CAN I RECYCLE MY OLD LAWNMOWER?

Yes! Lawnmowers are recyclable.

If you’re like a lot of people, your storage space is filled with broken, outdated lawn equipment. 

Regardless of the size, style, and brand of lawn mower you use, it will eventually need to be replaced. So, instead of leaving your outdated lawnmower in your garage, consider bringing it into Cohen for lawnmower recycling.

WHY UPGRADE?

Over 50 million Americans mow their lawns every week. Gas usage has reached nearly 800 million gallons a year. This incredible amount of gasoline usage produces nitrogen oxide emissions and many other hazardous compounds into the air.

The EPA states that nearly 17 million gallons of fuel are wasted every year from spills that occur while we fill up our lawnmowers. 

Lawnmower companies are adhering to new, strict regulations set in place by EPA, and they’re taking steps to develop battery-powered models that emit less harmful substances.

Thanks to technological upgrades, newer and better models are being released each year. Your upgraded lawn mower will also most likely be environmentally friendly, in terms of both exhaust output and recyclability. 

SHOULD I TAKE APART MY LAWN MOWER BEFORE I BRING IT IN?

You can dismantle your lawnmower by yourself if you wish, but you can also bring it in as one piece. 

Most recycling companies will offer more cash for individual recyclable pieces since they won’t have to dismantle the machinery. The process required for properly dismantling this bulky machinery takes time and effort.

HOWEVER, THERE ARE A FEW STEPS THAT ARE MANDATORY:

1. Drain the gasoline
2. Drain the oil
3. Clean the mower and all interior parts

HOW DO I DISPOSE OF GASOLINE AND OIL?

Draining gas and oil is a simple procedure, and you probably won’t need to take it to repair shop.

1. Drain the gas with a siphon hose – Be sure to use a siphon with a hand pump. Empty the tank into a container.
2. Unplug the spark plug wire – Before you flip the lawnmower over, unplug the spark plug wire. 
3. Turn the mower over – Carefully turn the mower over with carburetor facing up.
4. Remove blade – There will most likely be bolts holding the blade in place. Remove them, and carefully slide off the blade.
5. Drain the oil – Drain the remainder of the oil into a catch pan. The plug is typically found near the center of the deck. 

CLEANING YOUR MOWER REGULARLY WILL MAKE IT LAST LONGER

To get the most bang for your buck, you need to clean your lawnmower.

As a bonus, this will actually increase the machine’s performance.

Dried grass on the blades can prevent grass from being cut, and if encrusted on the deck, can prevent the blades from rotating.

Here’s how to clean a lawnmower:

• Always wear protective gloves and eyewear before performing maintenance on your mower.
• Start with an empty gas tank
• Disconnect the spark plug
• Turn the mower over, if it is a push-style; otherwise, lift the blade protection over the deck.
• Spray the deck with a hose at full force
• Scrub the inside with a long-handled brush, and use a chisel to scrape away the remainder of the grass chunks. A riding-style mower may benefit from being put on a jack for this step.
• Rinse and allow to dry completely before use. Remember to reconnect the spark plug.

Also, to prevent it from running poorly after sitting through months without usage, empty the gas can before you store it away for the winter months. This will prevent grime and crust build-up.