How to Throw Away Lawn Mower Properly

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How to Throw Away a Lawn Mower Properly

Thinking about how to throw away a lawn mower? You have several options, including selling it, donating it, recycling it as scrap metal, or arranging for junk lawn mower pickup. Proper lawn mower disposal is crucial to ensure environmental safety and to avoid legal issues. This guide will walk you through the best ways to get rid of your old lawn mower.

Your Old Lawn Mower’s Next Chapter: Responsible Disposal

That trusty lawn mower has served you well, cutting swathes of grass and keeping your yard looking sharp. But time marches on, and eventually, every piece of equipment reaches the end of its useful life. When it’s time to say goodbye to your old lawn mower, doing so responsibly is key. You don’t want to just abandon it; there are better, safer, and often more beneficial ways to handle your old lawn mower removal. This isn’t just about decluttering your garage; it’s about making an environmentally conscious choice.

Exploring Your Options for Lawn Mower Disposal

When your lawn mower has officially kicked the bucket, or simply isn’t worth the repair costs anymore, you’re faced with the task of lawn mower disposal. Luckily, there are numerous avenues to explore, catering to different conditions of your old machine and your personal preferences. Let’s delve into the most common and effective methods.

Selling Your Old Lawn Mower

If your lawn mower is still in working order, even if it’s a bit worn, selling it is a fantastic way to recoup some of your investment and ensure it gets a second life. Many people are on the lookout for affordable used lawn mowers, especially for smaller yards or as a backup.

• Online Marketplaces: Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and dedicated lawn and garden equipment forums are excellent places to list your mower. Be sure to take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles. A detailed description, including the make, model, year (if known), engine size, and any recent maintenance performed, will attract serious buyers.
• Local Classifieds: Don’t underestimate the power of local newspapers or community bulletin boards. These can be effective for reaching people in your immediate area.
• Garage Sales: If you’re planning a broader decluttering effort, include your lawn mower in your garage sale. Price it competitively, and be prepared for some negotiation.

When selling, consider the following:

• Honest Description: Detail any known issues. A buyer who knows what they’re getting into is happier.
• Fair Pricing: Research similar mowers in your area to set a realistic price.
• Safety First: If you demonstrate it, ensure it’s in a safe environment and follow all operating safety guidelines.

Donating Your Lawn Mower

Donating your old lawn mower is a wonderfully charitable act that can benefit individuals or organizations in need. Many non-profits and community groups would be grateful for a functional mower to maintain their grounds or to help someone in their community.

• Local Charities: Habitat for Humanity ReStores, community centers, churches, and veteran organizations are often excellent recipients. Some may even offer pickup services for larger items.
• Schools and Parks: Local schools with groundskeeping needs or community parks might be able to utilize a working mower.
• Friends and Neighbors: You might know someone who is starting out and could use a mower but can’t afford a new one.

Before donating, always check with the organization to confirm they accept lawn mowers and what their specific requirements are. It’s polite and ensures your donation is useful.

Lawn Mower Recycling: Embracing the Scrap Metal Option

Even if your lawn mower is beyond repair or has been sitting in your shed for years, it likely still has value as lawn mower scrap metal. Most components are made of steel, aluminum, and other recyclable metals. This is a highly responsible way to handle a non-working mower, preventing it from ending up in a landfill.

• Scrap Metal Yards: Locate local scrap metal recycling facilities. These businesses will often buy your old mower by weight. They are equipped to handle the dismantling and proper recycling of the metals.
• Preparation for Recycling:
  • Drain Fluids: This is critically important for safety and environmental reasons. Drain all gasoline and oil from the mower. Store these fluids properly for disposal at a hazardous waste facility. Never pour them down drains or on the ground.
  • Remove Battery (if electric): Electric mowers, especially riding ones, may have batteries. These need to be recycled separately. Many auto parts stores or battery retailers accept old batteries.
  • Check for Non-Metallic Parts: Remove any plastic components, rubber tires, or other non-metallic parts if you can easily do so. Some scrap yards prefer just the metal, or they may charge differently.

When you take your mower to a scrap yard, they will typically weigh it and pay you based on the current market price for the metals. It might not be a fortune, but it’s a responsible disposal method and you get a little something for it.

Junk Lawn Mower Pickup and Lawn Mower Haul Away Services

For those who prefer a hassle-free solution, hiring a junk lawn mower pickup service is an excellent choice. These companies specialize in removing unwanted items from your home, including large appliances and equipment like lawn mowers.

• Local Junk Removal Companies: Many local businesses offer this service. A quick online search for “junk lawn mower pickup near me” or “lawn mower haul away service” will provide several options.
• On-Demand Services: Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? or Junk King are national franchises that offer convenient scheduling and removal.
• What to Expect:
  • Quote: You’ll usually get a quote based on the item’s size and the estimated labor involved.
  • Convenience: They come to your home, load the mower, and haul it away.
  • Disposal: Reputable services will ensure the item is disposed of properly, whether through recycling, donation, or responsible landfill disposal.

This option is ideal if you have mobility issues, lack transportation, or simply want the quickest and easiest way to get rid of lawn mower clutter.

Municipal Waste and Recycling Centers

Your local waste management or recycling center might offer specific programs for large item disposal or appliance removal.

• Check Local Regulations: Contact your city or county’s solid waste department. They can inform you about scheduled bulk pickup days or specific drop-off locations for items like lawn mowers.
• Transfer Stations: Some transfer stations or landfills have designated areas for metal recycling or appliances. There might be a fee associated with dropping off items.
• Hazardous Waste Disposal: Remember to inquire about proper disposal methods for the fluids (gasoline, oil) if you are draining them yourself. Many municipal centers have separate hazardous waste drop-off days or locations.

This is often the most accessible option, but it’s essential to follow their guidelines precisely for proper lawn mower disposal.

Preparing Your Old Lawn Mower for Disposal

Regardless of the method you choose, some preparation can make the process smoother and more responsible.

Draining Fuel and Oil: A Critical Step

This is arguably the most important step for safety and environmental protection. Gasoline and oil are hazardous materials and should never be dumped into regular trash, storm drains, or on the ground.

• Gather Supplies: You’ll need a safe container for the fuel (approved gas can), a funnel, rags, gloves, and possibly a siphon pump.
• Drain the Fuel:
  1. Ensure the mower is on a level surface.
  2. Start the mower and let it run until it stops from lack of fuel. This is the safest way to empty the tank.
  3. Alternatively, use a siphon pump to transfer fuel into an approved container.
• Drain the Oil:
  1. Warm up the engine for a few minutes to make the oil flow more easily.
  2. Locate the drain plug (usually at the bottom of the engine).
  3. Place a suitable container underneath to catch the oil.
  4. Carefully remove the drain plug using a wrench.
  5. Let all the oil drain out.
  6. Replace the drain plug securely.
• Proper Disposal of Fluids: Take the collected gasoline and oil to a local hazardous waste collection site or a service station that accepts used motor oil.

Removing Batteries (Electric and Riding Mowers)

If you have an electric or riding mower, it likely has a battery. Batteries contain heavy metals and corrosive chemicals that are harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.

• Locate the Battery: Consult your mower’s manual if you’re unsure.
• Disconnect Safely: Always disconnect the negative terminal first, then the positive terminal.
• Recycle Batteries: Take old batteries to a local recycling center, auto parts store, or a designated battery collection point. Many retailers offer battery recycling programs.

Disconnecting Spark Plugs and Cables

For gasoline mowers, disconnecting the spark plug wire is a good safety measure, especially if you plan to transport the mower yourself or have children or pets around. It prevents accidental starting. For electric mowers, ensure they are unplugged from the power source.

Specific Disposal Considerations by Mower Type

The type of lawn mower you have can influence the best disposal method.

Gasoline Mowers

These are the most common and require careful handling of fuel and oil. Lawn mower disposal for gas models always necessitates draining these fluids.

• Best Options: Selling, donating (if working), scrap metal recycling, or junk removal.
• Key Preparation: Thorough draining of all fuel and oil.

Electric Mowers (Corded and Cordless)

Electric mowers are generally lighter and easier to handle.

• Corded Electric: These are simpler still, with no fluids to worry about. They can often be taken to general recycling centers or donated more easily due to their simplicity.
• Cordless Electric: These often have rechargeable batteries that need separate recycling.
• Best Options: Donating, selling (if still functional), recycling at a general electronics recycling facility, or local waste pickup for scrap metal.
• Key Preparation: Removing and recycling the battery for cordless models.

Riding Lawn Mowers and Garden Tractors

These are larger and heavier, often with more complex systems, including batteries and fuel tanks.

• Best Options: Selling (if working), donation (especially to organizations with large grounds), scrap metal recycling, or specialized junk lawn mower pickup services that can handle larger items.
• Key Preparation: Thoroughly draining fuel and oil, and removing the battery. Due to their size, DIY lawn mower haul away might be challenging.

What to Do with Old Lawn Mower Parts

If your mower is only partially functional, or you’ve already salvaged parts, you might have leftover components to dispose of.

• Scrap Metal: Blades, metal decks, frames, wheels, and engine blocks can usually be taken to a scrap metal yard.
• Plastic Parts: Plastic shrouds or wheels can sometimes be recycled with other plastics, but check with your local recycling facility.
• Tires (Riding Mowers): Old tires often need to be taken to specialized tire recycling centers.

Choosing the Right Method for You

When deciding how to get rid of lawn mower clutter, consider these factors:

• Condition of the Mower: Is it working, partially working, or completely broken?
• Your Time and Effort: Do you have time to list it for sale, or do you need a quick pickup?
• Environmental Concerns: Are you prioritizing recycling and responsible disposal?
• Local Resources: What options are readily available in your area?

Table: Comparison of Lawn Mower Disposal Methods

Method	Pros	Cons	Best For
Sell Old Lawn Mower	Recoup costs, gives mower a second life	Requires effort to list, market, and deal with buyers	Mowers in good to fair working condition
Donate Lawn Mower	Charitable, helps others, potential tax deduction	Mower must be in usable condition, requires finding a suitable charity	Mowers in good working order
Lawn Mower Recycling	Environmentally friendly, reduces landfill waste	Requires draining fluids, some effort to transport, minimal return	Non-working mowers, those with significant damage
Junk Lawn Mower Pickup	Convenient, hassle-free, quick removal	Costs money, less direct environmental benefit unless service recycles	Those who value convenience, have no transportation, or a broken mower
Municipal Waste Pickup	Often free or low cost, accessible	May have specific dates/rules, requires preparation (fluid draining)	Anyone able to follow local guidelines, good for general clutter clearing
Scrap Metal Yard	Pays for metal, efficient recycling	Requires draining fluids, transporting the mower, might need dismantling	Non-working mowers, those being dismantled for parts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Lawn Mower Disposal

Q1: Can I just put my old lawn mower in the regular trash bin?
A1: No, you generally cannot put a lawn mower in your regular household trash. They are considered bulky waste and often contain hazardous materials like oil and gasoline. Check with your local waste management authority for proper procedures.

Q2: How do I properly dispose of gasoline and oil from a lawn mower?
A2: You must drain all gasoline and oil from the mower. Store them in approved containers and take them to a local hazardous waste collection facility or a mechanic shop that accepts used oil and gasoline. Never pour them down drains or onto the ground.

Q3: Is it legal to abandon an old lawn mower?
A3: No, abandoning an old lawn mower is illegal and environmentally irresponsible. You can face fines for improper disposal.

Q4: Where can I find a local scrap metal yard?
A4: You can search online for “scrap metal yards near me” or “metal recycling centers.” Local directories or even a quick call to your municipal waste department can provide this information.

Q5: What if my lawn mower is very old and rusty?
A5: Even very old and rusty lawn mowers are excellent candidates for lawn mower recycling as lawn mower scrap metal. The metal components still have value. Ensure you drain any residual fluids before taking it to a scrap yard.

Q6: Do junk removal services charge extra for draining fluids?
A6: Most professional junk removal services will handle the draining of fluids as part of their service. It’s always best to confirm this when getting a quote for junk lawn mower pickup.

Q7: Can I get a tax deduction for donating my lawn mower?
A7: If you donate a working lawn mower to a qualified non-profit organization, you may be able to claim a tax deduction. Be sure to get a receipt from the organization and keep good records of the donation.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Old Mower

Getting rid of an old lawn mower doesn’t have to be a difficult or environmentally damaging task. By understanding your options – from selling and donating to recycling and utilizing professional lawn mower haul away services – you can ensure your old equipment is handled responsibly. Whether you’re looking to sell old lawn mower models, contribute to a good cause through a donate lawn mower program, or simply clear out space by arranging junk lawn mower pickup, there’s a method that fits your needs and respects the environment. Prioritizing proper lawn mower disposal is a small but significant way to contribute to a cleaner planet.