How to Recycle an Old Lawn Mower: Your Complete Guide
TL;DR
- You can recycle an old lawn mower by taking it to a scrap metal yard, a retailer take-back program, or a municipal hazardous waste facility.
- Drain the gas and oil before dropping off anywhere – most facilities require it, and skipping this step can get you turned away.
- Home Depot and Lowe’s partner with local recyclers seasonally; call ahead to confirm availability in your area.
- Steel mower decks, aluminum engine housings, and iron components are all recyclable at most scrap yards.
- If the mower still runs, selling or donating it is faster and puts money in your pocket before you consider recycling.
What “Recycling” a Lawn Mower Actually Means
Recycling an old lawn mower means separating its metal, plastic, and fluid components so each goes to the right facility. It’s not a single drop-off in most cases. A standard push mower contains steel (the deck), aluminum or cast iron (the engine block), copper (wiring), and petroleum-based fluids (oil and gasoline) – each of which has a different disposal path.
Gas-powered mowers are classified as small engines, and the fluids inside them are considered hazardous waste by the EPA. That’s why you can’t put a mower at the curb with your regular recycling.
Step 1: Drain the Gas and Oil Before You Do Anything Else
This is the step most people skip, and it’s the one that matters most. Scrap yards, retailers, and municipal programs all require you to remove fuel and oil before accepting a mower.
To drain the gas, run the engine until it stalls, or use a hand siphon pump to pull remaining fuel into a sealed container. Take that container to your local hazardous waste facility – most counties run free drop-off events at least twice a year (Earth911.com has a locator tool at earth911.com/recycling-guide).
To drain the oil, tip the mower on its side (carburetor side up to avoid flooding it) and drain into a sealable container. Auto parts stores including AutoZone and O’Reilly Auto Parts accept used motor oil at no charge.
Where to Recycle an Old Lawn Mower: 5 Options Compared
| Option | Cost to You | Accepts Gas Mowers | Accepts Electric Mowers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrap metal yard | Free – you may get paid | Yes, drained only | Yes | Best for mowers with no resale value |
| Municipal hazardous waste | Free | Yes | Yes | Seasonal; check local schedule |
| Retailer take-back (Home Depot, Lowe’s) | Free | Sometimes | Yes | Varies by location and season |
| Manufacturer programs (Husqvarna, Toro) | Free | Varies | Yes | Often tied to a new purchase |
| Junk removal service | $50-$150 estimate | Yes | Yes | Least effort; highest cost |
How to Find a Scrap Metal Yard That Takes Lawn Mowers
A scrap yard is your most reliable option for a dead gas-powered mower. Most scrap yards accept steel, iron, and aluminum without question – and a riding mower can weigh 300-500 lbs, which translates to real scrap value depending on current metal prices.
Call ahead and ask two things: do they accept small engines, and do they require fluid removal? Most require drained fluids. Bring the mower in a truck bed or on a trailer – they won’t come to you unless you hire a junk hauler.
Use the iScrap App (iscrapapp.com) to find yards near you and check current steel and aluminum prices before you go.
Retailer and Manufacturer Take-Back Programs
Home Depot and Lowe’s run seasonal mower trade-in and recycling promotions, typically in spring when new mower inventory arrives. These programs vary by store and region, so call your local store directly before making the trip. Don’t rely on the website – store-level availability changes frequently.
Husqvarna has offered recycling options through their dealer network for battery packs and select equipment. Toro dealers may accept old equipment as part of a trade toward a new purchase. Call the dealer, not the 800 number – dealers make these calls locally.
What to Do With an Electric or Battery-Powered Mower
Electric mowers don’t have fuel to drain, which makes them easier to recycle in one respect. But the lithium-ion battery is the complicated part. You can’t put it in a scrap yard or general recycling.
Call2Recycle (call2recycle.org) runs a free battery drop-off network with locations at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Staples stores across the US. Drop the battery there separately, then take the mower body to a scrap yard or metal recycler.
Common Mistakes That Cost You Time or Money
- Showing up with fuel still in the tank: Every legitimate recycling facility will turn you away. Drain everything first, every time.
- Assuming curbside pickup works: It doesn’t for mowers. A gas-powered mower left at the curb on trash day is illegal in most municipalities and creates a hazmat liability.
- Throwing away a mower that still runs: A running push mower is worth $50-$150 on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. A running riding mower can bring $200-$600. Sell or donate to Habitat for Humanity ReStores before you recycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put an old lawn mower in the trash?
No. Gas-powered lawn mowers contain oil, gasoline, and sometimes lead-acid batteries – all of which are classified as hazardous waste by the EPA and are banned from regular trash and curbside pickup in most US states. Take it to a hazardous waste facility, scrap yard, or retailer take-back program.
Will a scrap yard pay me for an old lawn mower?
Sometimes. A steel push mower deck and iron engine block do have scrap value. Payment depends on current metal prices and the yard’s policies. Use the iScrap App to check local pricing before you go – don’t expect more than $10-$30 for a push mower, but riding mowers with more steel can fetch more.
How do I dispose of the gas left in my lawn mower?
Siphon the remaining fuel into a sealed, approved container and take it to your county’s hazardous waste drop-off facility. Earth911.com’s locator (earth911.com) lists free drop-off sites by zip code. Never pour gas down a drain or into the ground.
Can I donate an old lawn mower instead of recycling it?
Yes, if it runs. Habitat for Humanity ReStores accept working outdoor power equipment in many locations. Local community gardens, churches, and nonprofits also take working mowers. Call ahead to confirm – they won’t take a mower that doesn’t start.
What parts of a lawn mower are actually recyclable?
The steel deck, iron or aluminum engine block, copper wiring, and steel frame are all recyclable at scrap yards. The plastic housing typically is not accepted at scrap yards but may be accepted at municipal recycling centers depending on the resin type. Fluids go to hazardous waste. Lithium-ion batteries from electric mowers go to a Call2Recycle drop-off location.
Quick Recap
- Drain the gas and oil first – no facility will take a mower with fluids in it.
- Scrap yards are the most reliable option for dead gas mowers; call ahead and ask about fluid requirements.
- Electric mower batteries go to a Call2Recycle drop-off, not a scrap yard.
- If the mower runs, sell or donate it before recycling – it has real value to someone.
