6 Simple Ways to Recycle an Old Lawn Mower

6 Simple Ways to Recycle an Old Lawn Mower

It is that point of 12 months once more. The grass is rising, and it’s good to mow your garden. However what do you do along with your outdated garden mower? If it is nonetheless in good situation, you’ll be able to promote it or donate it. But when it is not, you will must recycle it. Recycling a garden mower shouldn’t be as troublesome as you may suppose. Listed below are a number of steps to get you began:

First, it’s good to drain the oil and gasoline from the mower. That is necessary as a result of these fluids may be dangerous to the atmosphere. As soon as the fluids are drained, you’ll be able to disassemble the mower. Most mowers are held collectively by bolts and screws. Upon getting disassembled the mower, you’ll be able to take it to a recycling heart. Many recycling facilities settle for steel, plastic, and different supplies. The recycling heart will have the ability to recycle the supplies out of your garden mower.

Recycling your garden mower is a good way to assist the atmosphere. It additionally helps to cut back the quantity of waste that goes to landfills. So, when you’ve got an outdated garden mower that you just’re not utilizing, you’ll want to recycle it. It is a fast and simple method to make a distinction.

Figuring out Recyclable Elements

Engine parts

The engine of a garden mower is made up of varied steel parts, together with the engine block, cylinder head, crankshaft, and pistons. These parts are all recyclable and may be simply faraway from the garden mower.

The engine additionally accommodates some non-recyclable parts, such because the carburetor and spark plug. These parts must be faraway from the engine earlier than it’s recycled.

Steel parts

The physique of a garden mower is often product of metal or aluminum, each of that are recyclable supplies. The wheels, handles, and different steel parts of the garden mower may also be recycled.

Plastic parts

Some garden mowers have plastic parts, such because the gasoline tank, air filter housing, and deck. These plastic parts aren’t recyclable, however they are often disposed of in a landfill.

Battery

The battery in a garden mower is a lead-acid battery, which is recyclable. The battery must be faraway from the garden mower and brought to a recycling heart.

Recyclable Elements Non-Recyclable Elements
Engine block Carburetor
Cylinder head Spark plug
Crankshaft
Pistons
Physique
Wheels
Handles
Gas tank
Air filter housing
Deck
Battery

Disposing of Non-Recyclable Elements

Sure elements of your garden mower, such because the carburetor, spark plugs, and gasoline tank, include hazardous supplies that require specialised disposal. Here is methods to deal with these parts responsibly:

Carburetor

The carburetor is a vital a part of the garden mower’s engine, but it surely additionally accommodates gasoline residue. To get rid of a carburetor, drain any remaining gasoline and let it evaporate in a well-ventilated space. Then, wrap the carburetor in a plastic bag and get rid of it in a hazardous waste facility.

Spark plugs

Spark plugs include ignitable metals, making them a possible fireplace hazard. When disposing of spark plugs, wrap them individually in newspaper or plastic luggage. You possibly can then discard them in your common trash or take them to a recycling heart that accepts spark plugs.

Gasoline tank

The gasoline tank holds gasoline, which is each flammable and poisonous. To get rid of a gasoline tank, drain any remaining gasoline and let it evaporate in a well-ventilated space. Then, crush the tank to stop it from being reused and get rid of it as scrap steel.

Different non-recyclable elements

Along with the carburetor, spark plugs, and gasoline tank, different non-recyclable elements of a garden mower embody:

Half Disposal Technique
Battery Take to a battery recycling heart
Oil Eliminate at an oil recycling heart
Air filter Discard in common trash

Getting ready the Mower for Scrapping

Earlier than scrapping your garden mower, it is essential to organize it correctly to make sure a secure and environment friendly course of. Observe these steps to get your mower prepared for recycling.

1. Security First

At all times prioritize security when dealing with a garden mower. Put on applicable protecting gear, together with gloves, security glasses, and earplugs. Disconnect the spark plug to stop unintended begins.

2. Drain Fluids

Guarantee all fluids are drained totally from the mower. Drain the gasoline, oil, and coolant utilizing appropriate containers and get rid of them responsibly in accordance with native rules.

3. Take away Hazardous Elements

Rigorously take away hazardous parts from the mower. This consists of the battery, spark plug, and some other electrical parts. These elements must be recycled or disposed of individually following particular pointers.

Element Recycling/Disposal Technique
Battery Verify native battery recycling facilities or automotive shops.
Spark Plug Eliminate with common family waste, taking precautions to not injury electrodes.
Electrical Elements Seek the advice of native electronics recycling applications or drop-off places.

Finding Scrap Steel Recyclers

Figuring out native companies that settle for scrap steel is a vital step. Listed below are a number of approaches to search out them:

1. On-line Directories

Discover on-line directories similar to Google My Enterprise, Yelp, or specialised scrap steel recycling web sites to find recyclers in your space.

2. Native Yellow Pages

Verify the native Yellow Pages below classes like “Scrap Steel Sellers” or “Recycling Facilities” to search out close by companies.

3. Neighborly Inquiries

Ask mates, household, or neighbors for suggestions based mostly on their previous experiences with scrap steel recyclers.

4. Native Scrap Steel Yards

Contact native scrap steel yards on to inquire about their acceptance of garden mowers. They typically have a greater understanding of native recycling choices and should present extra data. Think about the next desk for a complete view of scrap steel yards in your space:

Identify Handle Telephone Quantity Web site
ABC Scrap Steel Yard 123 Fundamental Avenue, Anytown, CA 12345 (555) 123-4567 www.abcscrapmetalyard.com
XYZ Scrap Steel Recycling 456 Elm Avenue, Anytown, CA 12345 (555) 789-1011 www.xyzscrapmetalrecycling.com

Getting ready the Mower for Transportation

As soon as you’ve got gathered the mandatory provides, it is time to put together your garden mower for transportation. Listed below are the steps it’s good to take:

1. Empty the Gas Tank

Use a small pump to empty the gasoline from the mower’s tank into an authorised gasoline storage container. Don’t spill gasoline on the bottom.

2. Disconnect the Battery

Find the mower’s battery terminals and disconnect the unfavorable terminal first, adopted by the constructive terminal. It will stop any electrical sparks or shorts.

3. Take away Free Elements

Any free elements, such because the blade, spark plug, or air filter, must be eliminated and positioned in a plastic bag for safekeeping throughout transport.

4. Safe the Deck

The mower’s deck must be secured within the upright place utilizing bungee cords or rope. It will stop the blades from transferring whereas the mower is being transported.

5. Clear the Mower

It is a good suggestion to scrub the mower earlier than transporting it to take away grime, grass clippings, or different particles. Use a hose to spray down the mower and let it air dry earlier than putting it within the car.

Merchandise Amount Description
Bungee cords or rope 4 To safe the mower deck
Small pump 1 To empty the gasoline
Plastic bag 1 To retailer free elements
Authorised gasoline storage container 1 To retailer the gasoline

Transporting the Mower Safely

Earlier than transporting your garden mower, take these precautions to make sure its security:

1. Cool the Mower

Permit the mower to chill utterly after use to stop any scorching surfaces from burning or melting throughout transport. This will even assist stop gasoline leaks.

2. Drain the Gas Tank

Empty the gasoline tank as a lot as doable. That is necessary to stop gasoline spills throughout transportation, which may be harmful and messy.

3. Safe Free Elements

Verify for any free elements on the mower, such because the blade, spark plug wire, or air filter. Safe them tightly to stop them from coming free and inflicting injury throughout transit.

4. Clear the Mower

Take away any grass clippings, grime, or particles from the mower’s deck, blade, and underside. It will make it simpler to examine the mower for any injury and forestall the unfold of invasive species.

5. Transport Upright

If doable, transport the garden mower upright in a truck or van. This prevents oil and gasoline from leaking out.

6. Safe the Mower

Use straps or ropes to safe the garden mower within the car to stop it from transferring round throughout transportation. Be sure that the mower is safe and won’t shift or tip over in the course of the drive.

Unloading and Dismantling on the Recycling Facility

1. Unloading the Garden Mower

* Rigorously unload the garden mower out of your car onto the designated unloading space on the recycling facility.
* Make sure the mower is on a steady floor and forestall any injury throughout dealing with.

2. Eradicating Fluids and Batteries

* Verify for any fluids, similar to oil, gasoline, or coolant, and drain them into applicable containers.
* Take away the battery and retailer it individually for secure disposal.

3. Dismantling the Body and Housing

* Separate the mower deck from the body.
* Take away the engine and all connected parts.
* Dismantle the housing, together with the deal with and wheels.

4. Eradicating Steel Elements

* Acquire all metal, aluminum, and forged iron elements from the mower.
* These elements will likely be recycled individually.

5. Sorting Plastic and Rubber Elements

* Determine and separate all plastic and rubber elements, such because the gasoline tank, chute, and wheels.
* Place these parts in designated recycling bins.

6. Disposing of Non-Recyclables

* Discard any non-recyclable objects, similar to foam, padding, or particles, within the applicable waste containers.

7. Getting ready Elements for Recycling

* Clear any residual fluids or grime from the steel parts.
* Break down bigger parts into smaller items for simpler transportation and processing.

Steel Elements Non-Steel Elements
Metal Plastic
Aluminum Rubber
Solid Iron Foam

Separating Recyclable Supplies

Earlier than sending your garden mower to a recycling heart, it is essential to separate recyclable supplies from non-recyclable parts. Listed below are the steps to disassemble and segregate your garden mower’s elements:

  1. Take away the Gas and Oil

    Drain all gasoline and oil remnants from the engine and tank into designated containers. These fluids are hazardous waste and have to be disposed of individually.

  2. Separate Plastic Elements

    Determine and detach all plastic elements, such because the housing, gasoline tank, and wheels. These supplies are sometimes recyclable and must be saved collectively.

  3. Take away Metals

    Disassemble the mower to retrieve steel parts just like the engine, blade, and body. These ferrous and non-ferrous metals are useful recyclates.

  4. Eliminate Non-Recyclable Supplies

    Determine and take away non-recyclable parts, similar to belts, air filters, and spark plugs. These elements must be disposed of appropriately.

  5. Separate Batteries

    If the mower accommodates a battery, take away it and get rid of it at designated battery recycling services.

  6. Determine Hazardous Supplies

    Verify for any indicators of hazardous supplies, similar to asbestos insulation or mercury switches. These parts require specialised dealing with and disposal.

  7. Clear and Type Supplies

    Earlier than recycling, totally clear all elements to take away grime, grease, and different contaminants. Type the supplies into designated recycling bins accordingly.

  8. Contaminated Elements

    Some parts could also be contaminated with oil or gasoline residues. These elements must be cleaned totally or disposed of with hazardous waste.

Materials Recycling Class
Plastics Recyclable
Metals Recyclable
Batteries Specialised Disposal
Belts/Filters/Spark Plugs Non-Recyclable

Preparation for Recycling

Earlier than you embark on the recycling course of, it’s important to organize your garden mower for correct disposal. Begin by draining all fluids, similar to oil and gasoline. Take away the battery and spark plug for security causes. Disassemble the mower into its main parts, separating the steel elements from the non-metallic supplies.

Finding a Recycling Middle

As soon as your garden mower is stripped down, it is time to discover a recycling heart that accepts scrap steel. Conduct on-line analysis or attain out to native waste administration corporations to determine the closest facility. Some scrapyards focus on particular sorts of scrap, so name forward to substantiate in the event that they settle for garden mowers.

Weighing and Cost for Scrap Metals

Whenever you arrive on the recycling heart, your garden mower’s scrap steel will likely be weighed to find out its worth. Most scrapyards use a big scale to measure the load of the steel.

The worth you obtain to your scrap steel will rely on the present market worth and the kind of steel. Ferrous metals, similar to iron and metal, sometimes fetch a lower cost than non-ferrous metals like aluminum and copper.

The next desk supplies approximate scrap steel costs as of the date of this text. Understand that costs can fluctuate based mostly on market circumstances and native demand.

Steel Sort Approximate Value per Pound
Iron $0.05 – $0.10
Metal $0.05 – $0.15
Aluminum $0.50 – $1.00
Copper $2.00 – $3.50

Correct Disposal of Non-Recyclable Elements

Whereas most garden mower parts may be recycled, sure non-recyclable elements require correct disposal. These parts might include hazardous supplies or pose environmental issues. Listed below are pointers for disposing of those non-recyclable parts:

Gasoline

Drain all gasoline from the mower’s gasoline tank into an authorised gasoline container. Correctly get rid of the gasoline at an area recycling heart that accepts hazardous waste.

Oil

If the mower has an oil reservoir, drain the oil into an authorised oil recycling container. Take the container to an auto elements retailer or recycling heart for correct disposal.

Battery

Take away the battery pack, if relevant. Most garden mower batteries are lead-acid batteries, which must be recycled at designated battery recycling facilities.

Spark Plug

Spark plugs include a small quantity of platinum or iridium, which may be recycled. Wrap the spark plug in a plastic bag and take it to a scrap steel recycling heart.

Plastic Elements

Small plastic parts, such because the engine cowl or deal with grips, is probably not recyclable in curbside applications. Verify along with your native recycling heart to find out in the event that they settle for all these plastics.

Foam

Foam inserts or cushions utilized in garden mowers are sometimes not recyclable. Eliminate them in common family trash.

Rubber

Rubber parts, similar to tires or belts, may be recycled at designated scrap tire disposal services or auto elements shops.

Different Non-Recyclable Supplies

Some other non-recyclable elements, similar to screws, bolts, or wiring, must be disposed of in common family trash.

Element Disposal Possibility
Gasoline Recycling heart that accepts hazardous waste
Oil Auto elements retailer or recycling heart
Battery Battery recycling heart
Spark Plug Scrap steel recycling heart
Plastic Elements Verify with native recycling heart
Foam Common family trash
Rubber Scrap tire disposal facility or auto elements retailer
Different Non-Recyclable Supplies Common family trash

How To Recycle A Garden Mower

When you’ve got an outdated garden mower that you just’re not utilizing, you might be questioning what to do with it. Recycling your garden mower is a good way to maintain it out of the landfill and assist defend the atmosphere. Here is methods to do it:

1.

Drain the Fluids

Step one is to empty the entire fluids from the garden mower. This consists of the oil, gasoline, and coolant. You will must confer with your garden mower’s proprietor’s guide for particular directions on how to do that.

2.

Take away the Battery

The following step is to take away the battery from the garden mower. That is normally a easy course of, however you’ll want to confer with your proprietor’s guide for particular directions.

3.

Take it Aside

Upon getting drained the fluids and eliminated the battery, you’ll be able to start to take the garden mower aside. That is normally a reasonably simple course of, however you’ll want to maintain monitor of the entire elements so as to put it again collectively once more later.

4.

Recycle the Elements

Now that you’ve the garden mower aside, you’ll be able to recycle the elements. Many of the elements may be recycled by your native recycling program. Nonetheless, some elements, such because the engine and the battery, might have to be recycled by a particular program.

Listed below are some extra suggestions for recycling your garden mower:

  • Make sure you verify along with your native recycling program to see what supplies they settle for.
  • When you’ve got any questions on methods to recycle your garden mower, contact your native waste administration authority.
  • Recycling your garden mower is a good way to assist defend the atmosphere and maintain it out of the landfill.

    Individuals Additionally Ask

    Listed below are among the most incessantly requested questions on recycling garden mowers:

    3. How do I get rid of a garden mower battery?

    Garden mower batteries include lead acid, which is a hazardous materials. You possibly can get rid of a garden mower battery by taking it to an area recycling heart or hazardous waste disposal facility.

    4. Can I recycle a garden mower with gasoline in it?

    No, you can’t recycle a garden mower with gasoline in it. The gasoline have to be drained from the garden mower earlier than it may be recycled.

    5. What elements of a garden mower can’t be recycled?

    Some elements of a garden mower can’t be recycled, together with the engine, the battery, and the carburetor. These elements have to be disposed of by a particular program.