How to Dispose of a Lawn Mower Safely and Hassle-Free?

Got an old lawn mower lying around for a long time? Well, you are not alone, my friend!

However, the tricky part is that you cannot just leave it as it is on the curb. Why? Well, they typically contain fuel, oils, and metal parts that have to be handled properly. This means that they are not only inconvenient but at the same time can be quite hazardous as well.

The good news? Lawn mower disposal isn’t that complicated as it sounds. In fact, with the right information on how to dispose of a lawn mower, you will be able to get rid of it, without the hassle.

Read on to know more!

Are You Allowed to Throw a Lawn Mower in the Trash?

Mostly no!

However, then again, it all depends on the local laws as curbside disposal is usually restricted because mowers contain material that cannot go into the regular household trash. Let’s break it down:

Local Laws and Environmental Regulations

Most states and municipalities have strict protocols in place that prevent anything (fuel, oil, batteries, or hazardous materials) from going into landfills.

Here’s why local rules matter:

Gas-powered mowers contain gasoline and motor oil, both of which can leak and contaminate soil and groundwater.
Electric and battery-powered mowers contain electrical components and lithium-ion batteries, which can cause fires.
Many areas classify lawn mowers as “bulk waste” or “special handling waste”, meaning they need to be taken to an approved drop-off center.
Cities often require proof that the mower has been fully drained of fluids before accepting.

Curbside Disposal is Often Illegal

Most people don’t even know or realize that putting a mower on the curb can actually be illegal. They are done for a reason, such as:

Fuel, oil, and batteries, all of them are considered environmental hazards and must be handled separately.
Lithium-ion batteries can explode or catch fire when compacted in trash trucks.
Contain metals and machine parts that need to be recycled.
Many cities regard them as bulky waste, scrap metal or hazardous waste (if fluids are present).

Penalties and fines

While the exact penalties vary by location, this is what can happen if you illegally dispose of a lawn mower:

There can be administrative fines, ranging anywhere from $50 to $500+, based on the location and the hazardous materials were involved.
Waste crews can leave the mower behind, leaving you with the entire cleanup and possibly an extra charge to remove it properly.
Dumping fuel or oil in the trash can increase fines as it’s deemed improper hazardous waste disposal.

What to Do Before Disposing of a Lawn Mower?

Before you begin the process, there are a few essential things you must do first to protect yourself and the environment. They are as follows:

Let the mower sit for at least an hour after its last usage.
Check the engine and the muffler.
Ensure it’s on a flat, stable surface before you begin.
Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.
Store old gasoline upright and in an approved container.

How to Dispose of a Lawn Mower (All Options)

Once the mower is ready, the next step is to decide where it should go. There are several disposal options with some being free, while others needing little cash. Below is a quick breakdown of the most common ways on how to get rid of an old lawn mower:

Take It to a Local Recycling Center

First of all, bringing the lawn mower to a recycling center is obviously one of the most eco-friendly lawn mower disposal options. They usually accepts:

Gas lawn mowers
Electric and corded lawn mowers
Battery-powered mowers
Push reel mowers
Metal mower part

Scrap Metal Yard

If the mower is no longer working, scrap metal yards are a great option as most of the time, they pay. Things they take in:

Metal type
Drained of fluids
Good or broken down
Materials weight

Municipal Bulk Waste Pickup

If you want the easy, no-hassle option, municipal bulk-waste service is the one to go for. But, as always, make sure to check their website as you might require the followings:

Schedule a pickup online
Call in a special request
Put the mower curbside on a designated “bulk day”

Retailer Haul-Away or Disposal Programs

Most of the giant retailers (Home Depot, Lowe’s, online retailers) now offer lawn mower haul-away services, with some free, some paid. Things you need to do:

Purchase a new mower.
Request haul-away at checkout.
The delivery team takes the old one while bringing the new one.

Donation Options

If it is in a decent state, making a donation can help those in need, along with keeping the useful equipment out of landfills. Some of the nonprofits that accept are:

Goodwill
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Salvation Army
High schools
Urban farming programs
Local community centers

Sell or Give It Away

If the mower works or not, you can always sell or give it away whenever you want. Places to list them:

Facebook Marketplace
Craigslist
Buy Nothing groups
Local neighborhood apps

Trade-In Programs

These programs are growing fast in popularity, especially for eco-friendly electric components. So, make sure to check:

Local equipment dealers
City sustainability programs
Seasonal promotions at Home Depot or Lowe’s
Manufacturer websites (EGO, Ryobi, Toro, etc.)

How to Dispose of Different Types of Lawn Mowers?

Every lawn mower is built differently along with their disposal needs varying. Now, let’s take a quick look for each type so you can handle it safely:

Gas Lawn Mower Disposal

Gas mowers need the most prep as they contain fluids and small engines. Things to keep in mind:

Drain all gasoline into an approved container.
Remove motor oil and dispose of it at a hazardous waste or auto shop drop-off.
Run the mower for a minute after draining to clear fuel from the carburetor.

Electric (Corded) Mower Disposal

They are much simpler since they don’t contain any kind of fuel or oil. For the electrical ones, remove the power cord (if it’s detachable) and any electronic modules if needed. Whereas, for metal recycling, they are usually accepted at various recycling centers, scrap metal yards, and retailer haul-away programs.

Battery-Powered / Cordless Mower Disposal

Cordless mowers are popular but their lithium-ion batteries need special handling. For instance, these batteries should never go in the trash as there is a possibility of fire risks. Hence, remove the battery and store it separately.

Some common drop-off locations include:

Home Depot
Lowe’s
Battery recycling bins
City hazardous waste centers

Riding Lawn Mower Disposal

They are quite bigger and need much prep but they can also be worth more as scrap (aluminum engine parts, steel frame).

However, just like gas push mowers, you have to:

Drain fuel and oil
Disconnect the battery
Remove or secure blades
Ensure all fluids are completely emptied

Cost of Lawn Mower Disposal

Well, the cost can range from completely free to a small charge. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Free Disposal Options

Recycling centers (generally no charge)
Donation centers (if still works)
Buy Nothing or community groups
Retailer haul-away when purchasing a new one
City bulk waste pickup, based on your location

Paid Disposal Options

If free options aren’t available, paid services are always there:

Junk removal services: $50–$150 depending on size and distance
City bulk waste fees: $10–$40 if not included in regular service
Retailer haul-away fees: $20–$40 if not free with purchase

Scrapyard Payout Ranges

In case you take the mower to a scrap metal yard, chances are you might earn a little cash, such as:

Whole mower: $5–$12
Disassembled metal parts: $8–$25
Aluminum engine pieces: $5–$15
Copper wiring: higher value (based on weight)

Trade-In Program Savings

They can save you some good money when upgrading to a new one:

$20–$100 off a new mower, depending on the program
Seasonal electric mower rebates
Occasional store discounts

Where to Dispose of a Lawn Mower Near You?

Well, finding the right place nearby is much easier than you probably think. Let’s help you on how to track down the best option in your area:

Search “lawn mower recycling near me”
Check your county recycling facility
Look up local scrap metal yards
Contact your waste management provider

However, before loading, make sure to call ahead and ask the following questions:

Do you accept gas, electric, or battery-powered mowers?
Do all fluids need to be removed first?
Do I need to remove the battery?
Is there a fee for drop-off?
Do certain parts (like blades or cords) need to be removed?
What are your drop-off hours?
Do you offer any trade-in or recycling credits?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When getting rid of a lawn mower, making a few simple mistakes can lead to safety issues. Things to keep in mind:

Always drain all gasoline before transport.
Fuel and oil must be disposed of separately at approved drop-off centers.
Always recycle the lithium-ion/lead-acid batteries through a battery recycling program.
Remove the sharp blades or tape them properly before drop-off.
Always use a scheduled bulk pickup or an authorized recycling center to avoid penalties.

FAQs

Can I put a lawn mower on the curb for pickup?

In short, no! As most cities don’t allow lawn mowers to go into regular trash because of fuel, oil, and batteries.

How to throw away a lawn mower?

To throw away a lawn mower, drain all fuel and oil, remove the battery, and the blades. Afterwards, you can dispose of it through the local recycling center or scrap metal yard.

How much can I sell a broken lawn mower for?

You can sell broken mowers usually around $10–$40 for parts. However, if it’s repairable and of good brand, it can vary within $50–$80.

How do I dispose of lawn mower oil and gasoline?

You can take them to hazardous waste centers or recycling facilities that accept fluids.

Can I recycle lawn mower blades?

Of course! In fact, blades are scrap metal that most recycling centers or scrap yards would love to accept. Just make sure to clean them off properly before transport.

What’s the easiest way to get rid of a mower that doesn’t run?

Scrap yard drop-off, municipal bulk pickup, and retailer haul-away are some of the easiest ways to get rid of a mower that doesn’t work.

Concluding Words

Getting rid of an old lawn mower is much simpler than most people think. And once you know your options, it’s pretty easy to pick the right disposal method. From recycling to donation, the list goes on!

However, if you face any kind of confusion, make sure to reach out to the local recycling center for proper guidance and in no time, you will find yourself mower-free.

How to Dispose of a Lawn Mower Safely and Hassle Free