When it comes to disposing of old items, there’s usually plenty of avenues for you to choose from – but some items are much more difficult to dispose of than others. Of course, lawn mowers fall into this category.
Due to their size and how they are built, they’re especially easy to dispose of – particularly if they use gas. Not only this, but your location can play a huge role in how easy it is to get rid of your old lawn mower.
So what are you meant to do? Well, the options range from donating the lawn mower, heading to a recycling center or even using it for spare parts.
Luckily, we’re going to clear a lot of this up. We’ve written this handy guide which explains everything you need to know.
Ready to find out what to do with an old lawn mower? Read on and find out all the answers.
The Basics
Before we get started, it’s a good idea that we cover some of the basics. First, we have to establish if you can actually recycle an old lawn mower because it isn’t as if it’s just paper, glass or plastic alone.
Indeed, lawn mowers can be made in a whole host of different ways using various components that are sometimes metals and plastics.
However, the answer is yes, it is possible for some lawn mowers to be recycled, but it’s not a straightforward task and you can’t exactly place an old lawn mower next to your trash bin.
Recycling Old Lawn Mowers Near You
When you think of recycling an old lawn mower, the chances are that the first thing you consider is a recycling center or heading over to your local Home Depot. The fact is, you should think more close to home before you go straight to these options.
In fact, when it comes to recycling – hauling something like an old lawn mower to a recycling center or Home Depot isn’t always the best form of recycling. More effective forms of recycling include the following.
Friend Or Family Member
If your lawn mower is old but still works, it might still be of use to others, so you should consider speaking with friends or a family member first to see if it may be of some use to them.
Of course, we’re referring to friends and family that are close to home. There’s no advantage of recycling an old lawn mower to friends or family members that live in a completely different state or country!
List It On Craigslist/Facebook
Craigslist or the Facebook marketplace can be an excellent tool to get rid of things like an old lawn mower, especially if you aren’t charging anything for it. As these sites can be localized, you can be sure you’re utilizing the most effective form of recycling.
Of course, if your old lawn mower is still in good condition and operates well, then there’s nothing wrong with charging a fee for it.
That’s really up to you, but if you want the item gone as soon as possible, then the cheaper it is – the more likely you are to recycle it.
Use The Parts
Whether you choose to use the parts or you ask at your local junkyard, many old lawn mowers can be an amazing source of components and other handy parts that can be used for lots of other things (of course, other lawn mowers being one of them!).
This is an excellent way to recycle your old lawn mower and it can save you some money purchasing extra parts!
Donate To Charity
Charities are usually pleased to accept donations, including things like old lawn mowers, as they can either donate them to others or sell them in their stores for a small sum towards their charity and expenses.
Obviously though, charities will unlikely have a use of a broken, old lawn mower – so you will need to ensure it actually works!
What If My Old Lawn Mower Has Gas?
If you are using a gas powered lawn mower, you will need to siphon the gas from it before you recycle it. If you’re not too sure how to do this, you could either speak with a friend or head to the junkyard, as they may be a little more experienced in this field.
Remember, gas can be dangerous, so you should always ensure you have checked that the lawn mower is free of it before you attempt to recycle it. Additionally, some recycling centers will not accept lawn mowers if they still have gas in them.
Old Lawn Mower Recycling Pickup Services
Depending on where you live, you might be able to find an old lawn mower recycling pickup service. Many professional junk removal companies will accommodate for things like this, but it’s important to know that these aren’t in every state.
Indeed, some states may even have specific recycling and waste regulations that prevent these kinds of services. As a result, and if you’re ever unsure, it’s a good idea to contact your local waste commissioner for more information, or you can look online.
Should You Get Rid Of Your Old Lawn Mower?
As we mentioned earlier, it’s sometimes more beneficial to keep hold of your old lawn mower in order to use it for spare parts – especially if you’re planning to purchase the same, or similar model again.
Additionally, to get the most out of your lawn mower, it might be better for you to keep using it until it completely breaks down. At which point, it’s up to you!
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for things to do with your old lawn mower, the main options are to recycle it, keep it, sell it or donate it – but it’s up to you for which option you choose!
