The best way to get rid of a lawn mower depends on its condition and type. For working mowers, consider donating to a charity, church, or repair shop, or selling it online. For broken or old mowers, check your local municipal bulky-waste or yard-waste pickup, take it to a recycling center or scrap-metal yard, or use a retailer’s trade-in or drop-off program. For gas mowers, drain fuel and oil before disposal and check if your area has a hazardous-waste facility for proper handling. Always confirm local rules, as options vary by region.
Assess Your Mower’s Condition and Type First
Before you decide how to dispose of your lawn mower, take a few minutes to evaluate what you have. This step saves time and ensures you choose a safe, appropriate disposal route. The two main factors are the mower’s condition and its power source.
First, determine whether the mower still runs or is repairable. A functional mower has more options available, such as donation, resale, or trade-in. A broken mower that cannot be easily fixed is usually best suited for recycling or scrap metal. Even a mower with a seized engine or cracked deck may have valuable parts, like wheels, handles, or a motor, that a repair shop or scraper can use.
Second, identify the type of mower you own. Gas-powered mowers contain fuel, oil, and sometimes a spark plug, all of which require special handling before disposal. Electric mowers may have a cord or a rechargeable battery; the battery often needs to be removed and recycled separately. Manual reel mowers are the simplest to dispose of, as they contain no fluids or batteries and are almost entirely metal.
Finally, consider any accessories or attachments. If you have a grass catcher bag, mulching kit, or other add-ons, decide whether these can be donated or recycled separately. Knowing exactly what you are disposing of helps you follow the correct safety steps and find the right facility.
Free and Low-Cost Disposal Options
For most people, the most affordable way to get rid of a lawn mower is through municipal services or a local recycling center. These options are often free or very inexpensive, and they keep the mower out of a landfill when possible.
Start by checking whether your city or county offers bulky-waste pickup. Many municipalities schedule regular curbside collection for large items like appliances, furniture, and lawn mowers. Some areas require you to schedule a pickup in advance or place the item at the curb on a specific day. Contact your local public works or sanitation department to confirm the rules and any fees.
Yard-waste pickup is another possibility, though it is less common for mowers. Some communities accept small power equipment during yard-waste collection, especially if the mower is mostly metal and has been drained of fluids. Again, check with your local provider, as policies vary widely.
If curbside pickup is not available, look for a nearby recycling center or scrap-metal yard. Many of these facilities accept lawn mowers because the steel, aluminum, and copper in the machine have scrap value. Some centers charge a small fee, while others may pay you for the metal. Call ahead to confirm they accept mowers and ask whether you need to remove the engine or drain fluids first.
Finally, watch for free drop-off events. Many communities host household hazardous-waste days or bulky-item collection events a few times a year. These events are a convenient, often free way to dispose of a mower along with other items you no longer need.
Donation and Trade-In Programs for Working Mowers
If your mower still runs or is easily repairable, donating or trading it in gives it a second life and keeps it out of the waste stream. This is often the most satisfying option, and it may even save you money on a new mower.
Many charities and nonprofits accept working lawn mowers. Local churches, community centers, and organizations that support low-income families or new homeowners may welcome a functional mower. Some charities even offer free pickup for large donations. Before donating, call ahead to confirm the organization accepts lawn equipment and that your mower meets their condition standards.
Repair shops and community workshops are another excellent option. Some small engine repair businesses take used mowers to refurbish and resell. Community tool libraries or makerspaces may also accept mowers for parts or training projects. These organizations often appreciate a mower that needs minor work, as it gives them material to practice on.
Retailer trade-in and drop-off programs are worth investigating as well. Some home improvement and outdoor power equipment stores periodically run promotions where you can bring in an old mower and receive a discount on a new one. Even without a promotion, some retailers accept old equipment for recycling when you purchase a replacement. Check with local stores to see what programs they currently offer.
Finally, consider selling or giving away the mower online. Platforms for local classifieds and community groups are full of people looking for affordable used equipment. A working mower, even an older model, can often find a new home quickly. This option may even earn you a little money, though you should price it realistically based on its condition.
Safety Steps for Gas and Electric Mowers Before Disposal
Preparing your mower for disposal is important for your safety and for the safety of waste workers. Gas and electric mowers each have specific steps you should follow before handing them over for pickup, recycling, or donation.
For gas mowers, the most critical step is draining the fuel and oil. Gasoline is flammable and can be hazardous in the waste stream. To drain the fuel, run the mower until it is out of gas, or use a siphon pump to remove fuel from the tank. Then, drain the oil by removing the oil fill cap and tipping the mower over a drain pan. Dispose of the fuel and oil at a local hazardous-waste facility or an auto parts store that accepts used oil. Never pour these fluids down a drain or into the trash.
You should also remove the spark plug before disposal. This prevents the engine from accidentally starting and makes the mower safer to handle. If the mower has a battery, such as a starter battery, remove it and recycle it separately at a battery drop-off location.
For electric mowers, the main concern is the battery. Cordless mowers contain lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries that should not go in the regular trash. Remove the battery if possible and take it to a battery recycling center or a retailer that collects used batteries. For corded mowers, simply unplug the unit and cut or coil the cord securely. There are no fluids to drain, but you should still check with your recycler about whether the motor and housing are accepted.
Finally, clean the mower before disposal. Remove grass clippings, dirt, and debris. This makes the mower easier to handle and may be required by some donation programs or recycling centers.
Check Local Rules and Hazardous-Waste Facilities
Disposal options for lawn mowers vary significantly by region, so it is essential to check your local rules before you act. What is accepted in one city may be restricted or prohibited in another.
Start by contacting your local municipal waste department. Ask specifically about lawn mower disposal, bulky-waste pickup, and yard-waste collection. They can tell you whether mowers are accepted curbside, whether you need to schedule a pickup, and whether any fees apply. They can also direct you to the nearest recycling center or drop-off location.
In many areas, lawn mowers are classified as bulky waste rather than regular trash. This means they may not be allowed in your standard curbside trash bin. Putting a mower in the regular trash could result in a fine or the item being left at the curb. Always confirm the correct procedure before disposing of the mower.
For gas mowers, you will likely need to visit a hazardous-waste facility to dispose of fuel and oil. These facilities are typically run by the county or a regional waste authority and may have specific hours or appointment requirements. Some facilities accept fuel and oil free of charge, while others charge a small fee. Check their website or call ahead to confirm what they accept and how to prepare your materials.
Finally, be aware that some mower components, such as batteries and certain fluids, are regulated as hazardous waste. This means they cannot be thrown in the trash or recycled with regular metals. Following local hazardous-waste rules protects the environment and keeps you in compliance with the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get money for scrapping a lawn mower?
Yes, in many cases you can earn a small amount of money by taking a lawn mower to a scrap-metal yard. The value depends on the weight and type of metal in the mower, as well as current scrap prices. Steel mowers typically yield less than aluminum or copper-rich models. Call local scrap yards to get a quote before you haul the mower in.
Is it legal to put a lawn mower in the trash?
In most areas, it is not legal to put a lawn mower in regular curbside trash. Mowers are usually classified as bulky waste and require special pickup or drop-off. Gas mowers with fuel or oil are especially restricted. Check with your local waste department to confirm the rules in your area.
What should I do with a broken electric mower?
For a broken electric mower, the best option is usually recycling. Remove the battery if it has one and recycle it separately. Then take the mower to a recycling center or scrap-metal yard that accepts small appliances. Some retailers also accept old electric mowers for recycling when you purchase a new one.
