Your trusty lawn mower has served you well, but now it’s time to say goodbye. Maybe the engine sputters and coughs, the blades are dull, or it’s simply time for an upgrade. But before you haul it to the curb, you need to know how to dispose of it properly. This guide will walk you through the different ways to throw away your old lawn mower, from recycling and donating to finding a new owner for your trusty workhorse.
Quick Overview
There are several ways to dispose of an old lawn mower. You can recycle it, donate it, sell it, or dispose of it through your local waste management system. It’s important to choose the best option based on the condition of your lawn mower and your local regulations.
Recycle Your Old Lawn Mower
The most eco-friendly way to dispose of your old lawn mower is to recycle it. Most lawn mowers contain valuable materials that can be reused, including steel, aluminum, and plastic. However, the process of recycling can vary depending on your location and the type of lawn mower you have.
Finding a Recycling Facility
Not all recycling centers accept lawn mowers. Start by contacting your local waste management company or recycling center. They can tell you whether they accept lawn mowers, and if so, what specific requirements they have.
Prepping Your Lawn Mower for Recycling
Before you drop off your lawn mower, there are some things you need to do to prepare it for recycling.
- Remove any fluids: Drain the gas tank and oil from the engine. You can safely dispose of these fluids at most automotive parts stores or recycling centers.
- Remove the battery: If your lawn mower has a battery, remove it and dispose of it properly at a designated battery recycling center.
Alternatives to Traditional Recycling
If you can’t find a recycling center that accepts lawn mowers, there are other options. Some companies specialize in recycling old appliances and electronics, and may be able to take your lawn mower. You can also try searching for local metal recycling businesses that may accept your old lawn mower.
Donate Your Old Lawn Mower
If your lawn mower is still in working condition, consider donating it to a local charity or non-profit organization. Many organizations need working lawn mowers to maintain their property.
Finding a Suitable Recipient
Look for organizations that provide landscaping services, such as:
- Community gardens: Many community gardens rely on volunteers to maintain their plots, and a working lawn mower would be a valuable asset.
- Schools and youth groups: Schools and youth groups often have large properties that require mowing, and a donated lawn mower can help them save on costs.
- Local shelters or churches: Many shelters and churches need to keep their grounds tidy, and a working lawn mower would be helpful.
Preparing Your Lawn Mower for Donation
Before you donate your lawn mower, make sure it is in good working order.
- Service it: Have the engine serviced and the blades sharpened.
- Clean it: Give the mower a thorough cleaning.
- Provide instructions: Include any instruction manuals or other documentation that might be helpful to the recipient.
Sell Your Old Lawn Mower
If your lawn mower is in good condition, you may be able to sell it. There are several ways to sell your old lawn mower:
- Online marketplaces: List your lawn mower on online marketplaces such as Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace.
- Local classifieds: Check your local newspaper or online classifieds for opportunities to sell your lawn mower.
- Yard sales: Host a yard sale and include your lawn mower among your items for sale.
Pricing Your Old Lawn Mower
When pricing your old lawn mower, consider its age, condition, and brand. Research similar lawn mowers online to get an idea of what they are selling for.
Dispose of Your Old Lawn Mower Through Your Local Waste Management System
If you can’t recycle, donate, or sell your old lawn mower, you can dispose of it through your local waste management system. Most cities and towns have designated drop-off locations for large items like lawn mowers.
Contacting Your Local Waste Management Company
Check with your local waste management company to find out how to dispose of your old lawn mower. They may require you to schedule a pick-up or drop it off at a specific location.
Preparing Your Lawn Mower for Disposal
Before you dispose of your lawn mower, follow the safety precautions outlined above. Remove all fluids, including gasoline and oil, and dispose of them properly. You may also need to remove the battery.
Final Thoughts
Disposing of an old lawn mower can seem like a daunting task, but it’s important to do it responsibly. Whether you recycle, donate, sell, or dispose of your old lawn mower through your local waste management system, follow the guidelines provided by your local authority to ensure you are disposing of it safely and environmentally friendly. Remember, by properly disposing of your old lawn mower, you are helping to keep our planet clean and green.
FAQs
What are the best ways to dispose of an old lawn mower?
There are a few different ways to dispose of an old lawn mower. The most common option is to take it to a local recycling center or transfer station. Some cities and towns also offer curbside pickup for large items like lawn mowers. If you’re looking to get rid of your lawn mower quickly and easily, consider selling it online or through a local classified ad.
If you’re looking to get rid of your lawn mower quickly and easily, consider selling it online or through a local classified ad. You could also donate it to a charity or non-profit organization that can use it. Make sure to check with your local regulations before disposing of your lawn mower.
How do I recycle my old lawn mower?
Recycling your old lawn mower can be a great way to help the environment. Many recycling centers and transfer stations accept old lawn mowers, but it’s important to check with your local facility to find out what they accept and what their procedures are. Some facilities might require you to remove the oil and gas from the mower before dropping it off.
There are also some businesses that specialize in recycling old lawn mowers. They may be able to dismantle the mower and recycle the different parts. You can find these businesses by searching online or by contacting your local recycling center.
Can I just throw my lawn mower in the trash?
No, you can’t simply throw your lawn mower in the trash. It’s considered a bulky item and is usually not accepted in regular trash collection. If you try to dispose of your lawn mower in the trash, you could face fines or other penalties.
You can often find local curbside pickup options for bulky items like lawn mowers. Many communities offer scheduled pickups for these items. You can usually find information about these programs on your city or town’s website or by calling your local sanitation department.
What happens to my old lawn mower after I recycle it?
When you recycle your old lawn mower, it will be dismantled and separated into its different parts. The metal parts will be melted down and reused to create new products. The plastic parts may be shredded and used as filler in other products.
Some parts of your lawn mower, such as the engine, may be sold to a company that specializes in refurbishing them. This allows for the parts to be reused in other products. Recycling your lawn mower helps to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.
How can I make money from my old lawn mower?
You can try selling your old lawn mower online or through local classified ads. If your lawn mower is still in good condition, you may be able to get a good price for it. If you’re not looking to make a profit, you could also donate it to a charity or non-profit organization that can use it.
Make sure to clean your lawn mower before selling or donating it. You should also disclose any problems or damage that the mower has. This will help you to find a buyer or recipient more easily.
What if my lawn mower has oil and gas in it?
If your lawn mower still has oil and gas in it, you’ll need to remove them before you dispose of it. Oil and gas can pollute the environment, so it’s important to dispose of them properly. You can take the oil and gas to a local recycling center or hazardous waste facility.
If you’re not sure where to take the oil and gas, you can contact your local sanitation department for guidance. They may be able to provide you with a list of facilities that accept hazardous waste.
Are there any lawn mower disposal fees?
Some recycling centers and transfer stations may charge a fee for disposing of your lawn mower. The fee will vary depending on the location and the size of your lawn mower. You can find out about any fees by contacting your local facility. Some municipalities also offer free lawn mower pickup services as part of their bulk waste collection programs.
If you’re looking for a free option, you can consider donating your lawn mower to a charity or non-profit organization. They may be able to pick up the mower for free.