Best ways to dispose of lawn mower (best → last resort)
Hazardous-waste facilityDrain the fluids FIRST (gas mower)
Before scrapping a gas mower, siphon out the gasoline and drain the engine oil, and take those to a household hazardous waste site. Never scrap or trash a mower with fuel still in it.
Drop-offBest for the metal
A drained mower is mostly steel — a scrap-metal recycler will take it (and often pay by weight). Electric-mower motors are recyclable too; the battery on a cordless mower goes to battery/e-waste recycling.
Special/bulk pickupEverywhere
Your hauler’s bulky-item pickup will take a drained mower. Tell them if it is gas-powered.
How to prepare it
Gas mower: run it until the tank is empty or siphon the gas, and drain the oil, before recycling.
Cordless/electric: remove the battery and recycle it separately as e-waste.
Don't
Never put a mower with gasoline or oil in it out for pickup or in any bin — the fuel is a fire and spill hazard.
Do not pour old mower gas or oil on the ground or down a drain — take it to HHW.
Find a drop-off near you
Acceptance varies by city — always check your local program first.
Hazardous-waste facility (drain the fluids first (gas mower)): Before scrapping a gas mower, siphon out the gasoline and drain the engine oil, and take those to a household hazardous waste site. Never scrap or trash a mower with fuel still in it.
Can you put a lawn mower in the trash?
Not usually — use a drop-off or take-back program instead of the trash.
Where can I recycle a lawn mower near me?
Search a drop-off with the Earth911 locator or "scrap metal recycling near me." Acceptance varies by city, so confirm with your local program.