Check your local waste management guidelines first, because lawn mower disposal often requires fuel removal and metal recycling. If you are wondering how to dispose of a lawn mower, the answer depends on your model, your location, and the condition of the machine. Most people assume they can just toss it on the curb, but that is rarely the case.
Lawn mowers contain hazardous fluids, sharp blades, and heavy metals. Throwing one in the regular trash bin is usually illegal or at least heavily frowned upon. The good news is that you have several safe and responsible options. This guide will walk you through every step, from prepping the mower to finding the right drop-off point.
Why You Cannot Just Throw A Lawn Mower In The Trash
You might think a broken mower is just another bulky item. However, municipal waste facilities treat them differently. The main reason is the leftover fuel and oil. These liquids can leak into the ground and contaminate water sources.
Even if you drained the tank, the carburetor might still hold residue. The steel and aluminum body can be recycled, but it needs to be separated from the plastic parts. Also, the sharp blade is a safety hazard for sanitation workers. If you put a mower in a landfill, the motor oils and gasoline create a toxic sludge. That is why almost every city has specific rules for this type of equipment.
How To Dispose Of A Lawn Mower
This is the core section where you get the exact steps. Follow this order to avoid fines and keep everyone safe. The process is similar for push mowers, riding mowers, and robotic mowers, but we will highlight the differences.
Step 1: Drain The Fuel And Oil Completely
This is the most critical step. Gasoline is highly flammable and considered hazardous waste. You cannot transport a mower with fuel in the tank. It is dangerous for you and for the vehicle you are using.
- Run the mower until it runs out of gas naturally. This is the easiest method.
- If it won’t start, use a siphon pump to remove the fuel manually.
- Collect the old gas in an approved fuel container.
- Drain the engine oil into a separate pan. Used oil is recyclable at most auto parts stores.
- Never mix oil and gas together in the same container.
Take the old gas to a household hazardous waste collection site. Many gas stations also accept small amounts. Do not pour it down the drain or onto the grass. That is a serious environmental violation.
Step 2: Remove The Battery (If Applicable)
Electric start mowers and riding mowers have lead-acid batteries. These are highly toxic and must be recycled separately. Disconnect the negative cable first, then the positive cable. Lift the battery out carefully.
Car battery retailers like AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts will take them for free. Some scrap yards even pay you a few dollars for the lead. If you have a robotic mower, the lithium-ion battery needs special handling. Check with the manufacturer for a take-back program.
Step 3: Detach The Spark Plug Wire
This is a safety measure. Even with no fuel, the engine could accidentally turn over. Remove the spark plug wire and push it away from the plug. If you are scrapping the mower, you can also remove the spark plug itself and recycle it as scrap metal.
Step 4: Decide Between Recycling, Donation, Or Repair
Before you haul it to the dump, consider if the mower still has life left. A mower that simply needs a new blade or air filter is not trash. Many people throw away mowers that are perfectly fixable.
- Donation: Habitat for Humanity ReStores accept used lawn mowers. Goodwill sometimes takes them if they are clean and working.
- Repair: If the engine is good but the deck is rusty, you can sell the parts.
- Scrap Metal: If the mower is completely dead, the metal body has value.
Scrap yards will pay you by the pound. A typical push mower weighs about 60-80 pounds. You might get $5 to $10 for the metal. Riding mowers are heavier and can fetch $20 or more. Call ahead to confirm they accept lawn mowers.
Step 5: Check For Local Bulk Pickup Programs
Many cities offer curbside pickup for large items. However, they usually require you to schedule it in advance. You also need to prove that the mower is drained of fluids. Some municipalities will refuse the pickup if they see any gas smell.
Place the mower at the curb on the designated day. If you have a bagger attachment or grass catcher, remove it and dispose of it separately. The main unit is what they will take.
Step 6: Use A Retailer Take-Back Program
Some big box stores have recycling programs for outdoor power equipment. Home Depot and Lowe’s occasionally run events where you can drop off old mowers. These are often seasonal, usually in the spring or fall. Check their websites for upcoming collection days.
If you are buying a new mower, ask the store if they will haul away the old one. Many delivery services include this for a small fee. It is the easiest option because they handle all the heavy lifting.
How To Dispose Of A Riding Lawn Mower
Riding mowers are larger and more complex. You cannot just put them on the curb. They contain a bigger engine, a transmission, and a heavy steel frame. The process is similar to a push mower, but you have extra steps.
Drain The Fuel System
Riding mowers have a larger fuel tank. You might need to disconnect the fuel line to get all the gas out. Use a wrench to loosen the clamp and let the fuel drain into a container. Be careful not to spill on the hot engine.
Remove The Battery
Riding mowers have a larger battery, usually a group U1 size. Remove it and take it to an auto parts store. They will give you a core charge refund if you bring the old one back.
Consider The Tires
The tires are rubber and can be recycled separately. Some scrap yards will take them with the mower, but others will not. If you have to remove them, use a tire iron and a hammer. The rims are aluminum or steel and can be sold as scrap.
If the mower is still functional, consider selling it on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Even a non-running mower has value for parts. A mechanic might buy it for $50 just for the engine.
How To Dispose Of An Electric Lawn Mower
Electric mowers are easier because they have no fuel or oil. However, they have a large electric motor and a heavy battery. You cannot put them in the regular trash because of the lithium-ion battery.
Remove The Battery First
The battery is the most hazardous part. If it is removable, take it out. If it is built-in, you need to take the whole unit to a specialized recycler. Check with the manufacturer. Many brands like Ryobi and EGO have mail-in battery recycling programs.
Recycle The Motor And Wiring
The copper wiring and steel motor are valuable scrap. You can take the mower to a scrap yard and they will strip it down. The plastic deck can be recycled if your local facility accepts #2 or #5 plastic. Check the recycling symbol on the bottom.
Where To Take The Mower For Recycling
You have several options depending on where you live. Here is a quick list of places that accept lawn mowers.
- Scrap Metal Yards: Best for non-working mowers. They pay cash.
- Household Hazardous Waste Facilities: Accept drained mowers for free.
- Auto Parts Stores: Accept oil, batteries, and sometimes the whole mower.
- Municipal Transfer Stations: The local dump. They charge a small fee.
- Charity Shops: Accept working mowers for resale.
Always call ahead. Hours and policies change frequently. Some facilities only accept mowers on certain days of the week. Others require you to fill out a form proving you are a resident.
What Happens To A Recycled Lawn Mower?
When you drop off a mower, it goes through a shredding process. The steel is melted down and turned into new metal products. The aluminum deck is separated and reused. The copper wiring is extracted and sold.
The plastic parts are often downcycled into things like park benches or plastic lumber. The rubber tires are ground up and used in playground surfaces. Almost 90% of a lawn mower can be recycled. The only part that goes to waste is the air filter and the foam in the seat.
This is why recycling is so much better than landfilling. You are keeping valuable resources in the economy and out of the ground.
Costs And Fees For Disposal
You might be wondering if this is going to cost you money. It depends on the method you choose. Scrap yards often pay you, but you have to transport the mower there. Municipal dumps charge a fee, usually between $5 and $20 for a push mower. Riding mowers might cost $30 to $50 because they are considered bulky items.
Donation is free, but the mower must be in working condition. Retailer take-back programs are usually free if you are buying a new mower. If you are just dropping off, they might charge a $10 recycling fee.
If you are physically unable to transport the mower, you can hire a junk removal service. Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK will come to your house and haul it away. This costs around $100 to $150, but they handle everything. They will even drain the fluids for you.
Safety Tips For Handling A Used Mower
Always wear heavy gloves when handling a mower. The blade is sharp even if it is dull. Do not touch the blade with your bare hands. Use a piece of wood to wedge the blade if you need to remove it.
Wear safety glasses when draining fluids. Gasoline can splash into your eyes. Work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Do not smoke or have any open flames nearby.
When lifting a mower, bend at the knees, not the waist. Push mowers are heavy and awkward to carry. Use a dolly or ask a friend for help. Riding mowers are too heavy to lift by hand. You will need a trailer or a truck with a ramp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Put A Lawn Mower In My Regular Trash Bin?
No, you cannot. Most cities prohibit this because of the hazardous fluids and the sharp blade. If you do put it out, the garbage collectors will likely leave it behind and possibly issue a fine. You must drain the fluids and schedule a special pickup or take it to a recycling center.
Does Home Depot Take Old Lawn Mowers?
Home Depot does not have a year-round program for lawn mowers. However, they occasionally host recycling events in partnership with local municipalities. You can also check if they have a trade-in event when you purchase a new mower. It is best to call your local store and ask.
How Do I Dispose Of A Lawn Mower With Gas In It?
You must drain the gas first. Use a siphon pump to remove the fuel from the tank. Then run the engine for a few minutes to burn off any remaining fuel in the carburetor. Once it is dry, you can safely transport it. Take the old gas to a hazardous waste facility.
Can I Scrap A Lawn Mower For Money?
Yes, you can. Scrap metal yards will pay you for the steel, aluminum, and copper. A push mower might get you $5 to $10. A riding mower can get you $20 to $40. The price fluctuates with the market value of metal, so call ahead for current rates.
What Parts Of A Lawn Mower Are Recyclable?
Almost everything is recyclable. The steel deck, the aluminum engine block, the copper wiring, and the rubber tires can all be recycled. The plastic grass catcher and the air filter are the only parts that usually end up in a landfill. The battery must be recycled separately at an auto parts store.
Final Checklist Before Disposal
Before you load the mower into your vehicle, run through this quick checklist to avoid problems.
- Fuel tank is empty and dry.
- Oil has been drained into a sealed container.
- Spark plug wire is disconnected.
- Battery is removed (if applicable).
- Grass catcher and attachments are removed.
- You have called the facility to confirm hours.
- You have a valid ID and proof of residency.
Following these steps ensures a smooth process. You will not get turned away at the gate, and you will not harm the environment. Disposing of a lawn mower is not difficult once you understand the rules. It just takes a little preparation and a trip to the right place.
If you are replacing your mower, consider buying a model with a higher recycled content. Some manufacturers use recycled steel in their decks. That closes the loop on the recycling process. You are not just getting rid of an old machine; you are helping create new ones.
Remember, the exact keyword “how to dispose of a lawn mower” is your starting point. The actual task is simple once you break it down. Drain the fluids, remove the battery, and choose a recycling destination. You will be done in less than an hour, and you will have the peace of mind that comes from doing it right.