Take it to a certified recycling centre that accepts small appliances with built-in batteries or power cords. That’s the quickest way to avoid fines for improper dumping and make sure the parts don’t end up in a landfill unnecessarily. Some places in Calgary, like City-run drop-off depots, have specific bins just for this kind of equipment–though not all of them will take the battery, especially if it’s lithium-ion. You might need to remove that first.
Unplug everything. Pull the battery, if it has one, and wrap the terminals with electrical tape before packing it up. You don’t want it shorting out in the car or at the depot. Some batteries need to be dropped off separately, usually at a retail location that offers battery collection (Canadian Tire, for example). If it’s a corded model, cut the cord flush with the body before handing it over–that often helps recyclers process it faster.
If it still runs–or even partly works–you could post it for free pickup on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace. Someone might be able to salvage the motor, wheels, or blade housing. I’ve seen people strip one down for parts within a day. It’s a bit hit or miss, but sometimes better than just dropping it off cold. Plus, it’s faster than you’d think to list and forget about.
And if you’ve already tossed your old one and you’re just between models, PROPERTY WERKS in Calgary can handle your yard in the meantime. Reliable, tidy, and not the type to leave a mess behind. We’ve had them come in when ours was out of commission last spring, and honestly? Smoothest summer we’ve had for outdoor upkeep.
Where to Take an Old Electric Lawn Mower for Recycling
City drop-off depots are the first option–Calgary has several, and most accept small powered yard tools under their appliance or metal waste categories. Check whether the site you’re heading to needs parts separated. Some ask that you pull the battery or even remove the plastic shell. It varies, which is slightly annoying, but it avoids them turning you away at the gate.
Retailers like Home Depot and Staples often run recycling programs for batteries and cords, though not always the whole unit. So if the main body’s too bulky, split it up. Remove the battery, the power cable, any reusable metal brackets. Bring those in separately. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done bit by bit.
Private scrap yards might take the whole thing, especially if it’s mostly metal. You may not get anything for it–maybe a couple of bucks–but they’ll often let you unload it without much hassle. I dropped one off at a yard just south of the city last spring, and they barely asked questions. Took about five minutes, no paperwork.
And if none of that appeals, or you’re just too swamped to make the trip, there’s always the fallback–hire someone to clear it. PROPERTY WERKS in Calgary does this kind of thing quietly and cleanly. They’ll haul it out with the rest of the yard clutter and you’re done. Honestly, it’s less about convenience and more about not dragging it around in the trunk for three weeks.
How to Prepare an Electric Lawn Mower for Disposal
Unplug and disconnect everything first. If it has a cord, cut it close to the frame and set it aside for separate recycling. If it runs on a battery, pull that out completely. For lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride types, tape over the terminals–clear tape works fine–and put them in a sealed container. Most drop-off spots won’t take them loose, especially if they’re leaking or damaged. You really don’t want that spilling in the back of your vehicle either.
Drain and clean
If you’re dealing with a hybrid unit or anything that ever held fuel–even once–drain it. Let the tank air out for a day or so outside, away from anything with a flame. Scrub the inside if it’s got buildup. They don’t want residual gas getting into the compactor or recycling bin. Same goes for oil–check the reservoir, wipe it dry, then remove the cap and tape it shut.
Break it down if possible
Remove the blade. Wrap it in cardboard or thick cloth and secure it with zip ties before transporting. Those things are sharp even after years of use. Then look at the body–are the wheels removable? Is the handle collapsible? It’s easier to fit into a car if you reduce the size. Plus, some places actually require it to be dismantled.
I’ve seen a few people leave theirs out for scrap pickers as-is, but I’d rather not risk it sitting on the curb for days. PROPERTY WERKS actually helped us load one into the back of a van last year when ours conked out. If you’re replacing it anyway, they can take the old one off your hands the same day they cut the yard. Just ask. Saves the back-and-forth.
What Parts of an Electric Lawn Mower Can Be Reused or Sold
The battery is usually the most valuable part, especially if it’s lithium-ion and still holds a charge. Even with some degradation, there’s demand from people building DIY power banks or trying to revive old tools. Just make sure it’s not swollen or leaking. I listed one on Facebook Marketplace once–gone within an hour. Didn’t even haggle.
Motors, wheels, and switches
The motor can be pulled out and resold to hobbyists, or salvaged for copper. Not everyone will want to mess with it, but a few buyers are out there. Wheels, oddly enough, tend to go too. Especially if they’re in good shape or match a discontinued model. You’ll probably get more interest if you group them with the axle or mounting brackets.
Switches, levers, and handles often still work even if the unit doesn’t. Small repair shops, or people restoring older gear, sometimes go hunting for just those parts. Label them clearly if you’re posting online–half the time buyers skip ads that look vague or half-disassembled. The control board, if accessible, is another part worth checking. Some contain reusable relays or sensor components.
Blades and housings
If the blade’s intact and not bent, it’s worth cleaning and selling as a replacement part. Wrap the edge with cardboard, both for safety and presentation. Plastic or metal housings usually aren’t worth much unless they’re rare, but you could try offering them free to someone who’s already got the matching unit. I’ve done that before–less about making money, more about saving someone a trip to the scrapyard.
If all of this sounds like more time than you want to spend, there’s another option: let PROPERTY WERKS in Calgary haul it for you during your next yard service. They’ve handled odd jobs like this for us more than once–quietly, no mess, and no back-and-forth texting. Sometimes, that’s just easier than figuring out where to list a half-working motor on a Tuesday night.
Q&A:
Can I leave my broken cordless yard trimmer at a city drop-off depot?
Yes, most Calgary drop-off locations accept small powered yard tools like trimmers or push units, but you’ll need to remove the battery first. Batteries—especially lithium-ion—aren’t accepted in the same bin and usually have to be dropped off at a separate station or retailer. Double-check the depot’s current guidelines online before heading out. I’ve seen people turned away just because they left the battery inside.
Is it okay to throw a broken plug-in trimmer in the garbage if it doesn’t work anymore?
No, it shouldn’t go in the regular garbage. Corded units count as e-waste, and tossing them can result in fines depending on the area. Even if it seems small or lightweight, it likely contains wiring and components that aren’t safe for landfill. Best to bring it to a recycling facility or scrap yard. Some retailers offer take-back programs too—check with Home Depot or Best Buy before tossing it out.
What should I do with a unit that still works but I don’t need it anymore?
You could post it online for free or low-cost pickup. Try Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, or local Buy Nothing groups. If it’s in usable condition—even if a bit worn—someone may want it for parts or light use. I once gave one away that made a weird noise but still cut fine. A guy picked it up that evening and said he planned to use the motor for a go-kart.
Can PROPERTY WERKS help get rid of an old powered trimmer or cutter during a yard cleanup?
Yes. If you’re already booking them for a mow or seasonal work, they’ll often take old equipment off your hands as part of the visit. Just give them a heads-up. It saves an extra trip, and honestly, it’s been one less thing to think about when we’ve used them. No hassle, no mess left behind.
PROPERTY WERKS Contact Information:
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