To dispose of an old riding mower, drain fluids, remove the battery and tires, then reuse, recycle, sell, donate, or book a compliant haul-away.
Got a lawn tractor that’s past its prime? You can move it along without headaches. The process is simple when you break it into three parts: prep, pick an outlet, then close the loop on fluids and parts. This guide walks you through each step so you can move that machine off your property the right way today.
Riding Mower Disposal Options At A Glance
| Option | Best When | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Sell | It still starts or just needs minor fixes | List with clear photos, note known issues, offer local pickup |
| Donate | It runs and looks decent | Call local nonprofits or schools; ask about acceptance rules |
| Trade-In/Haul-Away | Buying a new unit | Ask the retailer for pickup when delivering the new mower |
| Recycle As Scrap | Beyond repair | Drain fuel and oil, remove battery and tires, drop at a scrap yard |
| Junk Removal | No truck or time | Book a pickup; confirm that fluids are drained before collection |
Prep Steps Before Any Pickup Or Drop-Off
Prepping keeps handlers safe and speeds up acceptance.
1) Drain Fuel And Engine Oil
Run the engine to lower the fuel level, then siphon the rest into a proper can. Pull the drain plug for the oil. Use clean containers with tight lids. Many drop-off points want dry tanks and sumps. Never pour leftovers on the ground or into a drain; take them to a local program.
2) Remove The Battery
Disconnect the negative cable first, then the positive. Lift the 12-volt unit straight up and set it in a plastic bin or box. Keep it upright. Do not crack the case. Most auto parts stores accept these for recycling, and many pay a core credit.
3) Pull The Tires
Riding mower tires are small, but they’re still regulated in many places. Pop the wheels, keep the hardware in a bag, and ask your tire shop or county drop-off where these belong. Some sites accept them for a small fee.
4) Remove Loose Plastics And Attachments
Detach plastic hoods, bags, or chutes if your scrap yard requests a “clean” unit. Bag fasteners so you can sell or donate any accessories separately.
Safe Ways To Get Rid Of A Used Lawn Tractor
Once the mower is prepped, choose the outlet that matches your target: cash back, a quick pickup, or pure recycling.
Sell It Locally
If the engine turns over and the blades engage, there’s a buyer. Shoot clear photos, show the hour meter, and note quirks. A short cold-start clip helps. Price by age, deck width, and brand. Set pickup terms and stick to cash or a trusted app.
Donate To A Program
Some vocational programs or school grounds crews accept working units. Call first. Many sites need drained tanks and a clean deck. Be ready to sign a simple donation form.
Ask Your Retailer For Haul-Away
Ordering a new mower? Many dealers offer pickup of the old unit at delivery. Fees vary. Confirm they take only drained machines and ask where it goes.
Recycle As Scrap Metal
When a lawn tractor is done, the frame, deck, and engine block still have value. Once fluids, battery, and tires are off, most yards weigh the shell and pay by the pound.
Use A Junk Removal Service
Short on time or no trailer? Book a pickup. Clear a path, drain fluids, and stage the unit near your drive.
What To Do With Fuel, Oil, Filters, And The Battery
The fast way to stay on the right side of local rules is to take fluids and the battery to the right kind of site. Two links can help you confirm drop-off options near you: the EPA used oil guidance and the EPA page on used household batteries.
Gasoline
Old gas doesn’t belong in the trash. Pour it into an approved can. Many counties accept fuel at HHW events, and some fire stations host drop-offs on set days. Check rules and hours first.
Engine Oil
Most auto stores and municipal sites take DIY motor oil at no charge. Keep it clean—no water or fuel. Many sites take used oil filters too.
Lead-Acid Battery
That 12-volt battery shouldn’t go curbside. Auto parts chains collect them and usually give a small credit when you bring one in. Keep the case upright in your trunk and avoid tipping.
Oil-Soaked Rags And Absorbents
Lay rags flat to dry outdoors away from flames, then bag them for your local guidance. Many counties ask that oily pads go to a special drop-off; check your program pages.
How To Strip Value Before You Recycle
If you’re heading to the scrap yard, an extra half hour can add a few dollars and keep sensitive parts out of the wrong stream.
Remove Easy Aluminum Pieces
Carburetors, some pulleys, and deck covers may be aluminum. Separate them so the yard can weigh them at a better rate.
Collect Saleable Attachments
Bagger kits, snow blades, tow carts, and seats often sell fast. Wipe them down, shoot photos, and list them on their own. You’ll recoup more than as part of a bulk scrap drop.
Local Rules You Should Check
Rules for fuels, oils, and tires vary by county. Fees and event dates differ. Check your solid waste page before you go.
Fluids And Parts: Where They Go
| Item | Drop-Off Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | Household hazardous waste site | Use approved can; never mix with oil |
| Engine oil | Auto store or DIY oil site | Keep clean; bring filter too |
| Lead-acid battery | Auto parts retailer | Ask about a core credit |
| Tires | Tire shop or county site | Small fee is common |
| Scrap metal shell | Metal recycler | Paid by weight |
Step-By-Step: Recycling A Non-Runner
Here’s a tight checklist you can follow from driveway to drop-off.
1) Set Up Your Work Area
Park on a flat surface, chock a wheel, and pull the key. Wear gloves and eye protection. Set out drain pans, a funnel, rags, and containers.
2) Empty The Fuel And Oil
Let the engine cool. Siphon the gas, pull the oil drain plug, and catch both fluids. Cap containers and wipe the deck dry.
3) Pull The Battery And Tires
Disconnect the battery, then lift it into a box. Remove the wheels. Toss small parts into a bag so nothing rolls away in the truck bed.
4) Detach Loose Plastics
Some yards prefer a cleaner metal load. Pop off plastic hoods or covers. Stack them in a separate bin for your local transfer station.
5) Load Safely
Use ramps or a winch. Strap the frame at two points. Keep fluids upright and separate from the mower shell.
6) Make Two Stops
Drop fluids and the battery at the right sites first. Then head to the scrap yard with the dry, stripped shell and any aluminum pieces.
Where Official Guidance Fits In
Fuel, oil, and batteries fall under set rules. Many states register DIY oil sites, and tire rules are handled at the state level. If questions pop up, call your county office to confirm what goes where.
Common Pitfalls To Avoid
- Leaving fuel in the tank when booking a pickup
- Tossing a lead-acid battery in the trash cart
- Mixing gas and oil in one container
- Showing up at a scrap yard with tires still on
- Listing a non-runner as “just needs gas”
Bottom Line For A Clean, Legal Exit
Prep the mower, route fluids and the battery to the right sites, then pick the outlet that fits your goal. With these steps, you’ll be done in an afternoon—and you might even pocket a bit from the metal.