How to Dispose of & Recycle Electric Lawn Mowers, Power Tools, Leaf Blowers, and Snow Blowers

Electric lawn mowers, power tools, leaf blowers, snow blowers, trimmers, and similar equipment should not automatically go in household trash or curbside recycling. They may contain rechargeable batteries, electronics, valuable metals, or, in some cases, fluids that require separate handling.

1. Prepare equipment safely

Handle rechargeable batteries separately

Many cordless yard tools use lithium-ion batteries. Never place lithium-ion batteries, or devices containing them, in household trash or curbside recycling bins. Damaged batteries can be crushed or punctured in collection trucks and recycling equipment, creating a fire risk. Take them to a battery-recycling program, a household hazardous-waste facility, or an electronics recycler that accepts batteries.

If the battery is removable:

• Remove it only according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Cover exposed terminals with nonconductive tape, such as electrical or packing tape, or place each battery in a separate plastic bag.

• Keep batteries apart so their terminals cannot touch each other or metal objects.

• Store them temporarily in a nonmetal, dry container away from heat, direct sunlight, and flammable materials.

  
  

If the battery is built into the equipment:

• Do not take apart the mower, blower, or tool unless the manufacturer or recycler specifically tells you how to do so.

• Contact a certified electronics recycler, your local waste authority, or the manufacturer for instructions.

• Tell the facility that the equipment contains a lithium-ion battery before bringing it in.

Treat damaged batteries as a special case

Do not bring a swollen, leaking, crushed, overheated, burned, or otherwise damaged lithium-ion battery to a standard retail collection box unless the collection site specifically confirms it can accept damaged batteries. Contact the manufacturer, local household hazardous-waste program, or battery recycler for handling instructions. EPA advises contacting the manufacturer if a lithium-ion battery is damaged.

Check for fluids

Most fully electric equipment does not use gasoline or engine oil, but hybrid, converted, or older equipment may contain fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, or lubricants. Do not put equipment containing leaks or leftover fluids in the trash.

• Check the owner’s manual.

• Do not pour fuel, oil, or coolant into a drain, onto soil, or into a storm sewer.

• Ask your local household hazardous-waste program how to dispose of each fluid safely.

Secure cords and accessories

For corded equipment:

• Unplug the tool and secure the cord so it does not create a trip hazard during transport.

• Keep chargers, detachable cords, blades, and accessories with the equipment if the recycler requests them.

• Do not cut cords, dismantle the tool, or remove components unless the accepting facility specifically requires it.

2. Find a local recycling program

Acceptance rules differ by location. Call or check online before transporting a mower, snow blower, battery, or power tool.

Start with:

• Your city or county solid-waste authority

• Household hazardous-waste collection sites or events

• Municipal e-waste programs

• Electronics recyclers

• Scrap-metal recyclers

• Manufacturer or retailer take-back programs

  
  

Ask these questions before you go:

• Do you accept electric lawn mowers, snow blowers, leaf blowers, or power tools?

• Do you accept equipment with a built-in lithium-ion battery?

• Must removable batteries be taken out first?

• Do you accept damaged, swollen, or recalled batteries?

• Are there size limits, fees, appointments, or preparation requirements?

  
  

For electronics recycling, consider a recycler certified under R2 or e-Stewards standards. These certifications are designed to promote responsible management of electronics and their components.

3. Use manufacturer and retailer programs

Some retailers and manufacturers accept specific types of rechargeable batteries, tools, or electronics. Always check the current accepted-items list for your specific store before visiting.

Home Depot

Home Depot partners with Call2Recycle to accept many rechargeable batteries, including lithium-ion batteries commonly used in power tools. Its program generally accepts rechargeable batteries weighing up to 11 pounds and under 300 watt-hours. Nonleaking batteries can be dropped into designated collection bins, often near the store entrance or customer-service area. 1553

Lowe’s

Lowe’s offers rechargeable-battery recycling through store recycling centers in many locations. The company advises customers to use facilities that accept rechargeable batteries, including lithium-ion batteries and batteries containing heavy metals. Confirm local participation and accepted battery types before visiting.

Best Buy and other electronics recyclers

Best Buy and local electronics recyclers may accept certain electronics, cords, chargers, or battery-powered items. However, accepted products, quantity limits, and possible fees vary by store and location. Check before bringing large yard equipment.

Tool manufacturers

Check the manufacturer’s support page or customer-service line, especially for brands such as DeWalt, Ryobi, EGO, Milwaukee, Greenworks, STIHL, Toro, or Makita. Some brands provide battery-recycling guidance, service centers, trade-in opportunities, refurbishing options, or mail-back instructions.

4. Donate, repair, resell, or give away usable tools

The most environmentally beneficial option is usually to keep safe, working equipment in use. If the tool only needs a new battery, blade, charger, switch, cord, or minor repair, compare the repair cost with replacement before recycling it.

Possible reuse options include:

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Some locations accept working tools and home-improvement equipment. Call first because policies differ by store.

• Vocational schools, maker spaces, and community workshops: These may accept safe, usable tools for training or community projects.

• Neighborhood tool libraries: Some tool-lending programs accept donated equipment.

• Local nonprofits and community organizations: Ask whether they can use working lawn and garden equipment.

• Local resale and giveaway platforms: Sell, donate, or give away working items through neighborhood groups, community bulletin boards, or local online marketplaces.

Before donating or selling:

• Clean the item.

• Include the charger, battery, manual, safety guard, and accessories if available.

• Clearly disclose its condition, battery age, known defects, and whether it needs repair.

• Do not donate unsafe, recalled, damaged, or overheating equipment.

  
  

5. Recycle equipment by component

When equipment is no longer usable, use the appropriate recycling path for each part.

Do not assume a scrap-metal facility can accept the complete machine. Many facilities require you to remove batteries first, while others will accept the item only if it has been drained of fluids and confirmed to contain no hazardous battery.

Quick checklist

Before you leave home:

• Remove removable batteries if the manual and recycler instruct you to do so.

• Tape battery terminals or bag batteries separately.

• Do not place batteries in trash or curbside recycling.

• Keep damaged batteries out of ordinary retailer collection bins.

• Check for fuel, oil, or other fluids.

• Call the facility to confirm it accepts your exact item.

• Ask whether fees, appointments, or preparation steps apply.

• Donate or repair safe working equipment before recycling it.

⚠️ Safety Disclaimer: Connecting The Dots Project provides this information for general educational purposes. Disposal requirements vary by location and appliance. Do not dismantle microwaves, gas appliances, or other electrical equipment unless you are qualified to do so safely. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and local regulations.