Your trusty riding lawn mower has served you well for years, but now its time has come. Maybe it’s finally given up the ghost, or perhaps you’ve upgraded to a newer model. Whatever the reason, you’re left with the question: what do you do with this hulking piece of machinery? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best ways to dispose of your riding lawn mower responsibly and ethically. We’ll cover everything from recycling options to safe disposal, and even touch on how to potentially get some money back for your old mower.
A Quick Overview
The best way to dispose of a riding lawn mower depends on its condition and your location. If it’s still functional, you might be able to sell it or donate it. If it’s beyond repair, your options may include recycling, taking it to a landfill, or contacting a local scrap metal dealer.
Assess Your Mower’s Condition
The first step is to take a realistic assessment of your riding lawn mower’s condition.
Is It Still Operational?
If your mower is still running well, you have the best chance of getting some value for it.
Can It Be Repaired?
If your mower is experiencing minor issues, such as a flat tire or a faulty spark plug, consider if it’s worth repairing. A relatively inexpensive repair could make your mower usable again and increase its resale value.
Is It Beyond Repair?
If your mower has major mechanical problems, is missing parts, or has extensive rust or damage, it’s probably time to say goodbye.
Selling or Donating Your Riding Lawn Mower
If your riding lawn mower is in good working order, you may be able to sell it or donate it.
Selling Your Mower
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are excellent platforms for selling used lawn mowers. Be sure to provide detailed descriptions and clear photos.
- Local Classifieds: Check your local newspaper or community bulletin boards for opportunities to sell your mower directly to someone in your area.
- Dealerships: Some lawn mower dealerships may offer trade-in programs, where you can get a credit towards a new mower.
Donating Your Mower
If you’re looking to give your mower a second life, consider donating it to a charitable organization. Many nonprofits accept donations of tools and equipment.
- Local Charities: Contact local charities in your area to see if they accept lawn mower donations.
- Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity often accepts donated building materials and tools, which can be used to help build homes.
Recycling Your Riding Lawn Mower
Recycling your riding lawn mower is a great way to be environmentally responsible.
Check with Local Recycling Facilities
- Metal Scrap Yards: Contact local metal scrap yards to see if they accept riding lawn mowers. They may be able to recycle the metal components.
- E-Waste Programs: Some communities have e-waste programs that accept old electronics and appliances. Contact your local waste management agency to see if they offer this service.
Removing Hazardous Materials
- Batteries: Dispose of batteries properly according to local guidelines.
- Oil and Fluids: Dispose of oil and fluids at designated locations, such as automotive repair shops or recycling centers.
Taking Your Mower to the Landfill
If you’re unable to sell, donate, or recycle your riding lawn mower, your last resort may be to take it to a landfill.
- Contact Your Local Landfill: Contact your local landfill to confirm they accept riding lawn mowers.
- Properly Prepare Your Mower: Remove any flammable fluids and batteries before taking your mower to the landfill.
Hiring a Junk Removal Service
If you’re not comfortable transporting a heavy riding lawn mower yourself, consider hiring a junk removal service.
- Professional Services: Companies specializing in junk removal will handle the pickup, transportation, and disposal of your mower, often for a fee.
Scrapping Your Riding Lawn Mower
If your riding lawn mower is beyond repair and has no resale value, you can consider scrapping it for its metal components.
- Scrap Metal Dealers: Contact local scrap metal dealers to see if they accept riding lawn mowers for scrap. They will typically pay a small amount for the metal.
Selling Parts
If your riding lawn mower is inoperable, but some of the parts are still usable, consider selling them online or through local classifieds.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay and Craigslist are great places to sell used lawn mower parts.
- Local Classifieds: Check your local newspaper or community bulletin boards for opportunities to sell mower parts to people in your area.
Tips for Safe Disposal
No matter how you choose to dispose of your riding lawn mower, safety should always be a top priority.
- Remove Batteries and Fluids: Dispose of batteries and fluids according to local regulations.
- Dismantle Large Parts: If possible, dismantle large parts to make them easier to transport and dispose of.
- Wear Protective Gear: Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling the mower.
Conclusion
Disposing of a riding lawn mower responsibly requires some thought and effort. But by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your old mower is handled safely and ethically. Whether you sell it, donate it, recycle it, or take it to the landfill, you’ll be making a responsible choice for the environment and your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do with an old riding lawnmower?
There are a few options for getting rid of an old riding lawnmower. You can sell it, donate it, or scrap it. If it is still in good condition, you may be able to sell it online or to a local lawn care company. Many charities and organizations accept donations of used lawnmowers, especially if they are still functional. If the lawnmower is too old or damaged to be sold or donated, you can scrap it.
To scrap a riding lawnmower, you can take it to a local scrap metal yard. Some scrap yards may accept the lawnmower for free, while others may charge a fee. Be sure to remove any personal information or valuables from the lawnmower before taking it to the scrap yard. You can also look for local recycling programs that accept lawnmowers.
Can I just throw away my old riding lawnmower?
It is not recommended to throw away your old riding lawnmower in the trash. Most landfills do not accept large appliances or machinery like riding lawnmowers. Even if your local landfill does accept them, there may be special fees or requirements for disposal.
What should I do with the oil and gasoline before getting rid of my riding lawnmower?
Before getting rid of your old riding lawnmower, it is important to drain the oil and gasoline from the engine. This will help to prevent environmental damage and make the lawnmower safer to handle. Drain the oil into a container and properly dispose of it at a recycling center or designated collection point. You can also use the oil for other purposes like mixing it with soil for compost or using it as a preservative for metal parts.
The gasoline should be poured into a gas can and stored in a safe location. Never dump gasoline down the drain or into the ground. You can use the gasoline to power other tools or give it away to someone who needs it. If you cannot use or dispose of the gasoline safely, it is best to take it to a local hazardous waste facility.
How do I properly dispose of the battery from my riding lawnmower?
The battery from your riding lawnmower needs to be disposed of properly to prevent environmental damage. The battery is a hazardous waste material and cannot be thrown in the regular trash. Contact your local sanitation department to find out if they offer battery recycling programs or designated drop-off locations for hazardous materials.
Should I try to fix my old riding lawnmower before disposing of it?
If your riding lawnmower is not running properly, you may be tempted to try to fix it before getting rid of it. However, this may not always be the best course of action. If the lawnmower is too old or damaged, it may not be worth the time and money to repair it. You may also lack the knowledge or skills necessary to fix the lawnmower, which could lead to further damage.
What should I do if I have a riding lawnmower with a gas tank that is leaking?
Leaking gas tanks can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately. If you have a riding lawnmower with a leaking gas tank, do not try to repair it yourself. Contact a professional mechanic or qualified technician to inspect and repair the tank. In the meantime, store the lawnmower in a well-ventilated area away from any heat sources.
Is it safe to donate an old riding lawnmower?
It is generally safe to donate an old riding lawnmower as long as it is in good working condition and meets the safety standards of the charity or organization accepting it. However, it is important to disclose any known defects or issues with the lawnmower to the recipient. You can also consider getting the lawnmower serviced by a professional mechanic before donating it to ensure it is safe and functional.