The end of summer brings a familiar bittersweet feeling. Warm days and long evenings filled with grilling and backyard fun are fading into crisp air and the promise of pumpkin spice everything. But for many homeowners, this also means facing the reality of fall yard cleanup – and that often includes the dreaded task of dealing with the old lawnmower. Whether your trusty machine finally gave up the ghost, or you’ve upgraded to a new model, you’re left with a bulky, often rusty, piece of equipment and the question: Where do you dump it? This guide will help you navigate the process of responsibly disposing of your old lawnmower, covering options like recycling, donation, and proper disposal at local facilities.
Short Answer: The best way to dispose of a lawnmower depends on its condition and your local regulations. Options include recycling centers, donation to charities or schools, or dropping it off at designated waste facilities.
Recycling Your Old Mower: A Greener Option
The most environmentally friendly way to get rid of your lawnmower is to recycle it. Many cities and towns have dedicated recycling centers that accept scrap metal, including old lawnmower parts.
Finding a Local Recycling Center
The first step is to locate a recycling center in your area that accepts lawnmowers. You can start by contacting your local waste management company or searching online using keywords like “lawnmower recycling” and your city or town name.
What to Expect
Recycling centers may require you to remove certain components like the gas tank, oil, and battery before dropping off your mower. They might also charge a small fee for the service.
What Happens to Recycled Lawn Mowers?
Once your mower is collected, it will be transported to a processing facility where it will be broken down into its individual components. These components are then sorted and processed for reuse or recycling. For example, metal parts can be melted down and used to create new products, while plastic parts might be recycled into other items.
Donate Your Lawn Mower: A Second Life
If your mower is still in decent working condition, consider donating it to a local charity, school, or community garden. These organizations often need reliable lawn care equipment for their grounds, and your donation could make a real difference.
Finding the Right Recipient
Reach out to local organizations to see if they accept donated lawnmowers. You might consider contacting:
- Churches and community centers: These organizations often maintain large outdoor spaces that require regular upkeep.
- Schools: Schools, especially those with large green spaces, can benefit from a donated mower.
- Community gardens: These groups may need a mower to maintain their garden plots and shared spaces.
Disposal at a Local Facility: A Last Resort
If your lawnmower is beyond repair and cannot be recycled or donated, you’ll need to dispose of it properly at a local waste facility.
Check Local Regulations
Before dropping off your lawnmower, contact your local waste management company or city hall to confirm their policies for disposing of large items.
What to Expect
Some facilities might charge a fee for the disposal of large items like lawnmowers. You may also be required to drain any fluids, like oil or gasoline, from the mower before dropping it off.
Safely Preparing Your Lawn Mower for Disposal
No matter how you choose to dispose of your lawnmower, it’s important to prepare it properly for safety and environmental protection. Here are some crucial steps:
1. Remove All Fluids:
- Gas: Drain the gas tank completely. You can do this by removing the gas cap and siphoning out the gasoline with a siphon pump or using a clean container.
- Oil: Remove the oil from the engine by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Battery: Disconnect the battery terminals and remove the battery from the mower. Batteries should be disposed of separately at designated collection points or recycling centers.
2. Remove Sharp Objects:
- Remove the blade from the mower, ensuring it is properly secured before disposal.
- Remove any other sharp objects, like screws or bolts.
3. Dispose of Fluids and Batteries Responsibly:
- Do not pour gasoline or oil down the drain or into the ground. Instead, dispose of them at a designated hazardous waste collection center or take them to an automotive repair shop for proper disposal.
- Batteries should be taken to a designated recycling center or disposed of according to your local regulations.
4. Secure the Mower:
- Remove the spark plugs to prevent accidental starting.
- Cover the mower with a tarp or plastic sheet to prevent weather damage and potential hazards.
5. Label and Transport:
- Clearly label the mower as “old lawnmower” or “scrap metal” to prevent confusion.
- Transport the mower securely in your vehicle, ensuring it is properly secured to prevent it from shifting or falling.
Making Informed Choices for Responsible Disposal
Choosing the right method for disposing of your old lawnmower is not only about getting rid of it but also about making responsible environmental choices. By considering the options above and following the proper steps for preparation, you can ensure that your lawnmower is disposed of safely and sustainably, minimizing its impact on the environment. Remember to check local regulations, prioritize recycling and donation options whenever possible, and always dispose of fluids and batteries responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I dispose of a gas-powered lawn mower?
Most cities and towns have designated locations for disposing of hazardous waste, including gas-powered lawn mowers. You can check your local government website or contact your local waste management department to find out where the nearest hazardous waste drop-off site is. You may need to remove the gasoline and oil from the mower before dropping it off.
Additionally, some retailers that sell lawn mowers also offer recycling programs for older models. Contact your local retailer to see if they have such a program.
2. What if my lawn mower doesn’t work anymore?
Even if your lawn mower is broken, it still needs to be disposed of properly. You can’t just throw it in the trash. If it’s not working, you’ll need to find a hazardous waste drop-off site or a retailer with a recycling program.
If your lawn mower is too bulky to transport, you might want to consider hiring a junk removal service. They can usually handle large items like lawn mowers and dispose of them properly.
3. Can I just take my lawn mower to the landfill?
Generally, you can’t take a lawn mower to the landfill. Most landfills don’t accept hazardous materials, and lawn mowers with gas and oil are considered hazardous.
You’ll need to find a designated hazardous waste drop-off site, a retailer with a recycling program, or hire a junk removal service.
4. What if my lawn mower is electric?
Electric lawn mowers are generally considered less hazardous than gas-powered models, but they still need to be disposed of properly. Most e-waste recycling centers accept electric lawn mowers.
You can check your local government website or contact your local waste management department for a list of e-waste recycling centers in your area.
5. How can I dispose of the gas and oil from my lawn mower?
Before disposing of your lawn mower, you need to remove the gas and oil. You can take the gas to a gas station that accepts used fuel, or you can pour it into a sealed container and dispose of it as hazardous waste.
As for the oil, you can either take it to a gas station or an auto parts store for recycling or dispose of it in a sealed container as hazardous waste.
6. Can I donate my lawn mower?
If your lawn mower is in good working order, you may be able to donate it to a local charity or community organization. Check with local charities or organizations to see if they accept lawn mowers.
7. What about lawn mower blades?
Lawn mower blades are considered sharp metal objects and should be disposed of carefully. You can often wrap them in cardboard or paper and dispose of them in your regular trash.
Alternatively, you can take them to a metal recycling center.