Tag: lawn mower disposal

The Environmental Impact of Gas-Powered Equipment in Landfills — And Why Responsible Recycling Matters

February 16, 2026Uncategorized, , , , Leave a comment

Gas-powered lawn equipment has helped homeowners and professionals maintain properties efficiently for decades.

From lawn mowers to snow blowers, trimmers to pressure washers — small engines are a practical part of everyday life across America.

But what happens when that equipment reaches the end of its life?

Every year, millions of small engines are discarded in the United States — and far too many end up in landfills.

The environmental impact of improper disposal is significant. And completely preventable.

How Many Lawn Mowers and Small Engines Are Discarded Each Year?

The United States has an estimated:

  • 100+ million gas-powered lawn mowers currently in use
  • Tens of millions of other small gas-powered engines in circulation

Industry estimates suggest that approximately 8–10 million lawn mowers are discarded each year, along with millions of other small engines.

Many of these machines are thrown away with:

  • Gasoline still in the tank
  • Oil still in the crankcase
  • Batteries attached
  • Metal and aluminum components intact

That means millions of gallons of fuel and oil are entering the waste stream annually.

The Hidden Risk of Fuel and Oil in Landfills

Small engines are not hazardous when used properly.

The problem arises when they are discarded improperly.

Gasoline contains chemicals such as:

  • Benzene
  • Toluene
  • Xylene

These compounds can pose contamination risks when released into soil or groundwater systems.

The EPA reports:

  • One gallon of used motor oil can contaminate up to one million gallons of water.

Even small amounts of residual oil left inside discarded equipment can contribute to long-term environmental stress.

Modern landfills are engineered to manage waste — but they are not designed to process millions of small engines filled with petroleum products.

Responsible recycling prevents these materials from ever becoming a landfill issue.

The Material Waste Problem

A standard push mower weighs between 60–90 pounds.

That’s mostly:

  • Steel
  • Aluminum
  • Copper
  • Plastic
  • Rubber

Multiply that by millions of units per year.

We’re talking about hundreds of millions of pounds of reusable material being buried instead of recovered.

Recycling allows these materials to be:

  • Reused in manufacturing
  • Repurposed into new products
  • Refurbished into functional equipment
  • Safely dismantled and processed

This reduces strain on natural resources and keeps valuable materials in circulation.

A Growing Transition: What Happens Next?

As homeowners upgrade equipment or transition between properties, older machines often sit unused in garages — or get thrown away during moves and cleanouts.

The coming years will likely see millions more units reaching end-of-life.

This isn’t about replacing gas equipment.

It’s about ensuring that when equipment is no longer needed, it is handled responsibly.

Recycling protects:

  • Soil
  • Water
  • Materials
  • Future generations

And it’s far easier than most people realize.

What Responsible Small Engine Recycling Looks Like

When equipment is properly recycled:

  • Fuel and oil are safely drained and processed
  • Batteries are removed and handled appropriately
  • Metals are separated and reclaimed
  • Usable parts are repurposed
  • Functional units may even be restored for continued use

Nothing is wasted unnecessarily.

And nothing harmful is left to leak.

A Simple Choice That Makes a Big Impact

Most people don’t intentionally harm the environment.

They simply don’t realize the impact of disposal decisions.

Throwing away a mower feels small.

But multiplied by millions of households, it becomes a measurable environmental burden.

Recycling your equipment ensures:

  • Hazardous fluids are properly managed
  • Valuable metals are reused
  • Landfill space is preserved
  • Environmental risk is reduced

It is a responsible final step in the life of your equipment.

Ready to Recycle Your Equipment?

If you have a lawn mower, snow blower, trimmer, or other small engine that is no longer needed, we make recycling simple.

👉 Submit your equipment through our online form today:

PICK UP REQUEST FORM

We provide convenient pickup and responsible processing nationwide.

No draining required. No complicated steps. We handle it for you.

Don’t Have Equipment to Recycle?

You can still support responsible small engine recycling.

If you believe in reducing landfill waste and promoting reuse, you may make an optional contribution to support our environmental efforts.

👉 Support the Recycling Mission Here:

OPTIONAL ENVIORMENTAL CONTRIBUTION

Completely voluntary. Always appreciated. Never required.

Every Machine Matters

Recycling one mower may feel small.

But when thousands choose responsible disposal, the impact compounds.

Cleaner landfills.

Safer waste systems.

More materials reused.

It starts with one decision.

And we’re here to make it easy.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Lawn Mower Recycle’s Commitment to Sustainability

February 28, 2024Uncategorized, , , , , 1 Comment
lawn mower recycle

At Lawn Mower Recycle, we’re on a mission to make a difference, one lawn mower at a time. Whether it’s old, new, broken, or running, we’re here to haul away lawn mowers, small engines, and most yard equipment nationwide, across all 50 states. Our goal is simple: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

It’s disheartening to see lawn mowers and small engines tossed into the trash when there’s so much potential for them to be repurposed or recycled. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing a solution. No matter the condition, we’ll gladly take your lawn mower or small engine off your hands and ensure it’s properly reused or recycled.

Convenience is key, which is why we offer touchless, no-contact pick-ups. It’s as easy as placing your item out in the driveway or front yard, and we’ll handle the rest. If you’re unable to move the item, just let us know in advance, and we’ll make the necessary arrangements. Say goodbye to the hassle of disposing of your lawn equipment and hello to a greener, cleaner solution.

Ready to schedule your pick-up? Just head over to our website and book your appointment today. We’ll take care of the rest, leaving you with peace of mind knowing your lawn mower or small engine is in good hands.

  • Riding Lawn Mowers
  • Push Lawn Mowers
  • Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
  • Zero Turn Lawn Mowers
  • Farm Equipment
  • Tractors
  • Compressors
  • Wood Chippers
  • Power Washers
  • Edgers
  • Golf Carts
  • Dirt Bikes
  • Chainsaws
  • Trimmers
  • Snow Blowers
  • Generators
  • Table Saws
  • Leaf Blowers
  • Tillers
  • All Powered Items

Join us in our mission to create a more sustainable future. Let’s work together to keep lawn mowers and small engines out of the landfill and give them new life. Together, we can make a difference.

Schedule your pick-up today and let’s make a positive impact on the environment, one lawn mower at a time.

Schedule My Pick-Up!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Lawn Mower Recycle

I need a new lawn mower and want to be environmentally friendly. What are my options?

July 22, 2020Uncategorized, , , , Leave a comment

Old Fashioned Manual (Reel) Lawn Mower

The old fashioned manual (reel) lawn mower has been updated for modern times. They are now made of both lightweight and sturdy materials. Some models feature pneumatic tires, blade height settings, and even an adjustable handle length. The reel-mounted horizontal blades gives an exceptional cut by slicing the grass against a lower rigid bar. These oldie but goodie mowers are also known for being very quiet while operating and also give off no pollution (unlike your typical gas lawn mower). They are especially useful for tiny or smaller lawns. 

Battery Operated Walk-Behind Lawn Mower

The battery operated walk-behind lawn mower tends to be a better choice than the reel if cutting a lawn that is more than 4000 square feet. Some of these battery operated mowers can hold a long charge allowing you to cut up to two-thirds of an acre in a single charge. Battery operated lawn mowers are more quiet than your gas powered lawn mower and they tend to be very low maintenance. They might also be referred to as battery-powered lawn mowers or electric lawn mowers.

Some Reasons You Should Recycle Your Old Lawn Mower

February 11, 2019Uncategorized, , , , , , Leave a comment

Does your garage have a non-running lawn mower, tiller, or other large lawn equipment just taking up space? It seems to be common for people to stash old broken equipment in their sheds or garages because they simply do not know what to do with it once they no longer use it.

There are many reason you should recycle your old lawn equipment. Here are just a few that come to mind…

  • It’s in the way! You should recycle your old lawn equipment because you may not use it anymore and it’s just taking up too much space.
  • It’s environmentally friendly to recycle your old lawn equipment and not throw it into the trash. If you do throw it away it will just end up in a landfill.
  • Most lawn mowers can be refurbished and put to use again. So why not recycle it and allow someone else to bring it back to life, instead of throwing it into the garbage.
  • It’s really easy to do with Indy Lawn Mower Recycle! Indy Lawn Mower Recycle picks up your old lawn mower and other equipment for you. Most people do not have a way to transport this stuff (especially riding lawn mowers). All you need to do is set the item out front up near the house and they swing by to pick it up for you. Easy!

3 Lawn Care Mistakes You Should Know About

February 9, 2019Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Feb 9, 2019

I don’t know about you but I love my yard — cutting it and watering it, day in and day out. There is nothing like a beautiful cut yard to gaze at right outside your window. I recently discovered that I could be trying too hard. It turns out that that overwatering and over-fertilizing your grass can actually hurt it…

To keep your yard flourishing, ensure you avoid these lawn care mistakes.

PROBLEM #1: Cutting Grass Way Too Short

Are you one of those people who think cutting your grass extra short will allow you to cut it less often? If you are, let me tell you, it doesn’t work that way. Cutting your grass excessively short over and over again is not good for it. The grass can get very weak and will not be able to make solid roots. Frail grass won’t be able to face hot days and can become overpowered by crabgrass and different weeds.

The right tallness for grass relies upon its species. Tall fescue, for example, ought to be kept generally long, around 3 or 4 inches.

You can raise or lower the height of your lawnmower wheels by utilizing the movable switches at each wheel. It only should take a couple of minutes and will be well worth your time.

PROBLEM #2: Watering The Grass Excessively

You might believe you’re helping your yard by giving it a ton of water but overwatering your yard is not a good thing. You can suffocate your grass when doing this. If you do water excessively and the dirt ends up soaked it can actually makeitg harder for the grass roots to drink the water.

The best time to water is toward the beginning of the day. Make sure you check the weather forecast to see if there are rain showers. This way you don’t accidentally water it on days it will already receive rain water.

PROBLEM #3: Force-Fertilizing Grass When It Doesn’t Need It

Fertilizing your grass is similar to watering it, too much manure can likewise hurt your grass. Laying down too much lawn fertilizers can cause too much leaf growth and less root growth which can cause your grass to become frail and more capable to disease and drought.

It’s best to put down a moderate amount manure twice per year—once in the spring, when grass is developing quickly, and again in Autumn to reinforce your garden for overwintering.

Another good strategy is to just give the grass clippings a chance to fall on the yard, instead of bagging them. This is commonly referred to as mulching your lawn. Mulching is another way of “fertilizing” it. Do likewise in the Fall with leaves. Cut over them and mulch them once before you bag them up with your lawnmower bag.