How to Get Rid of an Old Lawn Mower (The Right Way)

A time comes when your trusty lawn mower just can’t keep up. Whether it’s a broken engine, dull blades, or you’ve upgraded to an electric mower, figuring out what to do with the old one isn’t as simple as pushing it to the curb. Gas, oil, and sharp metal parts make it risky to toss out like regular trash, and doing so might even break local disposal laws.

The good news? There are smarter, safer ways to handle it. From donation to proper recycling, this guide will walk you through practical options that keep your yard clean and your conscience clear.

Not sure where to start? Keep reading to explore easy, eco-friendly ways to get rid of an old lawn mower the right way.

Drain the Fluids Before Disposal or Donation

Before you recycle, donate, or schedule a pickup for your old mower, start with the most important step: clearing out all the fluids. Lawn mowers, especially gas powered ones, contain hazardous materials like fuel and oil that can leak during transit or disposal.

Leaving these in the tank puts waste handlers, your property, and the environment at risk.

You can run the mower until it stalls out to burn through the last bit of gasoline. For any remaining fluid, use a siphon pump or drain pan to safely empty the gas and oil into approved containers.

Never pour leftover fuel or oil into drains or onto your lawn. These substances are considered hazardous waste and should be dropped off at an auto shop or a designated hazardous waste facility.

As an extra safety measure, unplug the spark plug and remove the battery. This prevents the small engine from accidentally starting while someone is handling the mower.

1. Donate a Working Lawn Mower

If your old lawn mower still runs, don’t let it gather dust in the garage or sit out by the curb. There’s a better way to get rid of it without adding to waste. Donating your old mower gives it a second life while helping someone who may not have the means to buy new garden equipment.

Local nonprofits, youth centers, community gardens, and vocational training programs often accept used lawn mowers, especially when they’re still in working condition. Even tool-lending libraries and urban farms can make great use of an old mower.

Be transparent about its condition so recipients know what to expect.

Some donation centers don’t offer pickup. That’s where HaulBuddy comes in. Our junk removal service can deliver your electric mower, gas powered mower, or small engine equipment directly to a local organization in need.

It’s a simple way to reduce landfill waste and support your community at the same time.

2. Sell It Online or for Spare Parts

Not ready to give it away just yet?

If your old lawn mower has some life left in it—or even if it’s completely broken—there’s still a market for it. Many DIYers, garden equipment collectors, and small engine repair enthusiasts are always on the lookout for affordable mowers to fix, flip, or use for spare parts.

Instead of leaving it by the driveway or dragging it to the curb, try listing your mower online. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp allow you to reach more potential buyers, often faster and more efficiently than holding a yard sale.

Whether you're selling a gas powered mower that just needs a new spark plug or an electric mower missing a battery, someone out there may find value in it.

Before posting, clean the mower and snap a few clear photos. Highlight the model number, condition, and any known issues. Use honest, attention-grabbing titles like “Fixer-Upper Lawn Mower — $20 OBO” or “Runs Great! Just Needs Oil.” These small efforts can turn your old mower into quick cash, while keeping metal pieces, rubber tires, and other parts out of the waste stream.

3. Recycle Through a Local Scrap Yard or E-Waste Center

When donation or resale isn’t an option, recycling offers a responsible way to dispose of your old lawn mower. These machines are packed with recyclable materials, including aluminum housing, steel blades, rubber tires, and small engines. Once the oil and gasoline have been removed, many parts can go straight to a scrap yard or metal recycling center.

Before heading out, check with your local recycling center or scrap yard to confirm what they accept. Some may require you to remove non metal pieces or disassemble the mower before drop-off.

For electric lawn mowers, you’ll need to look for an e-waste center that handles items with batteries or electrical components. Resources like Earth911 can help you find the nearest facility that meets those needs.

Blades, motors, frames, and wheels are some of the most commonly accepted parts, but every recycling center has different rules. If the prep feels like too much work, HaulBuddy’s junk removal service can handle the heavy lifting and ensure your lawn equipment gets dropped off at the right place.

Recycling keeps valuable metal out of landfills and gives your broken mower one last purpose.

4. Repurpose or Upcycle the Parts

Before deciding to throw it out, take a moment to explore what your old lawn mower still has to offer. Many components—like the engine, blades, wheels, and metal frame—can be salvaged and reused for other purposes.

Rather than letting these pieces end up in a landfill, you can turn them into something practical or creative.

Some homeowners transform mower frames into garden carts or utility wagons. Others use metal parts for building tools, while more imaginative projects turn blades and housing into rustic outdoor art. Even non metal pieces like rubber tires or plastic covers can find a second life in garden beds or upcycled crafts.

Plenty of local hobbyists and DIY builders are interested in old mower parts for their own projects. Sharing photos on Facebook Marketplace, community groups, or Pinterest can help you connect with someone eager to reuse what you no longer need.

This approach not only cuts down on waste but gives your old lawn mower a new purpose—well beyond the yard.

Let HaulBuddy Help You Haul It the Right Way

Tossing a mower by the curb might seem convenient, but getting rid of an old lawn mower the right way means thinking about more than just space. From draining hazardous materials to handling sharp metal pieces, there are important steps to keep both people and the environment safe. Plus, local disposal rules may not allow standard trash pickup for equipment like gas-powered or electric mowers.

Whether you’re donating a working unit, selling it for parts, or dropping it off at a recycling center, responsible disposal makes a difference. And you don’t have to do it alone.

HaulBuddy offers an easier, cleaner solution. Our team handles pickups for old lawn equipment and delivers it to the appropriate destination—whether that’s a local charity, recycling facility, or proper disposal site. No hassle, no guesswork, just dependable service.

Ready to clear out that old mower? Book your pickup today at HaulBuddy.com and let us take care of the heavy lifting—so you don’t have to.