Quick Answer / TL;DR: The fastest way to get rid of a working lawn mower is selling it on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for cash with zero fees. For broken mowers, take it to a scrap metal recycler — most will pay you for the steel and aluminum. Free options include curbside bulk pickup and Habitat for Humanity ReStore donations. Always drain fuel and oil first.
What You Need
Before you move that mower off your garage floor, gather these items. Preparation is 90% of the job — a mower with fuel still in the tank will be rejected by recyclers and most donation centers.
Tools
- Siphon pump or turkey baster (for draining fuel)
- Oil drain pan or shallow container
- Work gloves and safety glasses
- Socket wrench or spark plug socket (to disable the engine)
- Dolly or hand truck (a push mower weighs 60–90 lbs; a riding mower can exceed 400 lbs)
- Pickup truck, trailer, or a friend with one
Materials & Preparation
- Fuel disposal container — approved gas can, or drop old fuel at a hazardous waste site
- Rags or absorbent kitty litter — for oil drips
- Receipts/documentation — needed if you donate (for a tax write-off) or scrap (for payment)
- Photos of the mower — if selling or listing it for free online
Preparation checklist: Run the engine until it stalls (or siphon the tank), drain the oil into a pan, disconnect the spark plug wire so the engine can’t start during handling, and clean off caked grass clippings. A drained, clean mower is accepted everywhere; a fuel-filled one is accepted almost nowhere.
Step-by-Step Guide: 10 Best Ways to Get Rid of a Lawn Mower
Step 1: Drain All Fuel and Oil First (Do This for Every Method)
No matter which disposal route you choose, this step is non-negotiable. Run the engine dry or siphon the tank, then drain the crankcase oil into a pan. Recyclers, scrap yards, and waste haulers will all turn you away — or charge extra — if fluids are still inside.
⚠️ Warning: Never dump gasoline or used oil on the ground, in a storm drain, or in household trash. It’s illegal in most municipalities and contaminates groundwater. Take old fluids to an auto parts store (many accept used oil free) or your county hazardous waste facility.
💡 Pro Tip: Fresh, untreated gasoline from a mower stored last season can sometimes be reused in your car if it’s less than 30 days old. Anything older or mixed with oil should be disposed of properly.
Step 2: Pick the Right Method for Your Mower’s Condition
Use this comparison to match your mower’s condition to the best disposal route:
| Method | Cost to You | Effort | Works for Broken? | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sell on Facebook Marketplace / Craigslist | $0 | Low | Sometimes | 1–3 days | Working mowers |
| Donate to Habitat ReStore | $0 | Low | No | Same day | Running mowers + tax deduction |
| Scrap Metal / Recycling | $0–$10 haul fee | Medium | ✅ Yes | Same day | Broken/dead mowers |
| Curbside Bulk Trash | $0–$30 | Very Low | ✅ Yes | 1–2 weeks | All types, non-urgent |
| Junk Removal Service | $50–$150 | Very Low | ✅ Yes | Same day | Convenience-first |
| Equipment Dealer Trade-In | $0 | Low | Sometimes | Same day | Upgrading buyers |
| Freecycle / Nextdoor | $0 | Low | Sometimes | 1–5 days | Free, non-urgent disposal |
| Local Repair Shop Donation | $0 | Low | ✅ Yes | 1–2 days | Mowers needing work |
| Municipal Hazardous Waste Event | $0 | Medium | ✅ Yes | Scheduled dates | Fluid-heavy or rusted units |
| Part It Out | $0 | High | ✅ Yes (broken) | 1–4 weeks | Maximizing value on dead mowers |
Step 3: Sell It (Best Overall for Working Mowers)
List on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist with 5+ photos, the engine brand and hours (if known), and an honest condition note. Working push mowers typically sell in 1–3 days for $40–$150 depending on age; self-propelled and riding models bring more. Mention that you’ve drained the fuel — buyers transporting mowers in their car trunk appreciate it.
💡 Pro Tip: A non-running mower still sells as “for parts or repair” — small engine hobbyists pay $20–$60 for units with a good deck or usable engine. Be upfront that it doesn’t start.
Step 4: Donate It (Best for Tax Deductions)
Habitat for Humanity ReStores and local vocational schools accept running mowers and provide donation receipts. Call ahead — most locations inspect the mower on arrival and will decline units that don’t start or leak fluids. Get the receipt itemized; a decent push mower can be worth a $50–$100 tax deduction depending on your bracket.
Step 5: Scrap It (Best for Broken Mowers)
Scrap yards accept drained mowers as mixed steel and typically pay by weight — a push mower yields a few dollars, riding mowers more. Some yards pay more if you remove the plastic housing and separate the aluminum engine block. Call ahead to confirm they accept engines with fluids drained.
⚠️ Warning: Remove the spark plug wire and, ideally, the spark plug before loading the mower into your vehicle. A bump against the blade during transport can rotate the engine and, if fuel remains in the cylinder, cause a fire or injury.
Step 6: Use Curbside Bulk Pickup (Easiest Free Option)
Most municipalities offer free or low-cost bulky item pickup on a scheduled day. Call your waste department or check their website — many require advance notice or a sticker. Fluids must be drained and, in some areas, the engine must be labeled “fluids removed.”
Step 7: Hire a Junk Removal Service (Fastest, Zero Effort)
Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK or local haulers will remove the mower from your garage for $50–$150, often same-day. The price drops if you bundle it with other items. They handle fluid disposal legally, which makes this the right call for rusted, leaking units you don’t want to touch.
Step 8: Consider Trade-In or Free Listing Alternatives
If you’re buying a replacement, ask the dealer about trade-in credit — many offer $25–$100 off a new unit. Otherwise, list it free on Freecycle, Nextdoor, or the “free” section of Marketplace. Broken mowers go fast when the word “free” is attached, often within 24 hours. Small engine repair shops will also take broken units for parts or as training projects.
Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
After two decades around small engines, here are the mistakes I see homeowners make most often when getting rid of a mower:
Mistake 1: Skipping Fluid Drainage
The problem: You haul a fuel-filled mower to the recycler and get turned away, wasting a trip. Worse, a tipped mower in a truck bed leaks gasoline and oil everywhere.
The fix: Drain fuel and oil before the mower leaves your property, every time. If the engine won’t start to run it dry, use a siphon pump on the tank and drain the oil plug underneath.
Mistake 2: Undervaluing a “Broken” Mower
The problem: Homeowners assume a mower that won’t start is worthless and haul it straight to the dump.
The fix: Try selling it “for parts or repair” first — dead mowers with good decks, wheels, or carburetors regularly sell for $20–$60. Only scrap it if listing it free for a week produces no takers.
Mistake 3: Putting the Mower Out Too Early for Curbside Pickup
The problem: A mower sits at the curb for days, attracts scavengers, code enforcement complaints, or weather damage — and some municipalities will fine you for early set-out.
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