Tips for 
Draining Mowers

You must drain your mower before recycling it

 

Metal Recyclers CANNOT take mowers that still contain oil and gas.

If you don’t feel confident doing it yourself, you can take it to a mechanic or a repair shop to pay them to drain the gas and oil for you.

You will need: a bin, bucket or flat tray, a tarp or other impermeable material, an adjustable wrench, a pair of gloves, a siphon hose, and a container (or 2) with a screw-on lid.

Before starting:

• Call your local trash company to find out where to take your used oil and gasoline. It is illegal to dump or improperly dispose of oil and gas. If you can recycle the oil, please use 2 separate containers for the oil and the gas. Otherwise, you may be able to combine them. Please check with your trash company or recycler. If they aren’t sure, contact your
  local automotive parts store or auto mechanic.
• Disconnect your spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
• Avoid smoking or flames when working on a lawnmower.

Draining the Lawn Mower

It is best to drain your mower outside. Avoid breathing vapors and avoid skin contact. Protect the ground with a tarp or another non-permeable material that will trap the excess oil and gas. Drain gasoline from the tank first, using a siphon.

Depending on your type of machine, the oil may be drained by removing an oil drain plug located under the mower housing just above the blade. To get to it, overturn the mower onto the surface being protected. Then, with a basin to catch the used oil, remove the plug and allow the oil to drain until it stops dripping out of the mower.

Oil and Gas Collection

Using a container that has a screw-on lid, carefully pour all oil and gasoline into the container. Screw the cap on tightly and place on a shelf in your garage or in a location away from the interior of your home, until you safely dispose of it at your local household hazardous waste facility.