Getting rid of an old riding lawn mower can be a bit tricky—after all, it’s not something you can just throw in the trash. When I faced this challenge, I realized there are a few smart ways to handle the disposal without harming the environment or violating local regulations. Whether your mower is still working, broken beyond repair, or somewhere in between, there are safe and effective disposal options.
Let’s dive into the best ways to dispose of a riding lawn mower step by step.
1. Assess the Condition: Can It Be Repaired or Sold?
Before you even think about disposing of your mower, ask yourself if it’s worth repairing or selling. I’ve personally made the mistake of assuming my mower was beyond saving when it only needed a simple part replaced.
- Still Working? If the mower runs but you don’t need it anymore, try selling it.
- Sell Online: Post it on websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or even eBay.
- Local Classifieds: Some communities have buy/sell groups where you can list items locally.
- Yard Sales: If you’re already hosting a yard sale, consider including the mower.
- Needs Repairs? If your mower just needs a little love to run again, you might find a buyer who enjoys fixing up old machines. Alternatively, consider donating it (more on that below).
2. Remove Hazardous Materials
If the riding mower is too old or damaged to sell, the first step in disposal is handling hazardous materials.
- Drain the Fuel and Oil: These fluids are harmful to the environment and must be properly disposed of.
- Gasoline: Siphon or drain the gas from the tank into a proper container. If the gas is still good, you can use it in another machine, like a generator or car. If not, take it to a hazardous waste disposal facility.
- Oil: Drain the oil from the engine and take it to an auto parts store or recycling center that accepts used motor oil.
Disposing of these fluids properly helps prevent environmental damage and keeps you in line with local regulations.
3. Recycle the Riding Mower
Riding lawn mowers are made from valuable materials like steel, aluminum, and plastic. Recycling is one of the best options for disposal because it’s environmentally friendly, and you might even earn a little cash for the scrap metal.
How to Recycle a Riding Lawn Mower:
- Scrap Metal Recycling Centers: Many scrap yards will take your old mower, especially since it’s full of recyclable metal parts. You might even make some money if the metal’s value is high.
- Municipal Recycling Programs: Check if your local recycling center accepts large metal items. Some cities have specific days for bulky item collection or drop-off.
- Dismantle for Parts: If you have the tools, you can dismantle the mower and recycle the metal parts individually.
Tip: Call ahead to your local recycling center to confirm they accept riding lawn mowers and to ask about any preparation requirements (like removing tires or fluids).
4. Donate It (If Functional)
If your mower still works or just needs minor repairs, consider donating it. Many organizations and individuals could benefit from a free or low-cost mower, especially community gardens or schools.
Donation Ideas:
- Charities: Organizations like Habitat for Humanity may accept large equipment donations.
- Schools or Community Centers: Some places have garden programs or landscaping needs that would benefit from a riding mower.
- Local Mechanic Schools: Trade schools often accept old machines for students to practice repairs on.
Donating a mower keeps it out of landfills and helps someone else in the community—a win-win situation.
5. Bulk Waste Pickup
If recycling or donating isn’t an option, many municipalities offer bulk waste pickup services. While not the most environmentally friendly option, it’s still a safe way to dispose of a broken or unusable mower.
- Call Your City’s Waste Management: Some cities allow you to schedule large-item pickups or have specific dates for collecting bulky trash. There may be a fee, so it’s good to confirm any details.
- Curbside Pickup: In some areas, large items can be placed on the curb for special pickup, but you’ll need to make sure it’s acceptable first.
6. Trade It In
Some equipment dealers and retailers offer trade-in programs when you buy a new mower. They might accept your old riding mower as part of the purchase, either for recycling or refurbishing.
Trade-In Options:
- Retailer Programs: Ask your local hardware or gardening store if they have trade-in programs. Some even offer discounts on a new mower if you bring in the old one.
- Manufacturer Buy-Backs: Certain manufacturers have programs where they take back old models when you purchase a new one.
7. Sell for Parts
If your mower no longer runs but has usable parts, you can dismantle it and sell the parts individually. This is especially useful if the mower is a popular brand, as many people look for specific parts like engines, wheels, or blades.
How to Sell Parts:
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay are great for selling mower parts.
- Local Mechanics or Repair Shops: Some mechanics or small repair shops might be willing to buy old mowers for parts.
Conclusion
Disposing of a riding lawn mower doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does take a bit of planning. Whether you choose to recycle it, donate it, or sell it for parts, each option is more environmentally friendly than dumping it in a landfill. Remember to always remove hazardous materials first and check local regulations to ensure proper disposal.
With a little effort, you can give your old mower a responsible send-off—and maybe even make a few bucks in the process!