Upgrading your lawn mower? Don't let that old one become an eyesore in your garage. Recycling it is not only the eco-conscious choice but can also put some cash back in your pocket. I'll walk you through the process, from finding the right recycling center to prepping your mower for drop-off, and even share some surprising ways to repurpose parts you might not have thought of.
Why Recycle Your Lawn Mower?
First things first, let's talk about why recycling your lawn mower is so important. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans generate tons of yard trimmings and other green waste each year. And guess what? Some portion of that waste includes old, broken-down lawn mowers.
While lawn mowers are essential for maintaining our lawns, they contain materials that, if not disposed of properly, can harm the environment.
- Metals: Steel and aluminum make up the bulk of a mower, and when left to rust in a landfill, they can leach heavy metals into the soil and groundwater.
- Plastics: Many mowers have plastic components that can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing microplastics into the environment.
- Oil and Gas: Leftover fluids in a mower can contaminate soil and water sources if not drained and disposed of correctly.
But here's the good news: recycling your lawn mower can help reuse valuable metals and materials, reduce landfill waste, conserve natural resources, and create jobs. In fact, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) estimates that the recycling industry supports 506,000 jobs in the US. So by recycling your lawn mower, you're not just helping the planet; you're also supporting the economy.
Recycle Your Lawn Mower: It's Worth It!
Ready to take action? Here's how to get started:
Check Your Local Rules
Before you get started on taking apart your lawn mower, it's really important to check the local recycling regulations. Every city or town has its own rules for getting rid of yard equipment. Some places might require you to drain all the fluids or remove specific parts.
The easiest way to find out is to visit your city's website or give them a quick call. They can give you specific instructions on how to properly recycle your mower.
Once you know the local rules, it's time to find a recycling center that accepts lawn mowers. A quick online search or a chat with your local waste management folks will point you in the right direction. You can also use handy online tools like Earth911 or iScrap App to find nearby drop-off points.
Image source: Earth911 screenshot
Once you have a few options, it's a good idea to give them a call. This way, you can double check a few things:
- Do they accept whole lawn mowers, or just certain parts?
- Are there any fees for dropping it off?
- Do you need to take it apart first?
- What are their hours and drop-off procedures?
Every recycling center is a little different, so it's always best to check before you load up your mower and head out.
Safety First: Handle with Care!
It's important to ensure that your lawn mower is safe before you start working on it. If you have a gas-powered mower, the first step is to drain all the gas and oil. Make sure to dispose of them properly according to your local rules.
Next, be careful when handling any sharp parts, especially the blades! To protect yourself from cuts and flying debris, wear gloves and safety glasses. Also, remember to wear long sleeves and pants for extra protection.
Remember, safety always comes first! Taking a few extra precautions can help prevent accidents and make the recycling process much smoother.
Prepare Your Mower for Recycling
Here are some tips on prepping your mower for recycling.
Before you haul it off, it's a good idea to clean it thoroughly to eliminate any grass clippings, dirt, and grime. A simple brush or rag should do the trick!
If you're up for it, you can also take the mower apart to separate the recyclable parts from the non-recyclable ones. Just make sure you have essential tools like screwdrivers and wrenches on hand. Removing any battery, gas, or oil from the mower before recycling is important.
Once your mower is clean and disassembled, you are ready to go to a recycling center.
What Parts of Your Lawn Mower Can Actually Be Recycled?
You might be surprised to learn that many of the parts on your old lawn mower can be recycled and given a new life! The metal frame, handle, and even some of the engine parts are usually made from steel or aluminum, which scrap yards love. They'll melt those metals and use them to create new things, saving energy and resources.
It's not just metal that can be recycled from your mower! The plastic parts, such as the housing or the grass catcher, can also be given a new life. These plastics can be sorted, cleaned, and transformed into a wide range of new products, from household items to outdoor furniture.
So, as you're taking your mower apart, look for recyclable materials. It's a great way to reduce waste and help the environment. And remember, if you're unsure what can be recycled, ask your local recycling center or scrap yard. They're happy to help!
What About the Parts You Can't Recycle?
Even if you can't recycle every part of your mower, there are still ways to dispose of them responsibly. Things like rubber hoses, certain plastics, and especially the battery need special handling.
For the battery, your best bet is to contact your local hazardous waste facility or check with retailers or auto parts stores – many of them have battery recycling programs.
Do a little digging for those other non-recyclable bits. Your local waste management company might have some suggestions, or there might be community events that collect these types of items.
The bottom line is, even if you can't toss it in the recycling bin, there are still ways to keep those parts out of the landfill. It takes a little extra effort, but it's worth it to protect our planet and reduce our environmental impact!
Give Your Old Lawn Mower a Second Chance!
Conclusion
Recycling your lawn mower isn't just about getting rid of an old machine - it's about making a real difference for our planet. When you recycle, those metals and other materials get a second chance at life, which means less pollution, less waste in landfills, and less need to dig up new resources. It's a win-win!
Ready to take action?
- Check your local rules: Every community has its own recycling guidelines, so find out what applies to you. Your city or town's website is a great place to start.
- Find a recycling center: Use online resources like Earth911 or iScrap App to locate nearby drop-off points. You can also call your local waste management service for suggestions.
- Prep your mower: Follow the simple steps I've outlined in this article to get your mower ready for recycling.
Remember, every little bit counts. By recycling your lawn mower, you're taking a step towards a greener future. So, the next time you’re ready to retire your old lawn mower, ask yourself - why trash it when you can recycle it?
