Beatrice Lang
If your electric mower is broken, you have several options. You could try to repair it yourself, send it to a repair shop, or junk it. If you decide to junk it, you can either disassemble the mower for scrap metal, remove a few pieces to prepare for the recycling center, or call a junk removal service to pick it up. Before disposing of your mower, make sure to remove any hazardous materials such as gasoline, oil, and batteries. Some cities offer curbside pickup for large appliances, but this varies depending on your location. Alternatively, you can try to sell or donate your mower if it's still in working condition.
What to do with a broken electric mower?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Repair | Send it to a repair shop or fix it yourself by diagnosing the problem and replacing parts |
| Junk | Disassemble the mower for scrap metal, remove hazardous materials and prepare it for the recycling center or call a junk removal service |
| Recycle | Electric lawn mowers must be recycled and not dumped in a landfill. Check with your local waste management agency or search online for recycling centers in your area |
| Sell | Post your lawn mower for sale on online marketplaces such as Craigslist, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or sell it locally |
| Donate | Donate your lawn mower to community gardens, a local charity, or a local chapter of Habitat for Humanity |
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What You'll Learn
Sell it for scrap metal
If your electric mower is broken beyond repair, you can sell it for scrap metal. Before you do so, make sure to drain any leftover gas from the tank, as it is dangerous to transport a lawnmower with gas still in it. You can use gravity, a hose, and a sealable container to siphon the gas.
Next, remove the oil from the engine, following the manufacturer's recommendations. You can use household degreasers to clean off any excess oil. It is also important to remove the battery, as these often contain toxic heavy metals and should not be put directly into the waste stream.
Once you have removed all hazardous materials, you can start to disassemble the mower for scrap metal. You can remove the outer pieces by locating the fasteners and using a screwdriver or wrench to take out the screws. Some coverage pieces will need to be slid off, while others can be lifted.
After disassembling the mower, separate the metal and plastic parts to ensure they are appropriately disposed of. You can then sell the scrap metal to a local scrapyard or recycling center.
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Donate it to a community garden
If you have a broken electric mower taking up space, one option is to donate it to a community garden. Many community gardens are in need of lawn mowers to maintain their outdoor spaces. Before you donate your mower, there are a few things you should do to prepare it for its new home.
First, check with your local community garden to see if they are accepting donations of broken electric mowers. They may have specific requirements or preferences for the type of mower they can accept. Once you have confirmed that they are interested in your donation, you can begin the preparation process.
If your mower is electric, make sure to remove any batteries, as these can be hazardous. You should also remove any gasoline, oil, and coolant from the mower, as these fluids can be harmful to the environment. Be sure to properly dispose of these fluids in accordance with local regulations.
Once the fluids have been drained, you can start to disassemble the mower. Remove the outer pieces by locating the fasteners and using a screwdriver or wrench to take out the screws. Some coverage pieces may slide off, while others can be lifted off. As you disassemble, separate the metal and plastic parts to ensure they can be appropriately recycled or disposed of.
Finally, clean the engine of your mower with household degreasers to remove any leftover residue. You can also use plastic bags to cover any electric components that may still be exposed. Once your mower is cleaned and disassembled, reach out to the community garden to arrange a drop-off or pick-up time. They will be grateful for your donation, and you can feel good knowing that you have helped support their important work.
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Recycle it at a waste disposal site
If you're looking to recycle your broken electric mower, it's important to first drain any leftover gas from the tank and dispose of it properly. This is because gas can be dangerous to transport and may harm the environment. You can use gravity, a hose, and a sealable container to siphon the gas. It's also a good idea to clean leftover oil off the engine with household degreasers and cover electric components with plastic bags.
Next, you'll want to locate your nearest waste disposal site. Most counties have an electronics waste disposal site at their main county dump, so this is a good place to start. You can also check with your local waste management agency or search online for recycling centers in your area. Many cities and towns offer programs for recycling e-waste, so it's worth looking into what options are available to you.
Once you've found a waste disposal site that accepts electric mowers, you'll need to transport your mower there. Be sure to follow any safety guidelines provided by the waste disposal site, as they may have specific requirements for transporting hazardous materials.
When you arrive at the waste disposal site, follow the instructions provided by the staff to recycle your mower properly. They may have specific procedures in place for handling electric mowers, so it's important to adhere to their guidelines. By recycling your electric mower, you're helping to conserve natural resources and reduce pollution, so your efforts are certainly worthwhile!
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Repair it yourself or with a professional
If your electric mower is broken, you may want to consider repairing it yourself or with the help of a professional. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Diagnosing the Issue:
First, try to identify the problem with your electric mower. Common issues with electric mowers include battery problems, faulty circuitry, or mechanical issues. If your mower won't start, check if the battery is charged and properly connected. If it still doesn't work, there may be a bigger underlying issue.
Deciding Whether to DIY or Seek Professional Help:
If you're handy and comfortable with repairs, you can attempt to fix the mower yourself. Online resources, such as repair videos and forums, can provide guidance. You can also order replacement parts online if needed. However, keep in mind that diagnosing and repairing electric mowers can be complex, especially if you're unfamiliar with electrical systems.
On the other hand, if you're unsure about tackling the repair yourself or if the mower is too large to handle, it's best to seek professional help. Contact a local repair shop or dealer, especially if your mower is still under warranty. They will have the expertise and tools to diagnose and fix the issue properly.
Preparing for Professional Repair:
If you decide to go with a professional repair, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, document the issues you're experiencing with the mower, as this will help the repair technician understand the problem. Secondly, inquire about repair costs beforehand to get an estimate and avoid surprises. Finally, if your mower is under warranty, be sure to contact the manufacturer or dealer, as they may have specific instructions or recommendations for repairs.
Environmental Considerations:
When repairing your electric mower, consider the environmental impact of your actions. Electric mowers contain valuable materials that can be reused through proper recycling. If you decide to dispose of your old mower, check with your local waste management agency or online for recycling programs specifically for electric mowers. Properly dispose of any hazardous materials, such as batteries, oil, and gasoline, according to local regulations.
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Dispose of it with a junk removal service
If you don't want to go through the hassle of disassembling your electric mower or taking it apart for recycling, you can opt for a junk removal service to dispose of it. This option is especially useful if you have other junk or broken items that you want to get rid of simultaneously.
When choosing a junk removal service, be mindful that costs may vary depending on the size of the mower and the labour involved. Most services have a minimum amount of truck space that needs to be filled. Thus, it is a good idea to inquire about any additional charges if you don't fill the space.
Before handing over your electric mower to the junk removal service, ensure that you have removed any hazardous materials, such as oil, gas, and batteries. These substances can be harmful to the environment and should be disposed of properly. You can use household degreasers to clean leftover oil from the engine and plastic bags to cover the electric components.
Additionally, check with the junk removal service if they have any specific requirements or guidelines for preparing the electric mower for disposal. Some services may require you to clean the engine or take other safety measures before they can take the item off your hands.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some ways to dispose of a broken electric mower:
- Donate it to a community garden, a local charity, or a local chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
- Sell it on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or eBay.
- Give it away for free on Craigslist with "Curb Alert" in the title.
- Leave it on the curb with a sign that says "free".
- Take it to a recycling centre.
- Contact a junk removal service to pick it up.
Before disposing of your broken electric mower, make sure to:
- Remove any hazardous materials such as gasoline, oil, and batteries.
- Clean off the engine and cover the electric components with plastic bags.
- Drain the coolant from the radiator.
- Separate metal and plastic parts to ensure they are appropriately disposed of.
Here are some ways to try and fix your broken electric mower:
- Recharge and clean the contacts of the battery.
- If the mower still won't start, there may be a bigger underlying issue, so it's best to have a professional look at it.
- If your mower is under warranty, contact the maker or dealer.
- If your mower is older than the warranty deadline, you can go to a dealer or an independent repair shop.
