Take it to a metal recycling depot. Most dismantling centres in Calgary will accept outdated cutting machines as scrap. They usually require you to drain any fuel and oil beforehand, but many offer assistance or have specific drop-off instructions posted online. Just make sure the tank is dry, and the battery–if there is one–is removed. You might even get a few bucks for the metal, though that depends on weight and condition.
Contact a small engine repair shop. Some local shops refurbish older machines for parts or resale. Even if it’s no longer functional, it could still be useful to someone looking for a specific wheel or engine casing. A quick phone call could save it from the landfill. That said, not every shop has room for storage, so it’s best to check in advance rather than just showing up.
Check with the City of Calgary’s waste programs. There are dedicated drop-off points for household machinery, but policies can shift year to year. It’s worth checking the city’s official site or calling 311 for the most current guidelines. Some community cleanups accept yard equipment too, especially during spring events.
If none of that works out–or you just don’t want to deal with the hassle–PROPERTY WERKS offers disposal as part of their seasonal cleanup services. They’ve been doing it for years, and honestly, having someone else handle the mess is sometimes worth the cost.
Prepare Equipment for Donation or Recycling
Drain all fluids–gasoline, oil, and any remaining fuel mix. Don’t skip this. Even small amounts can leak during transport, creating a hazard or damaging collection bins. Use a siphon pump or tilt the machine carefully into a container approved for flammable liquids. Most Calgary recycling depots won’t accept anything with fuel still inside.
Next, remove the battery if it’s electric or hybrid. Rechargeable units can be dropped off at specific recycling points (London Drugs usually takes them). Wrap the terminals with tape to prevent short-circuits during transit.
Detach any removable parts: the blade, bag, spark plug, handle extensions. Some of these can be reused or recycled separately. Be careful with the blade–it’s heavier and sharper than expected. Gloves are smart here. If you’re unsure where to bring metal parts, the City of Calgary’s Throw ‘n’ Go stations can help sort it out.
Make It Presentable (If Donating)
Clean off dirt, grass, or caked-on grease. Use a stiff brush and some soapy water. It doesn’t need to shine, but looking half-decent improves the odds that someone will actually want to use it again. If it’s going to a community tool share or a reuse centre, tape a note to it: model number, whether it runs, and what parts were replaced or repaired last. Honest details go a long way.
If it’s clearly beyond fixing, drop-off is the better route. PROPERTY WERKS can help you decide–sometimes what seems salvageable really isn’t worth patching up.
Where to Take a Broken Lawn Mower for Recycling or Scrap
Start with your nearest metal recycling depot. Many scrap yards accept gas-powered or electric trimmers, even if they’re completely unusable. Just drain fluids like oil and fuel beforehand. Calgary Metal Recycling Inc. on 41 Ave SE is one option–call ahead to check if they charge a fee or offer anything in return.
Some city drop-off facilities, like the East Calgary Waste Management site, also accept small machinery as scrap. You’ll need to separate materials–plastic housing might go in one bin, metal components in another. Staff usually guide you, but it helps to dismantle bulky parts in advance.
If it’s mostly steel and aluminum, you might get a few bucks for it at Allwest Scrap or Federal Metals. Not much, but better than sending it to landfill. These places prefer items stripped of non-metal parts, so removing the plastic wheels or rubber grips could be worth the effort.
Retailers like Home Depot or RONA occasionally run trade-in events, especially in spring. It’s rare, but if you catch one, they’ll often take worn-out gear for free disposal–sometimes even offer store credit.
Check with local repair shops too. Some collect old units for parts or scrap. They might not advertise it, but it’s a quick call. A neighbour told me that the small engine repair place near Ogden took his dead push trimmer just to salvage the deck.
If hauling it yourself sounds like a hassle, PROPERTY WERKS can help. They’ll remove the equipment, sort it properly, and take it to the right spot. No guessing, no back-and-forth trips. Just done.
Options for Selling or Giving Away a Working Lawn Mower Locally
Post it on Facebook Marketplace with clear photos and a short description. Be honest about its age and condition. If it runs well, mention that upfront–something like “starts on first pull” tends to get attention. Expect to hear from a few people within hours if you price it under $100. Don’t overthink the price. A working push model might go for $50–$75; riding versions vary more but often start moving around $300, depending on the season and brand.
Where to List
Kijiji still works surprisingly well in many parts of Calgary. Focus on a short, direct title like “Gas trimmer–fully working, $60 OBO.” Avoid long blocks of text–most people skim. If you’re okay giving it away, use the Free section. You might get overwhelmed with messages, so consider adding “pickup only” or “first come, no holds.” That usually filters out the tire-kickers.
Nextdoor is another decent option, especially if you’re hoping to give it to a neighbour. People tend to be more polite there–less haggling, fewer no-shows. Still, don’t expect everyone to follow through. It’s frustrating, I know. But it happens.
Donation and Other Local Options
Some local repair shops will take working equipment as trade-ins or to refurbish for resale. It’s worth calling around. Habitat for Humanity ReStores sometimes accept small outdoor equipment, but policies vary, so check first. Alternatively, mention it casually to neighbours–someone on your block might be looking for a backup trimmer or knows someone who is.
If it’s just taking up space and you want it gone quickly, leave it at the curb with a “Free–working” sign. Oddly enough, that still works. Timing matters–Saturday mornings are best. And if the grass is too long to do it yourself, PROPERTY WERKS can always handle the mowing part while you clear out the extras.
Q&A:
What should I do with a lawn mower that no longer works?
If your mower is beyond repair, check with your local waste management or recycling center. Many offer drop-off services for metal items or small engines. You can also contact a scrap yard—most mowers contain metal parts that are recyclable. Be sure to drain all fluids like gasoline and oil beforehand, as these need to be disposed of separately following hazardous waste guidelines.
Can I donate an old lawn mower if it’s still functional?
Yes, as long as the mower runs and is safe to use, you can donate it. Consider giving it to a neighbor, local nonprofit, community garden, or school with groundskeeping needs. Some charities accept used tools and equipment, but it’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm they can take it. Clean the mower and check that it’s in usable condition before donating.
Are there stores that accept trade-ins for old lawn mowers?
Some hardware and garden equipment retailers occasionally run trade-in events where you can exchange your old mower for a discount on a new one. These promotions are not always advertised widely, so it’s worth asking in person or checking online with local stores. Be sure to bring the mower in working condition unless the promotion specifically allows broken ones.
Is it safe to throw a lawn mower in the trash?
Generally, no. Lawn mowers often contain gasoline, oil, and metal parts that shouldn’t go into regular household trash due to environmental regulations. Improper disposal can lead to fines or contamination. Instead, look into designated recycling programs or municipal bulky item collection services that accept outdoor equipment.
How do I prepare a lawn mower for recycling?
First, empty the fuel tank and oil reservoir—these fluids must be handled separately through a hazardous waste facility. Remove the battery if it’s electric or cordless. You might also need to detach plastic components or the bag if it’s a mulching mower. Check with the recycling center to see what parts they accept, and follow their instructions for disassembly, if any.
What are my options if my lawn mower no longer works and can’t be repaired?
If your lawn mower is beyond repair, you have a few practical choices. First, check if a local recycling center accepts old mowers — many have programs for scrap metal or small engine equipment. If the mower still has usable parts, some facilities or small engine shops might take it for parts harvesting. You can also contact your municipality to ask about bulk item pickup or hazardous waste disposal, especially if the mower contains fluids like oil or gas. In some areas, donation centers or vocational schools might be interested in it for training purposes, even if it no longer runs. Another option is listing it online for free; some hobbyists or repair enthusiasts may want it for spare parts.
PROPERTY WERKS Contact Information:
Address
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Phone
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