How to Dispose of a Snowblower Before Winter

Sell it in the fall

Buyers look for snowblowers before winter, so a working machine, or a repairable one, can sell now. Mention whether it's single-stage or two-stage, the clearing width, and whether it has electric start.

Gas models: drain them first

Public sites commonly require fluids out of small engines. Durham, NC requires all fluids removed from lawn equipment, and Chesterfield County, VA requires gas and oil removed from mowers. Take gasoline to household hazardous waste in an approved can (leftover gasoline at home) and used oil to an oil drop-off (recycling used motor oil). Remove any starter battery. Once drained, the auger housing, frame and engine are mostly metal, and many sites take scrap metal free.

Checked October 2026. Rules for this item vary by city and county, and fees and accepted items change. Check your local solid waste or household hazardous waste page, or call the site, before you haul.

Corded and battery models

Corded electric: often accepted as scrap metal or a small appliance. Some e-waste programs take them, so ask.
Battery-powered: remove the lithium-ion pack and recycle it separately. EPA's lithium-ion battery page says to tape the terminals or bag the battery and keep it out of the trash. See where to recycle batteries. A pack that fits your other tools of the same brand may be worth keeping.

Hauling it

Two-stage machines are heavy. Use a ramp and straps, keep it upright, and never carry fuel inside a closed vehicle. See do not haul gasoline in a rental. Find drop-offs on the Dumpmapper map.