Dear Eco-Monkey >> It’s time for a new lawn mower. What should I do with the old one?

Thanks, Bob

Dear Bob >> Memorial Day weekend is our cue — ’tis the season of lawn mowing. Congrats on your new mower — and thanks for making the responsible choice to dispose of the old one properly.

Whether it’s gas-powered or electric, recycling your old mower is more important than you might think. Metals from mowers can be recycled endlessly without losing quality, reducing the need for mining new materials — a win for people and the planet. And if your mower is electric, it’s especially critical to recycle it correctly and ethically by an e-Steward Certified recycler, as electronics are banned from Colorado landfills by law.

Mower still works, but don’t need or want it? Give it a chance to have a second spin. If your electric mower still runs, consider offering it on your local Buy Nothing group or community board. You can also donate it to Resource Central (6400 Arapahoe Road in Boulder), where it can be resold.

If your mower has mowed its last lawn, here’s how to recycle it:

Gas-powered mowers

• Drain all gas and oil — these are hazardous and must be taken to the Boulder County Hazardous Materials Management Facility, free to Boulder County and Broomfield County residents.

• Once empty of fluids, the mower can go to scrap metal recycling (see drop-off facilities below).

Electric mowers

• With a cord? Recycle it as-is at an E-Steward Certified electronic scrap recycler (see drop-offs below).

• With a removable battery? Take out the battery and recycle it separately at the Boulder County Hazardous Materials Management Facility or the Eco-Cycle/City of Boulder Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials in Boulder. Recycle the mower as scrap metal.

• With a built-in battery? Recycle the entire unit with an e-Steward Certified electronic recycler.

Where to drop off

• Eco-Cycle/City of Boulder Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (6400 Arapahoe Road): Accepts all mowers — gas and electric — and mower batteries. (Small drop-off fees apply.)

• Longmont Recycling Center (140 Martin Street): Accepts drained gas mowers only — no electric models.

Need more options?

Check Eco-Cycle’s A—Z Recycling Guide for a full list of Front Range drop-off locations.

Switching to electric? Great move

By trading your gas mower in for a new one, you’re reducing greenhouse gases and improving air quality. And you can save money on a new e-mower. Currently there is a state discount available that offers 30% off at the point of sale at participating retailers — no vouchers, trade-ins, or sign-ups needed.

The Colorado Public Interest Research Group is tracking participating retailers until the state releases a full list. Find COPIRG’s list on pirg.org.

Pro tip: Ask your scrap metal recycler for a receipt noting that your mower was recycled. You may need it for certain voucher or rebate programs.

— Eco-Monkey

— Got Zero Waste questions? Email Eco-Cycle at recycle@ecocycle.org or call 303-444-6634.