Getting Rid of an Old Lawn Mower: Recycle, Trade In, Sell or Donate

The simplest way to get rid of an old lawn mower is to drain the gas and oil first, then pick one of four routes: sell it or give it away if it still runs, take it to a scrap metal yard or recycling center if it does not, trade it in or put it toward a replacement at a local dealer if one will take it, or have it hauled away. For anyone who is replacing the mower at the same time, our top pick is the Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Mower for small yards, with the Greenworks 60V 21-Inch Self-Propelled as the runner-up for bigger lawns. Policies on what stores accept change by location and date, so this guide tells you what to ask, not what any specific store does.

People searching on this topic usually have one of a handful of questions: how to dispose of or recycle a mower, whether Goodwill, the Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity will take one, whether you can trade one in, whether pawn shops or Harbor Freight buy or sell mowers, how fast mowers lose value, and how to get a free or cheap one. We answer each below with a direct first sentence. This guide is research-based; we did not personally use the products named, and we do not state any store’s current policy as fact. When a store matters, we say “call first.” Drain-and-prepare steps are general; your owner’s manual rules for your model.

Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall Replacement for a Small Yard: Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Mower
• Best Budget Replacement (Corded): LawnMaster MEB1114K 15-Inch Corded Mower
• Best Budget Gas Replacement: PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Mower
• Best Premium Replacement: Greenworks 60V 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
• Best Wider Corded Option: CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Corded Electric Mower
• Best for Moving a Mower Out: Stalwart 35.5-Inch Loading Ramps (set of two)
• Best for Storing a Mower While You Sell It: Viadom Push Lawn Mower Cover

Quick Comparison Table

Step One: Decide What State Your Mower Is In

Disposal advice depends on condition. A mower that starts, cuts and has no safety problems is a resale or donation candidate. A mower that runs poorly but is repairable can sell as “for parts or project,” often to hobbyists or small-engine mechanics. A mower with a cracked deck, a seized engine or missing safety parts is scrap. A cordless mower with a dead battery is a special case, because the lithium-ion pack needs separate recycling.

Step Two: Drain Fuel and Oil Before Any Disposal

Almost every scrap yard, charity and recycler wants a mower with fuel and oil removed, so do this first. Work outdoors with the engine cool and no flames nearby. Disconnect the spark plug wire. Drain the gas into an approved fuel container with a siphon or by running the tank dry, and take it to a hazardous waste site or follow your local advice. Drain the oil by tilting the mower with the air filter side up into a pan, and take used oil to an auto parts store or recycling center that accepts it. Never pour fuel or oil on the ground, down a drain or into regular trash. If you have a battery on a riding or electric-start mower, remove it. These are general steps; your manual has the exact method for your model, and some local rules require more.

How to Dispose of a Lawn Mower: Your Options

1. Sell it

If it runs, selling is the best return. List clearly: brand, deck size, engine size, year if you know it, condition and whether it starts on the first pull. Honest photos help. A mower that does not run can still sell for parts. Do not state anything you cannot confirm, such as a warranty.

2. Give it away or donate it

A free listing on a local community board or a neighborhood group is the fastest route for a working mower. For charities, policies vary: some thrift stores do not accept gas-powered equipment, and others take working items only. We do not say what Goodwill, the Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity accept, because it differs by location and changes over time. Call the nearest location, ask whether they take lawn mowers (gas, electric or both), whether they need the fuel drained, and whether they offer pickup.

3. Scrap metal or recycling center

A mower with the fluids drained is mostly steel and aluminum, so scrap yards and many recycling centers will weigh and take it, and some pay a small amount. Some yards ask you to take parts off and sort the metals. Call ahead and ask what they require, because some refuse engines with residual fuel or want the battery removed.

4. Municipal bulk pickup or the transfer station

Many towns have bulk-waste days or a drop-off site with a metal pile. Rules differ widely, with some requiring fuel-free equipment, appointments or a fee. Check your city or county website.

5. Junk removal service

A hauler will take almost anything for a fee. It is convenient but usually the most costly choice, and a good hauler should confirm where the mower goes.

6. Trade-in

Some local dealers apply a credit when you buy a new mower, while many do not. Never assume; ask the dealer before you commit.

1. Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Mower: Best Replacement for a Small Yard

• Deck: 16 inches
• Power: 40V battery system; 4.0 Ah battery and charger included per the listing
• Start: push-button start
• Type: cordless, walk-behind push mower

Best for: small and mid-size yards where you want less noise and no gas. Skip if: you have a large lawn or thick, tall grass where a single battery may not last.

If your old mower is a gas model you are retiring because of starting problems, a cordless push mower removes the fuel and oil routine. Battery runtime depends on grass height, thickness and cutting width, and no listing can promise a time; check the maker’s runtime note against your lawn size. A cordless mower’s battery pack will also need recycling at the end of its life, which is easier if you buy from a maker with a recycling program (ask the maker).

Pros: quiet; no fuel; simple start. Cons: limited runtime on large lawns; battery replacement cost over the years.

2. LawnMaster MEB1114K 15-Inch Corded Mower: Best Budget Corded Option

• Deck: 15 inches
• Motor: 11 amp
• Type: corded electric

Best for: small, simple lawns near an outlet. Skip if: you have trees, beds or fences that make a cord awkward.

A corded mower has no battery to recycle and no fuel to drain, which makes it the easiest to dispose of later. Use an outdoor-rated extension cord of the right gauge for the length you need, and keep the cord behind you as you mow.

Pros: low price; light; nothing to refuel. Cons: cord limits reach and shape of mowing; narrower deck.

3. PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Mower: Best Budget Gas Replacement

• Engine: 144cc 4-cycle
• Deck: 18 inches, side discharge
• Height: 5 positions

Best for: homeowners who want a low-cost gas mower and are comfortable with oil and fuel. Skip if: you want to avoid maintenance.

Because gas mowers lose value mostly through age and wear, a low-priced new gas mower can be a practical swap for a failing older one. Expect the usual care: oil changes, a fresh plug and stabilizer in storage.

Pros: low upfront cost; no battery; familiar service. Cons: noise; fuel upkeep; less refined than electrics.

4. Greenworks 60V 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower: Best Premium Replacement

• Deck: 21 inches; 4-in-1 system (mulch, bag, side discharge, per the listing summary)
• Power: 60V brushless motor; two 4.0 Ah batteries
• Drive: self-propelled

Best for: medium lawns and those who want to replace a gas self-propelled mower. Skip if: your budget is tight.

A self-propelled cordless unit is one of the closer substitutes for a gas self-propelled. Check the weight, since a heavier deck can be difficult to lift into a car for transport or to the curb.

Pros: large deck; self-propelled; two batteries. Cons: premium cost; battery replacement cost later.

5. CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Corded Electric Mower: Best Wider Corded Cut

• Deck: 20 inches
• Motor: 13 amp
• Height: 6 settings; winged blade, as listed

Best for: flat, rectangular lawns with an easy cord path. Skip if: your yard is far from an outlet.

It offers a wider cut than most corded mowers, so fewer passes. As with all corded models, avoid running over the cord.

Pros: a wide deck for a corded mower; no battery; six height settings. Cons: cord handling; premium for a corded model.

6. Stalwart Loading Ramps: Best for Moving a Mower to a Recycler or Buyer

• Length: 35.5 inches each
• Capacity: 1,200 lb combined, per the listing
• Use: ATVs, motorcycles, mowers and carts

Best for: loading a push mower or a smaller rider into a truck or trailer. Skip if: your mower is a large zero-turn that needs wider ramps.

Check the ramp width against the wheel track and the load against the rated limit. Secure the mower with straps once it is aboard.

Pros: a combined 1,200 lb rating; useful for many tasks; set of two. Cons: may be too short for high truck beds; width varies.

7. Viadom Push Lawn Mower Cover: Best for Keeping a Mower Presentable

• Fabric: heavy-duty 420D Oxford, waterproof, per the listing
• Use: push mowers stored outdoors

Best for: keeping a mower dry and clean during the days or weeks while you try to sell it. Skip if: the mower lives in a closed garage.

Pros: low cost; waterproof fabric; fits many push mowers. Cons: fit varies by mower; a cover will not hide poor condition.

Also Consider

EWORK 40V 14-Inch Cordless Mower

A lightweight cordless mower listed with two 4.0 Ah batteries and six cutting heights, for very small lawns.

Casince 17-Inch Cordless Mower

Listed with 6-position height, a 50 L grass bag and two 4.0 Ah batteries.

VEVOR Trailer Ramps, 2-Piece, 39 x 9 Inch

Steel ramps listed at 1,200 lb combined with anti-slip plates, a slightly longer option for loading.

Tough Cover Push Mower Cover, 600D

A thicker waterproof cover if the mower stays outdoors.

Store and Policy Questions

Can you trade in a lawn mower?

Sometimes, but it is up to each seller. Some local mower dealers credit an old mower toward a new one, and many do not. Ask for the offer in writing before you buy.

Do pawn shops buy lawn mowers?

Many pawn shops buy working outdoor equipment, but it depends on the shop, the brand and the condition. Call first and expect an offer well below retail.

Does Goodwill, the Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity take lawn mowers?

It depends on the local location and its safety rules. Some accept working equipment, some do not take gas-powered items and some only take items at their stores or donation centers. Call the nearest location and ask about fuel, pickup and condition.

Does Harbor Freight sell lawn mowers?

Harbor Freight has carried lawn and garden equipment, but inventory changes by store and season, so check its site or call a store. We do not list current stock.

Do Rural King, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Badcock or Roses sell lawn mowers?

Product ranges differ between stores and over time, and some stock mowers seasonally. Check each store’s current catalog or call.

Does Aaron’s or Rent-A-Center have lawn mowers, and does Affirm finance them?

Lease-to-own stores and financing providers change what they carry and which merchants they work with, so we do not state it as fact. Ask the store about total cost, term and any fees before signing; lease-to-own usually costs more than buying outright.

How much do lawn mowers depreciate?

Like most equipment, mowers lose value fastest in the first years and then more slowly, and condition, brand, engine type and maintenance matter more than age alone. We do not give a percentage because it depends on the market. For a realistic price, check recent sold listings of similar models near you.

How do I flip lawn mowers for a profit?

Buy cheap, repairable mowers (often free or low-cost on local listing sites), fix simple issues such as a clogged carburetor, dull blade or old fuel, clean them well, and resell with an honest description. Factor in your time, parts and local rules, and avoid anything with a missing safety guard.

How can I get a free lawn mower?

Check community “free” boards, neighborhood groups, curbside giveaways, local repair shops that take unwanted units and community tool libraries. Inspect for safety, a cracked deck, a missing blade guard or a bent blade.

How do I recycle an old lawn mower?

Drain the fluids, remove any battery and take the metal body to a scrap yard or recycling center. Cordless batteries need an e-waste or battery recycling drop-off, and many retailers and community programs accept lithium-ion packs; call ahead to confirm.

A Pickup-Day Checklist

1. Pull the spark plug wire and tape it back so the engine cannot start by accident.
2. Drain the fuel into an approved container and close the tank cap. Take the fuel to a hazardous-waste site or follow local guidance.
3. Drain the oil into a pan and pour it into a sealed container for an auto parts store or recycling center that takes used oil.
4. Remove the battery from an electric-start or cordless mower and keep it upright, away from metal objects that could short the terminals, until you reach a battery drop-off.
5. Take off the bag, the key and any loose accessories that you want to keep or sell separately.
6. Wipe off loose grass and dirt, which makes the mower more appealing to a buyer and lighter to lift.
7. Photograph the model tag and the engine tag. Buyers, charities and recyclers often ask for the model number.
8. Confirm the drop-off hours, rules and any fee by phone before loading the vehicle.

Cordless Mowers and Battery Packs

If your old mower is a cordless model, the lithium-ion battery is the part that most needs special handling. Do not put it in household trash or a curbside recycling bin, because damaged lithium packs can start fires in trucks and sorting plants. Many retailers and community programs accept rechargeable batteries, and the maker may run a take-back program, but accepted sizes and rules vary, so call first. Tape over exposed terminals if the pack has them, and store it in a cool, dry place until drop-off. If the pack is swollen, hot or leaking, do not charge it, and ask a recycler or your local fire department what to do.

What to Expect From a Sale

A working push mower usually sells for a fraction of its original price, and one that does not run sells for less again. The best way to set a realistic ask is to look at recent sold listings for the same brand and deck size in your area, not at asking prices. Be ready to start the engine for a buyer, to show the fuel and oil are fresh and to say plainly what does not work. Cash on pickup keeps things simple, and a meeting place in daylight is safer than inviting strangers to your home. Do not describe a mower as “like new” unless it is; accurate descriptions save time on both sides.

How We Chose

This guide is research-based. We reviewed general disposal guidance from municipal and recycling sources, and then listings for each replacement mower and accessory. We did not personally use any of these products, and we do not claim performance results. Because store policies change, we do not state any retailer’s current policy as fact. For product picks we kept to two per brand and used price tiers rather than numbers.

Buying Guide

If you are replacing, pick by yard size

Under about a quarter acre, a 15 to 18 inch cordless or corded mower is usually enough; for a bigger lawn, a 21 inch self-propelled model saves time. Gas suits those with more land and mowing hours.

Think about end of life

A corded model is the easiest to dispose of later. Gas mowers need fluids drained. Cordless mowers need battery recycling. Consider this when you choose.

Check what a recycler wants

Before hauling a mower, call the site and ask three things: do they take it, must the tank be empty, and is there a fee.

Transport safely

Use ramps rated for the weight, tie the mower down and keep the fuel tank empty and capped while it travels.

Sell honestly

List the exact condition and avoid claims you cannot confirm. Buyers who feel misled leave bad feedback, and honest listings sell sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I dispose of an old lawn mower?

Drain the fuel and oil, remove any battery, and then sell it, donate it, take it to a scrap yard or recycling center, or use local bulk pickup.

Can I put a lawn mower in the trash?

Often not. Many cities restrict it, so check local rules and use bulk pickup or a recycler.

How do I recycle a cordless mower battery?

Remove it and take it to a battery or e-waste drop-off; never put lithium-ion packs in household trash or recycling bins.

Will a mower dealer take my old one?

Some do as a trade-in or a haul-away service, and others do not; ask before you buy.

Can I donate a broken mower?

Charities generally prefer working items, so a broken mower is usually better sent to scrap or sold for parts.

What is a mower worth as scrap?

Usually a small amount, depending on weight and local metal prices; ask the yard.

Is it worth repairing an old mower before selling?

If the fix is cheap, such as a plug, filter, fresh fuel or sharp blade, it can raise the sale price; costly engine work rarely pays back.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you are only getting rid of a mower, you do not need to buy anything except possibly ramps (Stalwart) to move it. If you are replacing it, match the new one to your yard: the Greenworks 40V 16-Inch for small lawns, the LawnMaster or CRAFTSMAN corded for flat yards near an outlet, the PowerSmart for a low-cost gas model and the Greenworks 60V 21-Inch Self-Propelled for bigger lawns. Whatever you pick, plan its end of life, drain fluids before disposal and call stores before you drive anywhere.

Sources

• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: guidance on managing used equipment and fluids
• Call2Recycle: rechargeable battery recycling information
• Local city and county solid-waste department pages
• Product listings for Greenworks, LawnMaster, PowerSmart, CRAFTSMAN, Stalwart and Viadom

Last updated: October 2026