Why a Lawn Mower Never Goes in Curbside Recycling

A graphic showing a lawn mower cannot go in a curbside recycling bin.

The most important rule to understand is that lawn mowers are not accepted in standard curbside recycling bins. This applies to all types: gas-powered, electric, and manual reel mowers. They are excluded for several critical reasons:

  • Hazardous Materials: Gas mowers contain residual gasoline and engine oil, which are hazardous and can contaminate the recycling stream. Electric and riding models often contain lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries, which require special handling.
  • Complex Construction: A mower is an assembly of different materials—steel, plastic, rubber, and electronics—that are not easily separated by automated recycling facilities.
  • Safety and Processing Risks: Blades, sharp edges, and pressurized components pose safety risks to workers and can damage sorting machinery.

Placing a mower with your regular trash or recycling will likely result in it being sent to a landfill, and some municipalities may issue a fine for improper disposal of hazardous items.

How to Prepare a Lawn Mower for Recycling

Proper preparation is essential for safe and accepted recycling. Follow these steps before you transport your mower.

1. Drain Fuel and Oil (Gas-Powered Mowers)

Most recyclers will not accept a mower with fluids inside. You have two options:

  • Drain it yourself: Use a siphon pump to remove gasoline from the tank. For oil, locate the drain plug or oil fill tube and drain the oil into a proper container. Never pour fluids down a drain or onto the ground. Take the used oil and gas to a local hazardous waste facility or an auto parts store that accepts used motor oil.
  • Find a facility that accepts whole mowers: Some scrap yards or hazardous waste facilities will accept mowers with fluids still inside and handle the draining for you. Call ahead to confirm.

2. Remove the Battery (Electric and Riding Mowers)

Batteries must be recycled separately and cannot go with the mower body.

  • Lead-Acid Batteries (common in riding mowers): These are heavy and contain toxic lead. They are widely accepted at auto parts stores, battery retailers, and scrap metal yards. Many offer a small cash refund.
  • Lithium-Ion Batteries (common in cordless electric mowers): These are considered hazardous waste. Do not puncture or crush them. Take them to a designated electronics recycler or a household hazardous waste collection site.

Removing the blade makes the mower safer to handle and transport. It also allows you to recycle or sharpen the blade separately if it’s still in good condition. Use a wrench to loosen the bolt securing the blade.

4. General Safety Precautions

    li>Wear work gloves and safety glasses during preparation.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area, especially when handling fuel.
  • Ensure the mower is cool before touching any components.

Recycling Routes by Mower Type

The correct disposal destination depends on your mower’s power source.

Gas-Powered Mowers

Once drained of fluids, the mower body is primarily scrap metal. Your best options are:

  • Scrap Metal Recycler: This is the most common destination. They will strip the mower for its steel and other metals. You may be paid a small amount based on the weight.
  • Municipal Recycling Center: Many city or county-run centers have a designated area for scrap metal or large appliances. Check their website or call for accepted items and any fees.

Electric Mowers (Corded and Cordless)

These contain valuable metals and electronic components but also hazardous batteries.

  • Electronics/Appliance Recycler: Facilities that handle e-waste are equipped to process the motors, wiring, and plastics. They will also ensure proper battery recycling.
  • Manufacturer or Retailer Take-Back: Brands like Honda, Toro, and others sometimes offer take-back programs. Big-box retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s may have trade-in events for new purchases.

Manual/Reel Mowers

These are the simplest to recycle. They are almost entirely metal with no fluids or batteries. Take them directly to a scrap metal recycler or a municipal recycling center that accepts scrap metal.

Riding Mowers

Due to their size and lead-acid battery, these require more planning.

  1. Remove and recycle the battery separately at an auto parts store.
  2. Contact a scrap metal recycler that accepts large items. You may need to arrange for pickup or use a trailer.
  3. Check if the manufacturer has a take-back or refurbishment program.

Where to Take the Mower: Local and Retailer Options

Finding a drop-off location requires a bit of research, as services vary widely by location.

Local Government Resources

    li>Your City/County Website: Search for “[Your City] recycling guide” or “hazardous waste disposal.” This is the most reliable source for local rules and facility lists.
  • Earth911.com: Use their search tool by entering “lawn mower” and your zip code to find nearby recyclers.

Scrap Metal Yards

Search for “scrap metal” or “metal recycling” near you. Call to confirm they accept lawn mowers and ask about their process for items with fluids.

Manufacturer and Retailer Programs

    li>Brands: Check the website of your mower’s manufacturer (e.g., John Deere, Husqvarna, Greenworks) for “recycling” or “end-of-life” programs.
  • Retailers: Stores like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware sometimes offer trade-in discounts on new mowers when you bring in an old one. This is not a guaranteed recycling program but can be a convenient option.

Final Checklist Before You Recycle Your Lawn Mower

Use this quick checklist to ensure a smooth drop-off:

  • ✅ Mower Type Identified: Gas, electric, or manual?
  • ✅ Fluids Handled: Gas and oil drained and taken to a hazardous waste site, OR you’ve confirmed a facility accepts the mower whole.
  • ✅ Battery Removed: Lead-acid or lithium-ion battery separated and taken to an appropriate recycler.
  • ✅ Blade Detached (Optional): For safer handling.
  • ✅ Facility Confirmed: You’ve called the drop-off location to confirm they accept your specific mower type and asked about any fees or preparation requirements.
  • ✅ Transportation Ready: You have a safe way to transport the mower (e.g., truck, trailer).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I scrap a lawn mower for money?

Yes, you can often get paid for a scrap lawn mower, especially if it’s a gas model with a steel body. Scrap metal recyclers pay by weight for ferrous metals like steel. The amount will be modest, but it’s better than paying a disposal fee. You will typically receive more for a mower that has been stripped of plastic parts and has had fluids drained.

What do I do with old lawn mower oil and gas?

Used motor oil and gasoline are hazardous materials. Never pour them down the drain, in the trash, or on the ground. Take them to a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection facility, a local auto parts store (many accept used oil), or a recycling center that specifically lists oil and gas as accepted items.

Are electric lawn mowers recyclable?

Yes, but they require special handling due to their batteries and electronic components. The metal body can be recycled as scrap, but the lithium-ion or lead-acid battery must be removed and recycled separately at an electronics recycler or hazardous waste facility. The best option is often an electronics/appliance recycler or a manufacturer take-back program.

How do I find a lawn mower recycling center near me?

The most reliable method is to visit your municipal government’s website and search for “recycling” or “waste disposal.” Look for a list of accepted materials or a search tool. You can also use online directories like Earth911.com, which lets you search by material (“lawn mower”) and zip code to find local scrap yards, recycling centers, and hazardous waste facilities.