How to Get Rid of an Old Lawn Mower? 7 Options [2026]

The easiest method depends on whether the mower still runs.

If the mower works but you do not want it: List it free on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor. Working lawn mowers — even old ones — get claimed within hours. Post "free working lawn mower, you haul" and it will be gone by tomorrow.

If the mower is broken: Post it as "free broken lawn mower — good for parts" on Craigslist. Small engine hobbyists and repair shops seek these out. A broken mower with a good engine, wheels, or deck has parts value. This approach requires zero effort beyond posting the ad.

If you want it gone today: Book Dropcurb ($79) for same-day curbside pickup. Roll the mower to your curb or driveway and the hauler takes it. Drain gas and oil first.

Every disposal method requires the same preparation: drain all fluids first.

Drain the gasoline. Run the mower until it runs out of gas, or siphon the fuel into a gas can for use in another piece of equipment. Never dump gasoline on the ground, into storm drains, or in the trash.

Drain the oil. Tilt the mower on its side (air filter side up to prevent oil from flooding the filter) and let the oil drain into a container. Most auto parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto Parts) accept used motor oil for free recycling.

Remove the battery (if equipped). Riding mowers and electric mowers have batteries that must be removed and recycled separately. Auto parts stores accept lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries from electric mowers go to an e-waste facility or battery recycling drop-off.

Disconnect the spark plug wire. This prevents accidental starting during transport. Just pull the rubber boot off the spark plug.

Yes. Lawn mowers have solid scrap metal value because they contain steel, aluminum, and sometimes copper wiring.

A standard push mower weighs 60-80 pounds and earns $5-15 at a scrap yard depending on current metal prices. The steel deck and engine block make up most of the weight.

A riding mower weighs 400-600 pounds and brings $25-50+ at scrap prices. Some scrapyards pay more for riding mowers because they contain more non-ferrous metals (aluminum engine blocks, copper wiring, brass fittings).

Scrap yards require all fluids (gas, oil, hydraulic fluid) to be drained before they will accept the mower. Some yards charge a $5-10 environmental fee if they detect fluids.

Call your local scrap yard for current pricing — rates fluctuate with commodity markets. Search "scrap metal yard near me" or check iScrapApp.com for current scrap metal prices in your area.

Most cities accept lawn mowers through their bulk pickup program, but you must drain all fluids first.

Schedule bulk pickup through 311 or your city's website. When scheduling, specify that it is a lawn mower — some cities classify power equipment differently from general bulky items.

Wait times average 2-8 weeks. The mower must be at the curb by 6-7 AM on your scheduled day. Gas and oil must be fully drained. Many sanitation departments will leave equipment behind if they detect fuel.

Some cities (NYC, Chicago, Seattle) separate metal items from general bulk waste and pick up metals more frequently. Ask if metal-only pickup is available — you may get faster service.

Riding mowers are harder to dispose of due to their size and weight (400-600+ pounds). Not all options available for push mowers work for riding mowers.

Scrap yards: Best option for broken riding mowers. The scrap value is higher ($25-50+) and yards are equipped to handle heavy equipment. Some offer on-site pickup for large items.

Craigslist/Facebook: Working riding mowers sell for $200-1,500+ depending on age and condition. Even non-running riding mowers sell for $50-200 to mechanics who rebuild them. Always list before scrapping — you will get more money.

City bulk pickup: Some cities will not pick up riding mowers due to size and weight. Call first to confirm. You may need to arrange special equipment pickup through your waste management provider.

Junk removal: Dropcurb handles push mowers at $79. For riding mowers, the price depends on accessibility and weight. Full-service companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK charge $200-400+ for riding mower removal.

Tractor supply stores and lawn equipment dealers: Some accept trade-ins toward new equipment. John Deere, Husqvarna, and Toro dealerships may offer trade-in credit even for non-running machines.

Several organizations accept working lawn mowers.

• •Habitat for Humanity ReStore — Accepts working power equipment for resale
• •Goodwill — Some locations accept lawn mowers; call first as policies vary
• •Community tool libraries — Growing network of organizations that lend tools and equipment
• •Youth landscaping programs — Some nonprofits train young people in lawn care and accept donated equipment
• •Freecycle.org and Buy Nothing groups — Post the mower for free local pickup

Donation provides a tax deduction. Keep a receipt from the receiving organization and estimate the fair market value (typically $25-100 for a used push mower, $200-500 for a used riding mower).