As technology changes and your old tools become useless, it’s important to know how to properly get rid of them. One of these tools is an old lawn mower, which can’t just be thrown away because it might hurt the environment.
Because of this, our team of junk removal experts is here to give you some ideas on what to do with an old lawn mower that are both convenient and legal and good for the environment.
Before you get rid of your lawn mower, you should make sure you know the rules and regulations set by your local government or waste management authorities. These regulations can vary widely depending on your location. Some areas may have specific rules regarding the disposal of large appliances.
Visit the website for your city or county or call the local waste management authority to learn about how to properly dispose of trash, when it will be collected, and where to drop it off. This step ensures youre following the correct procedures according to your local laws.
Some areas might require permits or have restrictions on how you can dispose of certain items. For example, they might say that lawn mowers can’t be put in regular trash pickups or that big items can only be picked up on certain dates.
Before you throw away your old lawn mower, you need to clean and drain it properly to avoid leaks, spills, and contamination while moving and taking it apart.
Remove gasoline and oil, which are hazardous materials that can harm the environment if they leak during disposal. You can run the mower until the tank is empty to use up the remaining fuel.
Detach plug wires and take out spark plugs to prevent accidental engine ignition during the disposal process. This step is vital for your safety and for those handling the mower later.
Clear out any debris, grass clippings, and dirt from the mower. Cleaning the mower makes it safer to use and stops germs from spreading when it’s recycled or thrown away.
Lawn mowers are made of many recyclable materials, such as metals (like steel and aluminum), plastics, and maybe even other parts like rubber tires.
Contact recycling centers and find out about their lawn mower policies. Ask how to drop off lawn mowers, if they can pick them up, if they need to be taken apart, and if they accept both gas-powered and electric mowers.
If the recycling center accepts lawn mowers, they might have specific instructions for preparation. This could include draining any remaining fluids, removing the battery, and separating components such as blades.
A lawn mower is an essential tool for any homeowner with a yard. However, like any machine, lawn mowers have a limited lifespan. At some point, your trusty mower will conk out beyond repair. When this happens, you need an eco-friendly way to dispose of your old clunker.
Getting rid of a lawn mower isn’t as simple as putting it on the curb for trash pick-up day. These machines contain hazardous materials like oil gas and batteries. Dumping a lawn mower in the landfill can pollute the environment. Fortunately, there are better options for removing an old mower without harming the planet.
In this article, we will explore five earth-friendly ways to dispose of an outdated push or riding lawn mower. With a little time and effort, you can give your mower new life through recycling or reuse. Follow these tips to keep your mower out of the landfill and protect the environment.
Recycle It
One of the best options for lawn mower disposal is to recycle it. Recycling allows the materials in old mowers to be repurposed, rather than thrown out.
To recycle a mower, you will need to deconstruct it to separate the plastic, metal, and hazardous parts. Start by draining all fluids like oil and gas into proper containers. Take off any plastic casings or handles. Remove the battery if it contains hazardous materials like lead or cadmium.
Take apart the mower into individual components The metal deck can go to a steel recycling center Plastic parts may be eligible for plastic recycling. Batteries and used oil should go to designated hazardous waste facilities.
Recycling yards may accept intact mowers if you prepare them properly. Drain all fluids and remove any batteries. Call your local center first to ask about their policies. With some work on the front end, recycling gives new life to mower materials.
Scrap It
For riding or push mowers that are too difficult to take apart, scrapping may be the best disposal method Scrap yards buy bulk metals by weight and accept whole machines
Start by draining any remaining oil or gas from the mower. Remove loose debris like grass clippings that could reduce the scrap value. Detach any accessories like bagger attachments.
Most scrap yards only accept metal components. If your mower contains hazardous parts like batteries, remove these first and recycle them separately. Plastic casings and handles will also need to be detached.
Call ahead to your local scrap yard to ask about their policies. Many will send a tow truck to pick up large riding mowers for free. You can earn a small amount of cash for the scrap metal value of your mower.
Opt for Curbside Pickup
Does your town or city offer large waste pick-up days? Special pick-up days allow you to dispose of bulky items like appliances for free curbside collection.
Check with your local waste management department to find out when the next large waste pick-up day occurs. Make sure lawn mowers are specifically listed as accepted items before putting your mower on the curb.
As with other disposal methods, you will need to drain all fluids ahead of time. Remove any batteries containing hazardous materials like lead-acid. Detach any accessories to lighten the mower.
Large waste pick-up only occurs a few times per year. If you just missed the pick-up day, you may need to wait months until the next one. But when available, curbside collection provides an easy, no-cost way to remove an old mower.
Call a Junk Removal Service
For fast mower disposal without the work, consider hiring a junk removal service. Junk removal companies specialize in taking away large, bulky items like old appliances, mattresses, and lawn mowers.
Look for a full-service company that will send a team to your home for removal. Quality junk haulers will take care of the hard work of getting the mower out of your garage or shed and onto their truck.
Choose a junk removal company that recycles and donates items whenever possible. Avoid firms that simply dump everything at the landfill. Ask upfront about their sustainability practices.
Junk removal does come at a cost to hire the service. However, the small fee may be worth avoiding the hassle of mower disposal yourself. Look for companies that provide same or next-day removal for fast pick-up.
Rent a Dumpster
For DIY-disposal of a lawn mower, consider renting a dumpster. A small dumpster placed in your driveway provides an easy way to get rid of a bulky mower.
Start by calling your local waste management company to rent a dumpster. Tell them you need it for a lawn mower and any other large junk. Choose a dumpster size adequate for the mower.
Just like prepping for other disposal methods, drain fluids and remove hazardous parts before placing in the dumpster. You may need to partially disassemble the mower to fit it inside.
When full, the waste management company will haul away the dumpster contents. This allows you to conveniently get rid of the mower at your own pace. Dumpster rental averages $100 to $200 for a week-long rental.
Before Disposing of a Lawn Mower
Whichever method you choose, proper prep work helps dispose of a lawn mower safely and responsibly. Here are a few key steps to take before getting rid of your mower:
-
Drain oil and gas completely. Allow all fluids to drip into containers.
-
Remove any batteries, especially if they contain hazardous materials. Recycle batteries separately.
-
Detach any accessories like grass baggers that can be reused.
-
Take off removable handles, wheels, and plastic components when possible.
-
Clear off accumulated grass clippings and debris.
Preparing a lawn mower before disposal removes toxic or recyclable components. Follow these steps no matter which disposal method you use. Proper prep work keeps dangerous chemicals out of landfills.
Give Your Mower New Purpose
Before disposing of your lawn mower, consider alternatives that prolong its usefulness. With some creativity, an old mower can take on a new life. Here are a few ideas for mower reuse:
-
Turn it into yard art. An old mower painted bright colors creates a quirky garden sculpture.
-
Use it as a planter. Fill the empty mower base with soil and flowers for a unique planter box.
-
Make it a barbecue. Remove mower parts then use the empty base as an outdoor grill.
-
Create a rain collector. Replace mower parts with a plastic barrel to accumulate rainwater.
-
Build a whimsical bird feeder or birdhouse using the mower body.
With imagination, an old mower transforms into functional and artistic projects. Before saying goodbye, explore ways to give the mower new purpose.
Let Your Mower Go With Care
Retiring an old lawn mower requires consideration to keep hazardous components out of landfills. But with proper prep and disposal, you can part ways with your mower in an eco-friendly manner.
Next time your mower conks out beyond repair, revisit this guide. Choose a disposal method that suits your needs and timeline. With planning and care, removing a mower can actually benefit the planet. Your old, trusty machine can enjoy an extended life through reuse or recycling.
Donate or resell lawn mower
Donating or selling your old lawn mower can be a fun way to get more use out of it and reduce waste.
Look for local charities, community organizations, or individuals who might be interested in receiving a used lawn mower. Websites, social media platforms, and community bulletin boards can be helpful resources.
Check out our guide on how to donate houseware and furniture here.
If the mower is in decent condition, you could consider selling it. Platforms such as online classifieds, marketplace websites, or local buy-and-sell groups are great places to list your mower.
Disassembling the lawn mower can aid in separating its components for proper recycling and disposal. However, this step requires caution and some mechanical skills.
Refer to the manufacturers manual for guidance on disassembly. Manuals often provide step-by-step instructions and safety precautions. If you no longer have the manual, check out an online archive such as Manuals Online to find your mower.
Wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and protective eyewear, when disassembling the mower. Some parts might still have sharp edges or residual fluids.
Use the right tools for disassembly to avoid damaging components. Common tools might include wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers.
Separate components such as the engine, frame, cutting blade, and plastic parts. Keep metals separate from plastics, as they will likely be recycled differently. Then, put the parts in a safe place to be organized and stored until you’re ready to take them to the right place for recycling or disposal.
Before you throw away your old lawn mower, you might want to save any parts that are still in good shape and can be used for projects like repairs or replacements.
Check the lawn mower’s different parts, like the starter motor, wheels, handles, and other working parts, very carefully. Store the salvaged parts in a safe and organized manner. Label them if necessary, so you can easily identify and use them in the future.
Get in touch with local lawn mower repair shops or do-it-yourselfers who might want to buy or use the used parts. Consider listing the parts on online marketplaces or platforms that specialize in selling used parts. This can connect you with potential buyers looking for cost-effective solutions.
If your lawn mower is electric and has a battery, it falls under electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste must be handled properly because it contains hazardous materials.
If your electric lawn mower has a removable battery, detach it according to the manufacturers instructions. Recycling these batteries helps recover these materials while preventing environmental contamination.
Locate e-waste recycling facilities in your area. These facilities are equipped to handle batteries and other electronic components safely.
Take the battery and any other electronic components to the designated e-waste collection point. Many communities have specific drop-off locations for e-waste.
Hiring a professional disposal service might be the best option in some situations, especially if you’re dealing with dangerous materials or taking apart things that are hard to put together.
Research waste disposal companies that specialize in handling hazardous materials and large appliances such as lawn mowers. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? takes care of all kinds of trash, recycling what we can and getting rid of the rest in a safe and responsible way.
Contact the disposal services to understand their offerings, including pickup, transportation, and environmentally responsible disposal methods. You can be sure that when you contact us, we will follow all local rules and environmental guidelines for proper waste management.
Lawn Mower Repair : How to Remove Lawn Mower Blades
How do I get rid of a lawn mower?
Electric mowers can be brought straight to a household electrical recycling center. There are pretty much only two big conditions to consider when talking about getting rid of lawn mowers: either the lawn mower is still operational, or it’s broken. The way that you get rid of a lawn mower really depends on this factor.
How do you remove engine oil from a lawn mower?
Drain all the oil out of the lawn mower by removing the oil drain plug underneath the engine block and letting the oil pour out into a sealable plastic or metal container. siphon out any leftover gasoline from the tank into a sealable plastic or metal container as well. Never pour oil or gasoline down a drain or into storm waste systems.
How do you remove metal from a lawn mower?
Most dumps have a hazardous waste collection facility. You can call your local dump to double-check. Remove all non-metal pieces from the lawn mower to turn it into scrap metal. Take off the tires by unscrewing the nuts from the bolts that hold the wheel hubs in place. Strip away any wires that connect the handle to the engine with wire cutters.
What to do with old lawn mowers?
There are a few options for disposing of an old lawn mower. You can check with your local recycling center to see if they accept lawn mowers for recycling. If not, you may be able to donate it to a local charity or sell it online. If all else fails, it can be taken to a landfill, but be sure to drain any oil or gas before doing so.