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 you’ll want to mow your garden. However what do you do along with your previous garden mower? If it is nonetheless in good situation, you may promote it or donate it. But when it is not, you may have to recycle it. Recycling a garden mower shouldn’t be as troublesome as you would possibly assume. Listed below are a number of steps to get you began:

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

Recycling your garden mower is a good way to assist the surroundings. It additionally helps to cut back the quantity of waste that goes to landfills. So, if in case you have an previous garden mower that you simply’re not utilizing, you’ll want to recycle it. It is a fast and straightforward solution to make a distinction.

Figuring out Recyclable Parts

Engine parts

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

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

Metallic parts

The physique of a garden mower is usually 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 will not be 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 ought to be faraway from the garden mower and brought to a recycling middle.

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

Disposing of Non-Recyclable Components

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

Carburetor

The carburetor is an important a part of the garden mower’s engine, however it additionally comprises 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 hearth hazard. When disposing of spark plugs, wrap them individually in newspaper or plastic baggage. You’ll be able to then discard them in your common trash or take them to a recycling middle 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 components

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

Half Disposal Methodology
Battery Take to a battery recycling middle
Oil Get rid of at an oil recycling middle
Air filter Discard in common trash

Getting ready the Mower for Scrapping

Earlier than scrapping your garden mower, it is essential to arrange it correctly to make sure a protected and environment friendly course of. Comply with these steps to get your mower prepared for recycling.

1. Security First

All the time 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 completely from the mower. Drain the gasoline, oil, and coolant utilizing appropriate containers and get rid of them responsibly in keeping with native laws.

3. Take away Hazardous Parts

Rigorously take away hazardous parts from the mower. This contains the battery, spark plug, and every other electrical parts. These components ought to be recycled or disposed of individually following particular pointers.

Element Recycling/Disposal Methodology
Battery Test native battery recycling facilities or automotive shops.
Spark Plug Get rid of with common family waste, taking precautions to not injury electrodes.
Electrical Parts Seek the advice of native electronics recycling applications or drop-off areas.

Finding Scrap Metallic Recyclers

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

1. On-line Directories

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

2. Native Yellow Pages

Test the native Yellow Pages below classes like “Scrap Metallic Sellers” or “Recycling Facilities” to seek out close by companies.

3. Neighborly Inquiries

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

4. Native Scrap Metallic 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. Take into account the next desk for a complete view of scrap steel yards in your space:

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

Getting ready the Mower for Transportation

As soon as you have gathered the required provides, it is time to put together your garden mower for transportation. Listed below are the steps you’ll want to take:

1. Empty the Gas Tank

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

2. Disconnect the Battery

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

3. Take away Free Components

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

4. Safe the Deck

The mower’s deck ought to 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 dust, grass clippings, or different particles. Use a hose to spray down the mower and let it air dry earlier than inserting it within the automobile.

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 components
Permitted 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 may even assist stop gasoline leaks.

2. Drain the Gas Tank

Empty the gasoline tank as a lot as potential. That is essential to stop gasoline spills throughout transportation, which will be harmful and messy.

3. Safe Free Components

Test for any free components 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, dust, 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 potential, 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 automobile 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 automobile 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

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

3. Dismantling the Body and Housing

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

4. Eradicating Metallic Parts

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

5. Sorting Plastic and Rubber Parts

* Determine and separate all plastic and rubber components, 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, equivalent to foam, padding, or particles, within the applicable waste containers.

7. Getting ready Parts for Recycling

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

Metallic Parts Non-Metallic Parts
Metal Plastic
Aluminum Rubber
Forged Iron Foam

Separating Recyclable Supplies

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

  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 should be disposed of individually.

  2. Separate Plastic Parts

    Determine and detach all plastic components, such because the housing, gasoline tank, and wheels. These supplies are usually recyclable and ought to be stored 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. Get rid of Non-Recyclable Supplies

    Determine and take away non-recyclable parts, equivalent to belts, air filters, and spark plugs. These components ought to be disposed of appropriately.

  5. Separate Batteries

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

  6. Determine Hazardous Supplies

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

  7. Clear and Kind Supplies

    Earlier than recycling, completely clear all components to take away dust, grease, and different contaminants. Kind the supplies into designated recycling bins accordingly.

  8. Contaminated Parts

    Some parts could also be contaminated with oil or gasoline residues. These components ought to be cleaned completely 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 arrange your garden mower for correct disposal. Begin by draining all fluids, equivalent to oil and gasoline. Take away the battery and spark plug for security causes. Disassemble the mower into its main parts, separating the steel components 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 middle 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 varieties of scrap, so name forward to substantiate in the event that they settle for garden mowers.

Weighing and Fee for Scrap Metals

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

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

The next desk gives approximate scrap steel costs as of the date of this text. Take into account that costs can fluctuate based mostly on market situations and native demand.

Metallic Kind Approximate Worth 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 Parts

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

Gasoline

Drain all gasoline from the mower’s gasoline tank into an accepted gasoline container. Correctly get rid of the gasoline at a neighborhood recycling middle that accepts hazardous waste.

Oil

If the mower has an oil reservoir, drain the oil into an accepted oil recycling container. Take the container to an auto components retailer or recycling middle for correct disposal.

Battery

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

Spark Plug

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

Plastic Parts

Small plastic parts, such because the engine cowl or deal with grips, might not be recyclable in curbside applications. Test along with your native recycling middle to find out in the event that they settle for these kind of plastics.

Foam

Foam inserts or cushions utilized in garden mowers are usually not recyclable. Get rid of them in common family trash.

Rubber

Rubber parts, equivalent to tires or belts, will be recycled at designated scrap tire disposal amenities or auto components shops.

Different Non-Recyclable Supplies

Some other non-recyclable components, equivalent to screws, bolts, or wiring, ought to be disposed of in common family trash.

Element Disposal Choice
Gasoline Recycling middle that accepts hazardous waste
Oil Auto components retailer or recycling middle
Battery Battery recycling middle
Spark Plug Scrap steel recycling middle
Plastic Parts Test with native recycling middle
Foam Common family trash
Rubber Scrap tire disposal facility or auto components retailer
Different Non-Recyclable Supplies Common family trash

How To Recycle A Garden Mower

If in case you have an previous garden mower that you simply’re not utilizing, chances are you’ll be questioning what to do with it. Recycling your garden mower is a good way to maintain it out of the landfill and assist shield the surroundings. Here is tips on how to do it:

1.

Drain the Fluids

Step one is to empty all the fluids from the garden mower. This contains the oil, gasoline, and coolant. You will have to check with your garden mower’s proprietor’s guide for particular directions on how to do that.

2.

Take away the Battery

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

3.

Take it Aside

After getting drained the fluids and eliminated the battery, you may start to take the garden mower aside. That is normally a reasonably simple course of, however you’ll want to hold monitor of all the components so that you could put it again collectively once more later.

4.

Recycle the Components

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

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

  • Make sure to examine along with your native recycling program to see what supplies they settle for.
  • If in case you have any questions on tips on how to recycle your garden mower, contact your native waste administration authority.
  • Recycling your garden mower is a good way to assist shield the surroundings and hold it out of the landfill.

    Individuals Additionally Ask

    Listed below are a number of the most steadily 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’ll be able to get rid of a garden mower battery by taking it to a neighborhood recycling middle 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 should be drained from the garden mower earlier than it may be recycled.

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

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