How to Dispose of a Lawn Mower: Gas, Electric, and Riding Mowers

How to dispose of a lawn mower comes down to getting the fluids and batteries out. After that, a mower is mostly steel or aluminum with some plastic. Many transfer stations and scrap yards will take it. The steps differ a bit for gas push mowers, battery mowers, and riding mowers.

First, see if someone wants it

Working mowers sell or give away easily. Non-running mowers often go to small-engine hobbyists or repair shops for parts. Be honest about what is wrong, and list it as “for parts” if it does not start.

Gas push mowers

1. Drain the gas into an approved container, or run the engine until it stops. Take leftover fuel to a household hazardous waste program. See leftover gasoline at home.
2. Drain the oil into a pan and take it to a used-oil collection site. See where to recycle motor oil.
3. Disconnect the spark plug before you handle the blade.
4. Take the drained mower to a scrap yard or the transfer station’s metal area.

Battery and corded electric mowers

• Remove the battery pack and take it to battery recycling. See where to recycle batteries and turning in power tool batteries.
• Keep lithium packs from being crushed or punctured in the load. See keeping lithium packs uncrushed.
• The mower body may be treated as metal scrap or as electronics, depending on the site. Ask which area it goes to.

Riding mowers and lawn tractors

Riding mowers have a bigger fuel tank, more oil, a lead-acid starting battery, and sometimes hydraulic fluid. Drain the fluids and pull the battery for recycling. A riding mower is heavy and awkward, so use a trailer with a ramp and strap it down. Some scrap haulers will pick up riding mowers. Call to see if yours does.

What to ask the transfer station

• Do you accept mowers, and in which area: metal, small engines, or electronics?
• Do gas and oil have to be fully drained?
• Is there a fee per item or by weight?
• Do you take used oil and batteries at the same visit?

Use the map to find a nearby site, and see what you can take to the dump for the rest of your load.

Safety notes

Handle blades with gloves. Never pour fuel or oil on the ground or into a drain. Store drained fuel in a sealed, labeled container away from heat until you drop it off.

How to dispose of a lawn mower FAQ

Can I throw a lawn mower in the trash?

Usually not with the regular trash. Many transfer stations accept mowers in the scrap metal area once gas and oil are drained. Call ahead for their prep rules.

Do I have to drain the gas and oil before scrapping a mower?

Most scrap yards and drop-off sites require it. Drained fuel and oil go to proper collection, never onto the ground or into a drain.

How do I dispose of an electric mower battery?

Remove it and take it to a battery recycling drop-off or household hazardous waste program. Lithium packs should not go in the trash.

Will someone take a broken lawn mower?

Often, yes. Small-engine tinkerers, repair shops, and scrap collectors may take non-running mowers for parts or metal.

The bottom line

Drain the gas and oil, pull any battery, and then sell, give away, or scrap the mower. Call the transfer station to confirm which area takes it and what prep it requires.