How To Dispose Of Old Yard Tools And Equipment (The Safe Way)

Imagine it: you're doing your regular garden tool maintenance and notice some yard tools aren't working the way they used to. One quick test proves that the power tool has been reduced to a stuttering tool (or doesn't even start up), and your trusty shovel has rusted through so much that you can see the ground through it. Deciding that it's time to call it quits on your old yard tools is the first hard decision. The second? Figuring out how to dispose of them.

While dumping them in the trash might be the easiest way, it isn't exactly the safest disposal method. Power tools tend to have leftover oil or fuel coating their inner mechanisms, which requires hazardous waste disposal. Battery-powered tools are technically e-waste, meaning they need to be disposed of safely to avoid pollution. And regular old yard tools tend to be made of mixed materials, meaning they can't be properly recycled. Don't worry; disposing of them is actually easier than it sounds. Let's break it down.

Time to say goodbye to that old leaf blower? The first step is to dispose of old gasoline or other fluids. Drain motor oil, fuel, and any other liquids, and recycle them properly (likely at your local hazardous waste disposal facility). If your power tool used a rechargeable battery, you're in luck; some battery recycling programs, like Call2Recycle, accept them for free, with drop-off points at many Home Depots. Keep in mind that laws regarding the disposal of motor fluids and batteries vary by state (and sometimes by area), so check with your local disposal utility first.

Next, recycle the unit. Some manufacturers offer recycling programs to safely dispose of old yard power tools. TerraCycle also has a free recycling program for certain manufacturers. Or you can take it to your local recycling center. Yes, it's more work than tossing it in your recycling bin, but taking it to the pros ensures the tool's materials (think plastic and metals) can be reused to make something new.

Old hand garden tools, like that rusted-out shovel or broken rake, are much easier to dispose of. It's harder for recycling facilities to recycle tools made of two or more materials, so separating the components is key. Typically, the metal piece is held in place with a screw or something similar; removing it allows you to separate the materials. Metal yard tool pieces can usually be recycled or scraped, but check with your local waste disposal utility to be sure. Or you can repurpose those old garden tools around your home, upcycling them to create unique home decor.