As an avid gardener and landscaper, I understand the importance of properly disposing of old lawn mowers and other yard equipment. In Hennepin County, there are several options available for disposing of your lawn mower in an environmentally friendly manner.
1. Check with the County Recycling Center: Hennepin County has a comprehensive recycling program, and they often accept large items such as lawn mowers. Contact the County Recycling Center or visit their website to determine if they accept lawn mowers and what the specific requirements are for drop-off.
2. Sell or Donate: If your lawn mower is still in working condition, consider selling it or donating it to someone in need. There are online platforms and local community groups where you can advertise your lawn mower for sale. Alternatively, you can donate it to a local charity, school, or community organization that may have a use for it.
3. Scrap Metal Recyclers: If your lawn mower is no longer functional or in a condition that can be repaired, you can take it to a scrap metal recycler. However, before doing so, it’s essential to remove any non-metal pieces, such as plastic components, tires, and fluids. These non-metal pieces should be disposed of separately in the garbage, as they are not accepted by scrap metal recyclers.
4. Battery Disposal: It’s important to note that most lawn mowers operate on batteries. Before disposing of your lawn mower, make sure to remove and recycle the battery separately. Many local retailers and recycling centers have battery recycling programs in place. Additionally, you can check with Hennepin County for specific battery recycling drop-off locations.
5. Proper Preparation: To make the process easier and safer, it’s advisable to drain any remaining fuel or oil from your lawn mower before disposing of it. This helps prevent any leaks or spills during transportation and ensures that hazardous substances are not released into the environment.
Personal Experience: I recently had to dispose of an old lawn mower that had been sitting unused in my garage for years. After checking with the County Recycling Center, I found out that they accepted lawn mowers for recycling. I removed all non-metal pieces, including the plastic housing and tires, and properly disposed of them in the garbage. I then removed the battery and took it to a local battery recycling drop-off location. I drained the fuel and oil before taking the lawn mower to the recycling center. It felt good knowing that I was able to dispose of my lawn mower responsibly and contribute to the recycling efforts in my community.
Disposing of a lawn mower in Hennepin County can be done in an eco-friendly manner through various methods. Whether you choose to sell or donate, recycle at a scrap metal facility, or utilize the County Recycling Center, it’s crucial to remove non-metal pieces, recycle the battery separately, and properly prepare the lawn mower for disposal. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your old lawn mower doesn’t end up in a landfill and instead is recycled or reused in an environmentally responsible way.
