting buyers.
Nextdoor: This hyper-local app connects you with neighbors who might be looking for a bargain.
eBay: Best for rare, vintage, or high-value mowers. You can choose local pickup or navigate the complexities of shipping.
Local Consignment Shops: Some small engine repair shops will sell working mowers on consignment for a fee.

Donate Your Lawn Mower

If your mower is in working condition but you don’t want the hassle of selling, donation is a wonderful alternative. It can help someone in need and may provide you with a tax deduction.

Many charitable organizations accept working lawn mowers. Call ahead to confirm they have a need and can accept the item. Some places may even offer free pickup for larger items like riding mowers.

Potential donation centers include:

Local Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations.
Community gardens or urban farming projects.
Churches or religious organizations with property maintenance needs.
Vocational schools or community colleges with small engine repair programs.
Non-profit organizations that assist low-income homeowners or the elderly.

Remember to get a receipt for your donation. You can use this to claim a charitable deduction on your taxes, based on the fair market value of the mower.

Repurpose And Upcycle Creative Ideas

For the crafty and imaginative, an old lawn mower can become the start of a unique project. Repurposing parts gives the metal a new life and keeps it out of a landfill a bit longer.

The steel deck of a push mower is a fantastic material for various projects. With some cutting and welding, it can be transformed into a sturdy garden cart or a unique yard sculpture. The wheels are often still in good condition and can be used for homemade trailers or movable planters.

Even the engine has potential if it still runs. It can power a small generator, a log splitter, or even a go-kart. This requires more mechanical knowledge, but plans are available online.

Here are a few simple upcycling ideas that don’t require advanced skills:

Use the mower deck as a shallow basin for a patio fire pit (ensure all flammable parts are removed).
Remove the handle and use the body as a bold, industrial-looking planter for flowers or herbs.
Salvage the wheels to make a rolling base for a heavy workbench or compost bin.

Recycle Your Lawn Mower Responsibly

When your mower is truly at the end of its life—broken beyond repair and not suitable for parts—recycling is the most responsible choice. Landfilling a mower wastes valuable metals and can lead to fluids contaminating the soil.

Lawn mowers contain several recyclable materials, including steel, aluminum, and sometimes copper from the wiring. The engine block is typically cast iron or aluminum, both of which are highly recyclable.

The crucial step is proper preparation. You must drain all fluids before taking it to a recycler. This includes gasoline, engine oil, and sometimes hydraulic fluid in riding mowers. These fluids are hazardous and must be disposed of separately at a household hazardous waste facility.

To prepare your mower for recycling, follow these steps:

Run the engine until it stalls to use up as much gasoline as possible, or siphon it out.
Drain the engine oil by removing the drain plug, catching the oil in a approved container.
Remove the spark plug wire for safety.
If possible, take off the plastic components, as they may need to be processed separately.

Where To Recycle An Old Lawn Mower

Finding the right place to recycle can be straightforward. Start with your local waste management authority’s website; they often list resources for appliance and metal recycling.

Scrap metal yards will typically accept old mowers, especially if you’ve drained the fluids. They may pay you a small amount by weight for the metal. Some large home improvement stores, like The Home Depot or Lowe’s, hold occasional recycling events for outdoor power equipment.

Another excellent option is to take it to a small engine repair shop. Many will accept old mowers for a small fee, as they can strip them for usable parts and send the rest to a scrapper. This ensures expert handling of any remaining hazardous materials.

Dispose Of Your Mower As A Last Resort

If no other option is available, disposal might be your only path. However, you should never place a lawn mower in your regular trash or at the curb for bulk pickup without checking local rules first.

Most municipalities prohibit putting engines with fluids in the landfill. You may face a fine if you do so. Contact your local sanitation department or public works office to inquire about large item pickup policies.

They may require you to schedule a special pickup for a fee. They will also give you specific instructions, which will almost certainly include draining all fluids and sometimes removing the engine or gas tank. Always follow their guidelines to avoid problems.

This should truly be your last option after exploring repair, sale, donation, and recycling. Disposal contributes to landfill waste and wastes the resources used to create the mower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about handling an old lawn mower.

How Do I Safely Drain The Gas From My Old Lawn Mower?

Safety is paramount. Work in a well-ventilated area away from sparks or flames. Use a siphon pump to transfer gas from the mower’s tank into an approved gasoline container. If the mower has a drain plug on the carburetor bowl, you can place a pan underneath and loosen the plug to let the fuel drain out. Take the old gas to a hazardous waste disposal site or a service station that accepts it.

Can I Get Money For My Old Lawn Mower?

Yes, you often can. If it’s in working condition or needs minor repairs, selling it privately is your best bet for the highest return. Even non-working mowers can be sold for parts. If you recycle it at a scrap yard, you will recieve payment based on the current price of scrap metal, though this is usually a small amount.

What Parts Of A Lawn Mower Are Recyclable?

The majority of a lawn mower is recyclable metal. The deck, engine block, and wheels are typically steel. The engine may contain aluminum parts. The tires and plastic components can be more challenging to recycle, but many metal recyclers will handle the whole unit after fluids are removed. Always check with your local recycler for there specific requirements.

Where Can I Donate A Broken Lawn Mower?

Donating a broken mower is more difficult, but not impossible. Your best options are vocational training programs, high school shop classes, or small engine repair courses at community colleges. They can use non-working mowers for teaching students about diagnostics and repair. Always call first to confirm they are accepting donations and what condition they require.