When your trusty mower finally sputters its last, knowing how to recycle a lawn mower is the responsible next step. Responsibly recycling an old lawn mower involves handling fluids and metals according to local disposal guidelines. This process keeps harmful substances out of landfills and ensures valuable materials are reused. It might seem daunting, but with a little preparation, you can handle it safely and correctly.
This guide will walk you through every step, from preparation to drop-off. We’ll cover how to find local resources and explain why each step matters for the environment.
How To Recycle A Lawn Mower
The core process of recycling a mower breaks down into a few key stages. You need to prepare the machine, handle hazardous materials, and then find the right facility to take it. Rushing this process can be dangerous or lead to improper disposal.
Preparing Your Lawn Mower For Recycling
Before you even think about loading the mower into your car, some prep work is essential. This preparation ensures safety for you and for the workers at the recycling facility. It also makes the recycling process more efficient.
Gather Your Safety Gear And Tools
You will be handling gasoline, oil, and sharp metal parts. Protect yourself first. You should have:
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Durable work gloves
- A set of basic wrenches and screwdrivers
- A flat pan or container for draining fluids
- Funnel and approved containers for fluid storage
- Absorbent material like cat litter or rags for spills
Drain All Fluids Completely
This is the most critical step. Never send a mower with gasoline or oil still in it. These fluids are hazardous waste and must be handled separately.
- Run the mower (if possible) to use up as much gasoline as you can. For a non-working mower, you’ll need to siphon or drain it manually.
- Locate the oil drain plug on the underside of the mower deck. Place your drain pan beneath it and remove the plug, allowing the oil to flow out completely.
- For mowers with a separate hydraulic system or 4-cycle engines, check for other fluid reservoirs that may need draining.
- Dispose of the used oil and gasoline at a designated hazardous waste collection point. Many auto parts stores accept used oil for free.
Finding Local Recycling Options
With your mower prepared, the next step is finding where to take it. Options vary widely depending on your location, so a bit of research is required.
Check With Your Local Scrap Metal Yard
Scrap metal recyclers are often the best bet for the metal body of your mower. Once fluids are removed, the remaining parts are primarily steel and aluminum, which have value. Call ahead to confirm they accept lawn mowers and ask about any preparation requirements they have. Some may require you to remove the plastic parts or the engine separately.
Contact Municipal Waste Management
Your city or county’s waste management department is a key resource. Many municipalities host periodic household hazardous waste collection events where you can bring fluids and sometimes the whole mower. Others have permanent drop-off facilities. Visit your local government website or call their sanitation department for specific instructions and schedules.
Explore Retailer Take-Back Programs
Some retailers offer recycling services, especially when you purchase a new model. Major home improvement stores or outdoor power equipment dealers may have seasonal trade-in or recycling events. It’s always worth asking at the point of a new purchase if they can help you recycle the old one.
Disassembling For Maximum Recycling
To ensure the most materials are recovered, consider some basic disassembly. This step is optional but highly beneficial.
- Remove the Battery: If your mower has a separate battery (common in electric start models), take it out. Batteries are recycled through a separate, specific process. Many retailers that sell batteries will also take the old ones for recycling.
- Separate Plastic Components: Handles, covers, and grass bags are often made of recyclable plastics. Check the plastic type (usually a number inside a recycling symbol) and see if your local curbside program accepts it. If not, they may need to go in the trash.
- Detach the Tires/Wheels: Rubber tires are another distinct material stream. Some scrap yards or tire shops will accept them for a small fee. Leaving them on the metal frame can sometimes complicate the metal recycling process.
Special Cases: Electric And Riding Mowers
Different mower types have unique considerations. The basic principles are the same, but pay attention to the details.
Recycling An Electric Lawn Mower
Electric mowers simplify the fluid-draining step but add the complexity of battery and electronic waste. For corded models, simply cut the cord close to the mower and recycle the metal body. The cord may contain copper wiring that is valuable to scrap yards.
For cordless/battery-powered mowers, the battery is the priority. Lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries should never be placed in regular trash. Use dedicated battery recycling programs, often found at electronics stores or hazardous waste sites. The motor and electronics inside may also be considered e-waste.
Recycling A Riding Lawn Mower
Riding mowers follow the same steps but on a larger scale. They contain more fluids (engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant) and a larger battery. The process of draining is more involved due to their size. You may need to arrange for a tow or trailer to transport it to a recycling facility. Some scrap metal yards will pay more for the significant amount of metal in a riding mower, especially if you bring it prepared properly.
Why Proper Lawn Mower Recycling Matters
Taking the extra time to recycle correctly has a real impact. It’s not just about clearing space in your garage.
First, it prevents soil and water contamination. Gasoline, motor oil, and other chemicals can leach into the ground, polluting groundwater and harming wildlife. Second, it conserves natural resources. Recycling the steel from the mower deck saves energy and raw materials compared to mining new ore. Finally, it reduces landfill waste. Mowers are bulky and take up significant space that can be used for true non-recyclable waste.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even with good intentions, people often make errors in this process. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Putting it on the curb for bulk pickup: Many municipal bulk trash programs simply send items to the landfill. They do not handle hazardous fluids. Always confirm it’s a recycling program, not just trash collection.
- Draining fluids onto the ground: This is illegal in most areas and causes serious environmental damage. Always capture fluids in a container.
- Forgetting about the spark plug: For safety, disconnect the spark plug wire before you start any work to prevent accidental ignition.
- Assuming all parts are recyclable: Some components, like certain plastics or foam filters, may not be recyclable in your area and will need to go in the trash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get paid for recycling my lawn mower?
Possibly. Scrap metal yards pay by weight for cleaned, ferrous metal. A push mower frame might not yield much, but a riding mower could bring a small amount. Payment depends on current scrap metal prices. Call local yards for their rates.
What is the easiest way to dispose of a lawn mower?
The easiest method is often a retailer take-back program when buying a new one or a scheduled municipal hazardous waste event. These options typically handle most of the process for you, though you may still need to drain fluids beforehand.
How do I dispose of old lawn mower gasoline?
Old gasoline should be taken to a household hazardous waste facility. Do not mix it with oil. If the gasoline is fresh, you can reuse it in another appropriate engine. Never pour it down a drain or on the ground.
Are lawn mower blades recyclable?
Yes, lawn mower blades are made of steel and are fully recyclable with other scrap metal. You can remove them and add them to your metal recycling, but ensure they are safely stored to avoid injury.
Can I recycle a lawn mower that doesn’t work?
Absolutely. In fact, most mowers recycled are non-functional. The recycling process is the same, if not more important, as you’ll definately need to drain any old, stagnant fluids that have been sitting in it.
Recycling your lawn mower is a final act of care for a tool that served you well. By following these steps, you ensure its materials live on and its potential hazards are contained. Always start by contacting your local waste authority for the most accurate, up-to-date guidance in your area. With a little effort, you can close the chapter on your old mower responsibly.