How to Dispose of Your Old Lawn Mower

Paul Lindahl • January 25, 2025

Disposing of an old lawn mower doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you choose to dispose of donate, or junk your mower, this guide will help you handle the process responsibly and efficiently.

Let’s take a look at the best ways to dispose of your old mower, with simple tips to make it as smooth as possible.

Assess the condition of your lawn mower

Before deciding how to get rid of your old lawn mower, evaluate its condition. If it still runs well, a simple clean-up could make it ready for sale or donation. You can find a new owner through online marketplaces, like facebook or a local donation center.

If the mower’s not in great shape, you could have it serviced to make it more appealing for donation. If it’s beyond repair, check if any parts can be salvaged and sold. This could help you recoup some of its value.

Determine if your mower is reusable

If your mower starts and runs smoothly, it still has some life left in it. Many donation centers and charities accept working mowers. You can also try selling it on platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.

If the mower is beyond repair, our junk hauling service can help with disposal, but try other reuse options first. Sometimes schools look for mowers for their small engine repair shop classes.

Research local donation centers

Start by researching local donation centers. Many charities and nonprofits accept used lawn mowers, call ahead and check. You can also reach out to local schools, homeless shelters, or churches, as they may need a mower for their facilities.

Social media can also be a great way to find someone in your area who could use a mower. Posting in local "buy nothing" groups or asking around could connect you with someone who would appreciate it. Donating not only helps others but also keeps useful equipment out of landfills.

Consider selling your lawn mower

Thinking about selling your old lawn mower? Online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and OfferUp are great places to find buyers looking for a deal. To increase its appeal, give the mower a good cleaning and make any necessary repairs.

In your listing, be sure to include detailed information about its condition and features, along with clear photos. If it's not working, you can still sell it for parts—many buyers are interested in salvaging components to fix other equipment.

When setting your price, check similar models in similar conditions to ensure it's fair. Even if it's not the latest model, it could still be just what someone else needs.

Understand recycling options for lawn mowers

When recycling your old lawn mower, the first step is to drain all the fluids, like oil and gasoline, to prevent any environmental impact. Once that’s done, you can look into pick up and recycling options.

Many recycling centers accept lawn mowers, call ahead and confirm they can take them. They often recycle the metal and plastic parts, which can be repurposed. Some scrap yards also accept lawn mowers for recycling, especially if they specialize in metal.

Recycling it yourself can be a hassle, so if you'd rather not handle it, our junk removal service is a great option.

Properly drain gasoline from your mower

To drain the gasoline from your lawn mower, use a siphon hose with a hand pump to transfer the fuel into a clean container. This method helps prevent spills and keeps things safe. It's a good idea to run the mower until the tank is empty to avoid any leaks when transporting it.

Make sure the gas is completely drained before taking your mower to a recycling center or scrap yard. If not, you could face extra charges for draining services or be turned away. Proper disposal of gas and oil is important for the environment and can help you avoid legal issues.

Once drained, seal the containers tightly to prevent leaks.

Dispose of oil according to local regulations

Many auto parts stores or mechanics will recycle used oil, sometimes for a small fee. You can also take it to a local household hazardous waste facility.

Dumping oil or gasoline in landfills is illegal and can have serious consequences. Always choose approved disposal methods to protect the environment and stay on the right side of the law.

Remove batteries from electric mowers

Before getting rid of your electric lawn mower, be sure to remove the battery. This helps ensure safe disposal and keeps things compliant with waste regulations. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for how to properly detach the battery to avoid damage and stay safe.

Electric mower batteries are considered electronic waste (e-waste), so it’s important to dispose of them correctly. E-waste recycling centers are equipped to handle these batteries and other components, helping recover valuable materials and keeping harmful substances out of the environment.

For proper disposal, here are a few options:

E-waste Recycling Centers: These centers are set up to recycle batteries safely.
Household Hazardous Waste Facilities: They can help with safe disposal, preventing environmental harm.
Professional Junk Removal Services: Some offer eco-friendly battery disposal.

Separate recyclable parts from non-recyclable components

Here’s a step-by-step guide to separating recyclable parts from non-recyclable components of your lawn mower:

Detach non-metal components: Start by removing parts like the plastic housing, rubber tires, and any other plastic or rubber pieces.
Identify rigid plastic parts: Look for handles, knobs, or other solid plastic components that can be recycled separately.
Separate metal parts: After removing all non-metal components, set aside the remaining metal parts like the mower's frame or blades.
Check local recycling guidelines: Verify with your local recycling facility to see which materials they accept and whether they charge any fees.

Contact professional disposal services

If you're looking to get rid of your old lawn mower but don't have the right tools or know-how, hiring a professional junk removal service could be a great option. They can break down your mower into recyclable parts, helping keep waste to a minimum.

FAQs

Are there places that accept lawn mowers for recycling?

Yes, many regions offer lawn mower recycling services. Start by searching "lawn mower recycling near me" or "lawn equipment recycling near me." Local recycling centers often have a scrap metal bin for old mowers, but it’s wise to confirm if they accept scrap metal. Home improvement stores like Home Depot sometimes host recycling events for old equipment. These centers may require you to drain fluids, remove batteries, and separate components like blades, so it's best to check their policies and any fees involved.

How do I safely drain fuel from my mower?

To safely drain fuel, use a siphon hose with a hand pump to transfer gasoline into a clean, sealable container. Drain the oil at least 24 hours before disposal by removing the oil plug and letting it flow into another sealable container. Always clean and drain the mower properly to prevent hazardous leaks that can damage the environment. After draining, ensure the containers are sealed for proper disposal; never pour these materials down drains or into storm systems. For safety, remove the spark plug wire before starting this process to prevent accidental engine ignition. And if the mower is going to be used again make sure to put a semi-perminant note close to the starting switch or pull handle that oil needs to be refilled.

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How to Clean Out a Storage Unit

By Paul Lindahl • November 28, 2023

In this article, we will explore the importance of cleaning out a storage unit, not only for the sake of cost savings but also for the peace of mind that comes with avoiding any potential legal issues. So, let's roll up our sleeves and discover the steps to efficiently clean out and organize your storage space, saving both money and potential headaches along the way. Understanding Lease Terms Understanding lease terms is crucial for tenants and landlords alike. It involves thoroughly reviewing the terms and conditions stated in the lease agreement, ensuring that both parties are aware of their contractual obligations. This includes understanding the responsibilities of the landlord, such as maintaining the property in good condition, and the tenant's obligations, such as paying rent on time. Lease duration is another important aspect to consider, as it establishes the period for which the property is leased. It is essential to be aware of the length of the lease and any provisions for renewal or termination. Additionally, reviewing the late payment policies is necessary to understand the consequences and potential fees associated with late or missed rent payments. By comprehending these crucial elements, both parties can maintain a transparent and mutually beneficial leasing relationship. Why Not Just Stop Paying When it comes to cleaning out a storage unit, it is important to understand the consequences of simply stopping payments and abandoning the unit. Here is a list of potential legal consequences: Breach of Contract: Abandoning a storage unit is likely a breach of the rental agreement between the tenant and the storage facility. This breach could lead to legal actions taken by the facility. Financial Penalties: Storage facilities often include clauses specifying penalties for early termination or abandonment. Tenants may be subject to financial penalties, additional fees, or forfeiture of the security deposit. Sale of Contents: Some storage agreements grant the facility the right to sell or auction off the contents of an abandoned unit to recover unpaid rent and fees. The proceeds may be used to offset the outstanding balance. Liens on Personal Property: Storage facilities may place a lien on the tenant's personal property within the abandoned unit. This legal claim gives the facility the right to retain possession of the items until outstanding fees are paid. Legal Notices and Collections: Storage facilities may issue legal notices demanding payment or removal of the abandoned property. Failure to comply may result in the facility hiring a collections agency or pursuing legal action to recover owed amounts. Credit Consequences: Non-payment and abandonment of a storage unit may negatively impact the tenant's credit score. Storage facilities can report delinquent accounts to credit bureaus, affecting the individual's creditworthiness. Termination of Services: Storage facilities may terminate services for tenants who abandon their units, and the facility may take legal steps to prevent the tenant from renting from them in the future. Civil Lawsuits: Storage facilities have the option to pursue civil lawsuits against tenants who abandon their units. Legal actions may be taken to recover unpaid rent, fees, and any damages caused to the facility. Potential Criminal Charges: In extreme cases where abandonment involves intentional theft, fraud, or other criminal activities, there may be a risk of facing criminal charges and legal prosecution. Public Auction Procedures: If the storage facility decides to auction the contents of an abandoned unit, they must adhere to specific legal procedures. Failure to follow these procedures could result in legal challenges from the tenant. Planning the Cleanout Process Allocating Sufficient Time When planning the cleanout process, it is crucial to set a schedule that allows for sufficient time to complete the task effectively. Allocating sufficient time ensures that the cleanout is not rushed, minimizing the chances of overlooking important details or leaving behind any clutter. By setting a schedule with specific time blocks dedicated to each area or room, one can approach the cleanout process systematically and efficiently. This helps to avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensures that the cleanout is completed within the desired timeframe. Additionally, allocating sufficient time allows for breaks and rest periods, preventing exhaustion and promoting productivity throughout the cleanout process. Considering Peak Hours By considering peak hours, one can strategically plan the cleanout process to avoid unnecessary disruptions or inconveniences. For example, if the cleanout involves moving large items out of the house, it may be wise to schedule these tasks outside of peak hours to minimize traffic or parking issues. Additionally, considering peak hours allows for better coordination with external service providers, such as donation centers or waste removal companies, as their availability and efficiency may vary during different times of the day or week Sorting and Organizing Items Keep, Donate, Sell, or Discard One of the crucial steps in cleaning out a storage unit is effectively sorting and organizing items into categories such as keep, donate, sell, or discard. . This process helps streamline the cleanout and ensures that items are properly dealt with. Begin by carefully assessing each item and deciding whether it is worth keeping or not. Consider its sentimental value, usefulness, and relevance to your current life. Items that are no longer needed can be donated to local charities or organizations, helping those in need while decluttering your unit. . If you come across items that might still have value, consider selling them through online marketplaces or organizing a garage sale. Finally, if items are damaged, broken, or no longer usable, it's important to discard them properly to avoid cluttering the unit with unnecessary items. By taking the time to sort and organize, the cleanout process becomes more efficient and allows you to create a system for managing your belongings in a storage unit. Inventory Checklist Start by surveying the contents of the unit and make a detailed list of everything stored inside. This could include furniture, boxes, appliances, and other belongings. As you go through each item, categorize them into different sections of the checklist based on their condition and importance. The inventory checklist not only helps in keeping track of what you have stored, but it also ensures that no item is overlooked during the cleanout process. Additionally, it serves as a reference tool for organizing the unit when you bring items back in or when you need to access specific belongings later. By having an inventory checklist, the cleanout process becomes more systematic and efficient, making it easier to declutter and organize your storage unit effectively. Cleaning and Preparing the Unit for Return Recycling and Donation Options When it comes to cleaning and preparing a unit for return, it is essential to explore recycling and donation options to minimize waste and give the unit a second life. Recycling involves responsibly disposing of the unit's components, ensuring that valuable materials are recovered and repurposed. This can be done by researching local e-waste recycling centers or contacting the manufacturer for guidance. On the other hand, donation provides an opportunity to benefit someone in need while reducing environmental impact. Charitable organizations, schools, or community centers often accept gently used units and refurbish them for further use. Before donating, it is crucial to erase any personal data and restore the unit to factory settings to protect privacy. Cleaning the storage Unit to Meet Lease Requirements Cleaning and preparing the storage unit for return is crucial in meeting lease requirements. Tenants must ensure that the unit is thoroughly cleaned and organized before vacating, as specified in the lease agreement. This involves removing all belongings and debris from the unit, disposing of any unwanted items responsibly, and sweeping or vacuuming the floors. Engaging the services of a professional junk removal company can simplify this process, ensuring efficient and responsible disposal of unwanted items. Additionally, it is essential to address any damages or repairs that may have occurred during the tenancy. By adhering to these cleaning guidelines, tenants can guarantee that the storage unit is in proper condition and meets the lease requirements, preventing any possible disputes or fines with the storage facility In conclusion, cleaning out a storage unit offers various benefits, including financial savings and the avoidance of legal and credit implications. By decluttering and organizing your storage space, you can potentially eliminate unnecessary rental fees and avoid the need to rent additional units. This results in saving money in the long term. Overall, taking the time to clean out and organize your storage unit can lead to significant benefits that positively impact both your finances and overall peace of mind.

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Cleaning Out Your Basement

By Paul Lindahl • February 2, 2023

How do you clear out an old basement? Cleaning out a basement is no easy feat and can be even more daunting for those who were not there when it was filled up. But if you break down the process into manageable steps, it doesn’t have to be so overwhelming. The first step is to sort through the items in your basement, deciding what should stay and what should go. On that note, designate three piles - Keep, Toss and Donate/Sell - and do your best to stick with them as you plow through each space in the room. What should you look for when cleaning out a basement? When you're ready to start your basement cleanout , there are some things you should look for before you begin. First, look for evidence of water damage from leaking pipes or rainwater. If it's present, try to identify the source of the leak and repair it if possible. Second, check for mold and mildew growth in dark corners. It can cause health issues for anyone living in the house and must be taken care of immediately. Third, make sure any electrical wiring has been adequately maintained and is relevant and safe. Finally, ensure that no pests are hiding anywhere - they can destroy furniture and make your home a danger zone! Once you have identified any potential dangers or repairs that need to be made, begin looking into what items might still in the basement that can be kept or donated - clothes, books, extra pieces of furniture. Once your investigation is complete, and all necessary repairs have been made, it's time to start cleaning! How to pick what to Keep, Toss and Donate/Sell After you have determined what items can be safely kept, it's time to decide what should get tossed and what should be donated or sold. Make a pile of these items to get them out of the way during cleaning. When picking through items, ask yourself if the item has an emotional value for you and whether it is still in good condition - if so, consider donating it! If not, and you no longer need it, then make sure to properly dispose of the item is key. What items should be disposed of when cleaning out a basement? When cleaning out a basement, start by separating everything into piles based on what you plan to do with each item. For example, one pile should be for unwanted items to donate, another for things to keep, and another for things that are no longer usable. Some of the things you will most likely find that should be disposed of include broken furniture and appliances, hazardous chemicals, flammable materials, expired medicines, water-damaged items, rusted tools, and other objects containing mold or mildew. Also, things that may attract pests, such as sawdust or wood scraps, should be thrown away. Finally, anything with a foul odor should also go in the trash! Would it make sense to rent a storage unit? If you want to use your basement, but your basement is too small for all the items you need to store, then renting a storage unit could be a great solution. Storage units are available in all sizes, from small locker sized units to larger spaces like garages or warehouses. Renting a storage unit can also help you organize and declutter your basement by removing items that are rarely used. You'll also get peace of mind knowing that your belongings are stored securely in a climate-controlled environment with 24/7 security monitoring. So if you're short on space but still have plenty of stuff to store, it could make perfect sense to rent a storage unit! What areas of a basement can be more challenging to clean up? Cleaning out a basement can be a daunting task, as it often contains items that have been stored for years and are now covered in dust or mold. While there are many areas of a basement that will require deep cleaning, some parts may be more difficult to tackle than others. Areas with unfinished floors or crawl spaces often contain far more dirt and debris than your average basement and may require special techniques to reach areas that are difficult to access. Moving heavy items, like appliances and furniture, can also be a challenge when cleaning out a basement. It's important to be aware of your limits when lifting these items, especially if they are covered in grime or debris. You can enlist the help of a friend or family member to assist with moving large items but always remember to use proper lifting techniques and safe handling methods. How much time does it usually take to clean out a basement properly? The amount of time it takes to properly clean out a basement will depend on the size and condition of the basement. For example, if the basement is cluttered with items that need to be sorted through, donated, or discarded, it may take anywhere from a few hours to several days to get the job done. It's important not to underestimate how long it might take, which is why it's best to give yourself adequate time to clean out your basement. The reward you get from seeing a neat and tidy space will be worth all your effort! Are there any special techniques for getting rid of mildew and mold in a basement? There are some special techniques that you can use to get rid of mildew and mold in your basement. The first step is to adequately ventilate the space. This means ensuring good air circulation, with windows opened or fans running, especially after rainy days or during humid weather. You should also consider buying a dehumidifier if the humidity is especially high. Next, it's important to clean any exposed surfaces with a mixture that contains bleach and water. Be sure to wear protective gear while cleaning; glasses, long sleeves/pants, and gloves will ensure your safety! Lastly, check your basement for moisture by looking at the walls, checking behind furniture, and removing excess water around pipes or appliances. If the problem persists, don’t be afraid to call a professional to help remove the mold for good! Should you hire professionals to help with cleaning out a basement? When it comes to cleaning out your basement, it can be a daunting task. You may find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of clutter and junk that's been accumulating over the years. In this case, it might be beneficial to consider why you should hire a professional junk removal company that specializes in basement cleaning services. We can provide assistance with packing up and disposing or donating your old belongings while also relieving some stress off your shoulders. Additionally, hiring a junk removal service company can save you time, money, and energy—allowing you to focus on other important projects more efficiently.