How To Get Rid Of An Old Lawn Mower Today

If you’re asking, “Can I get rid of an old lawn mower today?” the answer is a resounding yes! You have several options, ranging from selling and donating to recycling and responsible disposal. This guide will walk you through each method, helping you make the best choice for your old mower and the environment.

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Ditch the Old Mower: Your Options for Lawn Mower Disposal

Is your trusty (or not-so-trusty) lawn mower finally giving up the ghost? A broken-down mower can be a real eyesore and take up valuable space in your garage or shed. Thankfully, getting rid of an old mower is easier than you might think. You have multiple avenues for lawn mower disposal, each with its own benefits. Whether you’re looking to make a little cash, help someone in need, or ensure your mower is recycled responsibly, this guide will help you navigate the process.

Why Get Rid of That Old Mower?

There are many reasons to say goodbye to an old lawn mower:

• It’s Broken: The most common reason is simply that it no longer works. Repairs might be too expensive or impossible.
• Upgrading: You might be getting a newer, more efficient, or larger mower.
• Space: An old mower can take up significant space in your garage, shed, or yard.
• Safety: Older models might lack modern safety features, posing a risk.
• Environmental Concerns: Old mowers can leak fluids and contain materials that shouldn’t go into a landfill.

First Steps: Assess Your Old Mower

Before you decide how to get rid of your mower, take a moment to assess its condition. This will help you determine the best course of action.

Is it Repairable?

• Minor Issues: Are the problems simple? A spark plug change, new oil, or a cleaned carburetor might bring it back to life.
• Major Issues: If the engine is seized, the deck is rusted through, or critical parts are missing, it’s likely beyond economical repair.

What Type of Mower Is It?

• Gasoline Mower: These are the most common. They contain gasoline and oil, which require special handling during disposal.
• Electric Mower: These can be corded or battery-powered. Batteries often need special recycling.
• Riding Mower: Larger and heavier, these require different transportation and disposal methods.

Selling Your Used Lawn Mower

If your mower still has some life left in it, selling a used lawn mower is a great way to recoup some of your investment and help someone else get a functional machine.

Where to Sell

• Online Marketplaces:
  • Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace: Excellent for local sales. You can reach a wide audience quickly. Be prepared to negotiate prices and arrange pickup.
  • eBay/Etsy (for vintage/collectible): If your mower is a classic or a sought-after vintage model, these platforms can be effective.
  • Specialty Forums: Lawn care or equipment forums might have sections for buying and selling used gear.
• Local Options:
  • Garage Sale/Yard Sale: A classic way to sell unwanted items, including lawn mowers.
  • Local Classifieds: Newspaper ads can still reach an older demographic.
  • Equipment Swap Meets: Sometimes local communities organize events for trading tools and equipment.

Pricing Your Used Mower

• Research: Look at similar mowers for sale in your area to get an idea of fair pricing.
• Condition: Be honest about its condition, including any flaws.
• Features: Note any special features like self-propel, mulching capability, or a bagger.
• Brand and Model: Well-known brands often hold their value better.

Tips for a Successful Sale

• Clean it Up: A clean mower looks more appealing.
• Take Good Photos: Clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles are crucial.
• Write a Detailed Description: Include the make, model, age, condition, and any recent maintenance. Mention if it runs well or has issues.
• Be Responsive: Answer questions promptly.
• Safety First: When arranging for buyers to see the mower, ensure you have someone with you and meet in a safe, well-lit area.

Donating Your Old Mower

Donating an old mower is a wonderful way to support a good cause and ensure your mower gets a second life. Many organizations can benefit from a working lawn mower.

Who Accepts Mower Donations?

• Community Gardens: These often need mowers to maintain their plots.
• Non-profit Organizations: Some charities that assist low-income families, seniors, or those with disabilities might accept working lawn mowers.
• Vocational Schools/Trade Programs: Schools that teach small engine repair or landscaping might be interested in donating mowers for students to practice on.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStores: While not all ReStores accept lawn equipment, it’s worth checking your local branch.
• Local Churches or Community Centers: They may use it for their grounds or know someone who can.

Preparing Your Donation

• Ensure it Works: Most organizations prefer working equipment. If it’s not working, they may not be able to accept it.
• Fuel and Oil: Drain any fuel and oil before donating, especially if the organization will pick it up. Check their specific requirements.
• Receipts: Ask for a donation receipt for tax purposes.

Recycling Your Old Mower

When a mower is beyond repair or no longer functional, old mower recycling is the most environmentally responsible option. Mowers contain valuable metals and other materials that can be reused.

Finding Recycling Centers

• Local Waste Management/Recycling Facilities: Contact your municipal waste services. They often have specific drop-off points or collection events for yard equipment and scrap metal.
• Scrap Metal Yards: Most scrap metal yards will accept old lawn mowers. They will typically pay you by weight for the metal. Be sure to remove any non-metal parts first, like plastic shrouds or rubber tires.
• Auto Parts Stores/Repair Shops: Some auto repair shops or specialized small engine repair shops might accept old mowers for parts or scrap metal.
• Retailer Take-Back Programs: Occasionally, when you purchase a new mower, the retailer might offer to take your old one for recycling.

Preparing for Recycling

• Drain Fluids: This is crucial for safety and environmental reasons.
  • Gasoline: If you have a gas mower, safely drain the fuel into an approved container. Never pour gasoline down a drain or onto the ground.
  • Oil: Similarly, drain the engine oil into a suitable container.
• Remove Battery (Electric Mowers): If you have an electric mower, remove the battery. Batteries, especially lead-acid ones, require special recycling. Many auto parts stores or battery retailers accept them.
• Separate Materials (Optional but helpful): If you’re taking it to a scrap metal yard, removing plastic parts, rubber tires, and any electronic components can sometimes help the recycling process and potentially increase the amount you get paid.

Junk Lawn Mower Removal Services

If you don’t have the time, means, or desire to haul your old mower yourself, junk lawn mower removal services are a convenient option.

When to Use a Removal Service

• Heavy Mowers: For large riding mowers or very heavy push mowers.
• Lack of Transportation: If you don’t have a truck or trailer.
• No Time: If your schedule doesn’t allow for drop-offs or sales.
• Multiple Items: If you’re clearing out your garage and have other bulky items to remove.

Types of Removal Services

• Junk Haulers: Companies that specialize in removing all types of unwanted items. They will come to your home, load the mower, and take it away. They may charge a fee based on the item’s size and weight, and their disposal methods.
• Local Landscaping or Repair Shops: Some might offer removal services for a fee, especially if they can salvage parts or recycle it themselves.

What to Expect

• Get Quotes: Contact a few different services to compare prices.
• Inquire about Disposal: Ask them how they plan to dispose of or recycle the mower. Responsible services will follow proper procedures.
• Pricing: Fees can vary widely. Some might charge a flat rate, while others base it on weight or volume.

Specific Disposal Considerations: Disposing of Gasoline Mowers vs. Electric Mowers

The type of mower you have will influence the best disposal method, particularly concerning fuel and batteries.

Disposing of Gasoline Mowers

• Fuel: The most important step is to safely drain all gasoline.
  • Use a siphon pump to transfer the gas into an approved container.
  • Run the mower until it stalls to empty the carburetor as much as possible.
  • Dispose of old gasoline responsibly. Some auto parts stores or hazardous waste facilities accept it.
• Oil: Drain the engine oil into a sealable container. Many auto parts stores and service centers accept used motor oil for recycling.
• Metals: The bulk of a gas mower is metal, making it ideal for scrap metal recycling.

Electric Mower Disposal

• Corded Electric Mowers: These are generally easier to dispose of. They are mostly plastic and metal. The main concern is the cord and motor components.
• Battery-Powered (Cordless) Electric Mowers:
  • Battery: This is the key component requiring special attention. Most rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, lead-acid) contain hazardous materials and should not be thrown in regular trash.
  • Battery Recycling: Look for battery recycling drop-off points at:
    • Electronics stores (Best Buy, Staples, etc.)
    • Home improvement stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s)
    • Local hazardous waste collection sites
    • Battery retailers
  • Once the battery is removed and recycled properly, the rest of the mower can often be recycled as scrap metal and plastic.

Riding Mower Removal

Riding mower removal presents a larger challenge due to their size and weight.

Options for Riding Mowers

• Scrap Metal Yards: Many scrap yards will accept riding mowers, but you’ll need a trailer and a way to load it (e.g., a winch, ramp, or strong friends).
• Junk Removal Services: These are often the easiest option for riding mowers, as they have the equipment to haul them away.
• Local Municipal Waste: Check if your local waste transfer station or recycling center accepts large items like riding mowers. There might be a fee.
• Selling/Donating: If it’s still operational, selling or donating is ideal. Moving a working riding mower might be easier to arrange with a buyer or recipient who has a trailer.

Considerations for Riding Mowers

• Weight: They are significantly heavier than push mowers.
• Fluids: Like gas push mowers, you’ll need to drain fuel and oil.
• Battery: Riding mowers often have a car-style battery that also needs proper disposal.

What About the Local Lawn Mower Repair Shop Junk?

Sometimes, local lawn mower repair shop junk can be a source of parts or even complete, albeit non-working, mowers. If a repair shop is clearing out old inventory or customer machines they couldn’t sell, they might be willing to let them go for free or a very low price for scrap. It’s worth a friendly inquiry if you’re looking for a mower to fix up or a source of metal. However, most reputable shops will likely have their own established disposal or recycling channels.

Making the Choice: Your Lawn Mower Disposal Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:

Condition of Mower	Best Options	Notes
Working Well	Sell, Donate	Maximizes value, helps others, environmentally friendly.
Minor Repairs	Sell (as-is with disclosure), Donate (if specified)	Clean it, be honest about the issues.
Beyond Repair	Recycle (Scrap Metal Yard, Recycling Center)	Drain fluids, remove battery. Most eco-friendly.
Broken & Heavy	Junk Removal Service, Recycle (if transport available)	Convenient, but may involve a fee.
Electric (Battery)	Recycle battery separately, then recycle mower	Batteries require special handling.
Riding Mower	Sell, Donate, Junk Removal, Scrap Metal Yard (w/trans.)	Larger and heavier, requires more effort for DIY disposal.

Step-by-Step Guide to Responsible Lawn Mower Disposal

Let’s break down the process into actionable steps:

1. Assess Your Mower:

   • Is it working?
   • What type is it (gas, electric, rider)?
   • What are its specific problems?

2. Decide on a Path:

   • Sell it?
   • Donate it?
   • Recycle it?
   • Hire a removal service?

3. Prepare the Mower:

   • If Selling/Donating: Clean it thoroughly. Make any minor, easy repairs if possible.
   • If Recycling:
     • Safely drain all gasoline into an approved container.
     • Safely drain all engine oil into a sealable container.
     • Remove the battery from electric mowers and plan for its separate recycling.
     • Consider removing non-metal parts (plastic, rubber) if taking to a scrap metal yard.

4. Execute Your Plan:

   • For Selling: List it online, advertise locally, or plan a garage sale.
   • For Donating: Contact your chosen organization to arrange drop-off or pickup.
   • For Recycling: Locate a scrap metal yard or municipal recycling center. Call ahead to confirm they accept mowers and what their requirements are (e.g., drained fluids).
   • For Junk Removal: Book a service and confirm pickup details.

5. Dispose of Fluids Properly:

   • Gasoline: Take to a household hazardous waste facility or a service station that accepts it.
   • Oil: Take to an auto parts store, repair shop, or recycling center.

Final Thoughts on a Cleaner Yard and Planet

Getting rid of an old lawn mower doesn’t have to be a hassle. By understanding your options for lawn mower disposal and taking the necessary preparation steps, you can efficiently and responsibly clear out your space. Whether you’re turning it into cash, helping a neighbor, or ensuring its materials are reused, you’re making a positive impact. So, take that step today and enjoy a clutter-free yard and the satisfaction of a job well done!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I just put my old lawn mower in the regular trash?
A: No, it’s generally not recommended or allowed. Lawn mowers contain fluids (gasoline, oil) and metal components that require special handling. Landfills often have restrictions on items like this.

Q2: How do I safely drain gasoline from a mower?
A: Use a siphon pump to transfer the gas into an approved container. You can also try running the mower until it sputters out to empty the carburetor. Never pour gasoline on the ground or down a drain.

Q3: Where can I recycle batteries from an electric mower?
A: Look for battery recycling drop-off points at electronics stores, home improvement stores, or local hazardous waste collection sites.

Q4: Will scrap metal yards pay for my old lawn mower?
A: Yes, most scrap metal yards will pay by weight for the metal content of old lawn mowers, especially after fluids have been drained.

Q5: What’s the best way to get rid of a riding mower if it’s broken?
A: For broken riding mowers, junk removal services are often the easiest option. If you have a way to transport it, scrap metal yards are also a good choice for recycling.