Old or broken lawn mowers often sit in garages for years before anyone decides what to do with them. They’re heavy, messy, and not something you can simply put out on the curb. Whether you’re replacing your mower or just want to declutter, it’s important to know how to dispose of it responsibly. Recycling, selling, or donating are all great options that help protect the environment and reclaim valuable space in your home.
This guide explains everything you need to know about recycling old lawn mowers, from preparation and local options to professional pickup services that make the process easy.
Why Recycling Yard Equipment Matters
A lawn mower may look simple, but it contains metals, oils, and other components that can harm the environment if tossed into the trash. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), small engines like lawn mowers release significant pollutants into the air each year. In fact, running a gas mower for one hour can produce as much air pollution as driving a car for eleven hours.
When left unused or improperly discarded, old mowers can leak gasoline and oil into the soil, contaminating groundwater and nearby vegetation. Recycling or proper disposal ensures that the metals are reused, the fluids are treated safely, and the environmental footprint is minimized.
By recycling, you also help conserve natural resources. The steel and aluminum recovered from one mower can be used to make new tools, appliances, or even another mower without the need for new raw materials.
Deciding What to Do With Your Old Mower
The first question is whether the mower still works. If it runs smoothly or needs only minor repairs, you can consider selling or donating it. If it no longer works, it can still be recycled or scrapped.
Selling a Working Mower
Selling a functional mower is the most direct way to recover some value. Start by giving it a thorough cleaning, checking the spark plug, and topping up fluids. Take clear photos and post listings on online marketplaces or local community groups. Timing matters because spring and early summer are the best seasons to sell when buyers are preparing for lawn care.
Donating to Charities or Neighbors
If selling isn’t your preference, donation is a great option. Community organizations, schools, and gardening programs often accept used mowers as long as they’re safe and in working order. Just remember to drain oil and gas before donating, as charities can’t transport items with flammable liquids inside.
Passing it to a neighbor or a friend is another simple, waste-free way to extend its life.
Recycling a Broken Mower
If your mower has stopped working completely, it’s still far from useless. Recycling centers and scrap yards accept metal components such as steel, aluminum, and copper wiring. These materials are melted down and reused in new products.
Some scrap yards even pay a small amount based on weight, especially for aluminum models. Before dropping it off, call ahead to confirm their requirements. Many locations ask that all fluids be drained and batteries removed before accepting the equipment.
How to Prepare Your Mower for Recycling
Preparation is the most important step before selling, donating, or recycling. It prevents hazards and ensures your mower is accepted wherever you take it.
- Disconnect the spark plug: This prevents accidental starting while you’re working.
- Drain the gasoline: Use a siphon pump or hand hose to transfer fuel into a container for disposal at a hazardous waste or recycling facility. Never pour gas onto the ground or into drains.
- Remove the oil: Tilt the mower carefully and collect the oil in a drain pan. Used oil can be dropped off at auto parts stores or service stations that accept recycling.
- Clean the deck and blade area: Grass buildup traps moisture and rusts the metal. A quick rinse and dry keeps parts safe for recycling or resale.
- Take out the battery: Electric or hybrid mowers often contain rechargeable batteries that must be recycled separately.
- Remove non-metal components if possible: Wheels, handles, and covers made of plastic or rubber can be taken off before scrapping.
A little preparation goes a long way in making sure your mower is processed safely and efficiently.
What Happens at a Recycling Facility
When you deliver your old mower to a recycling center, it goes through a structured process. Workers remove remaining fluids, separate metals, and shred components for further sorting. Steel and aluminum are melted and reused in manufacturing, while plastics are processed into pellets for new goods.
This closed-loop system minimizes waste, conserves resources, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Even small household items like mowers can make a measurable difference when recycled correctly.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
Many homeowners leave their old mowers sitting in storage, not realizing they could leak oil or gas over time. Some leave them for bulk trash pickup, which most cities don’t allow unless the mower has been fully drained.
Others forget about the environmental rules tied to hazardous materials. Gasoline and motor oil must never go into household trash or recycling bins. These liquids are highly flammable and contaminate landfills.
Avoiding these mistakes not only keeps your home safer but also saves you from fines or rejected pickups.
The Easiest Option: Professional Pickup Services
If all of this sounds like too much effort, professional pickup is the simplest and most responsible solution. Services like Remoov specialize in collecting old items, including lawn mowers, yard equipment, and other bulky tools, and sorting them for resale, donation, or recycling.
When you schedule a pickup, the team examines each item. Working mowers are sent to Reperch, where they’re resold online, giving you half of the sale proceeds. Items that aren’t functional are donated or recycled through verified partners.
This single-pickup process saves time and eliminates guesswork. You don’t have to haul heavy equipment or search for multiple drop-off points. Remoov handles everything, including fuel disposal, recycling coordination, and safe transport, so nothing ends up in a landfill unnecessarily.
Regional Rules and Recycling Tips
Each city handles small-engine disposal differently. In the Bay Area, county facilities often host free drop-off events for drained yard equipment. Sacramento accepts small engines year-round at local waste centers. In Phoenix, residents are encouraged to remove fuel outdoors due to high temperatures and vapor risks.
Before loading your mower, check your city’s website or call your waste management office. Some municipalities offer seasonal recycling days, and others allow curbside pickup for drained appliances. Confirming the rules helps you avoid rejected loads and ensures proper handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to drain fuel and oil before recycling?
Yes. All fluids must be removed before drop-off or pickup to prevent leaks and fires.
Can I put my mower out with bulk trash?
Usually not. Many cities require proof that the mower has been drained and prepared for recycling.
Can I get paid for an old mower?
Possibly. Scrap yards pay based on weight, and aluminum mowers are worth slightly more than steel ones.
Can electric mowers be recycled?
Yes. Just remove the battery first and drop it off at a recycling point for electronics or batteries.
How does Remoov handle recycling?
Remoov collects, sorts, and redistributes items based on their condition. Working pieces are sold through Reperch, while broken or outdated equipment is recycled or donated.
The Smarter Way to Declutter
Recycling old lawn mowers is more than a chore. It’s an opportunity to make a responsible choice for the environment and your community. Selling or donating keeps tools in use, while recycling ensures materials are safely reclaimed instead of wasted. If you prefer a faster, stress-free option, Remoov offers full-service pickup and recycling across the Bay Area, Phoenix, and Sacramento. You book once, and the team takes care of everything from collecting and sorting to recycling and resale. It’s the easiest way to free up space while ensuring your old mower is handled properly.