Quick Answer: Riding lawn mower disposal costs $100–$250 at Junk Nurse, depending on mower size, whether it runs, and access. Zero-turn and garden tractors run higher ($150–$275). Fuel and oil must be drained before pickup. The mower’s scrap metal value sometimes offsets disposal cost.
Price breakdown by mower type
- Standard residential riding mower (drained, ready): $100–$200
- Zero-turn or garden tractor: $150–$275
- Lawn tractor with attached accessories (carts, plow, blower): $175–$300
- Small push mower (added to riding mower job): often free
- Multiple mowers (lawn service dispersal, estate): volume pricing
What affects the price
Whether it runs
Running mowers can sometimes be driven up the loading ramp — faster, less crew time. Non-running mowers need to be winched or manually pushed, which adds 15–30 minutes. Slight upcharge for non-runners.
Access
Driveway or garage-accessible mowers are easiest. Backyard mowers behind fence gates or up grass slopes take more time and equipment.
Size and weight
Standard 30–42″ deck residential riders are the baseline. Garden tractors, zero-turns, and compact tractors are heavier and require larger loading equipment.
Scrap value
Mowers are mostly steel and aluminum, so they have real scrap value. We factor this into pricing — sometimes meaningfully reducing the cost. A larger garden tractor with intact engine can offset a significant portion of the disposal cost.
Battery condition
If the lead-acid battery is intact, we pull it for separate recycling (mandatory under Illinois law). If the battery is leaking or damaged, we handle hazmat — small upcharge.
Mower to get rid of? Send photos to (630) 294-1340 for a fast quote.
Required prep before pickup
1. Drain the fuel
If the mower runs, the easiest method: run it until it’s out of gas. If it doesn’t run, siphon or pump the fuel into an approved container.
Dispose of the fuel:
- Use in another gas tool
- Drop off at Kane County household hazardous waste event
- Give to a neighbor with a working mower
Don’t pour fuel on the ground.
2. Drain the engine oil
Locate the drain plug under the engine or use the dipstick tube to suction oil out with a pump. Capture in a sealed container.
Dispose of used oil:
- Auto parts stores (AutoZone, O’Reilly, Advance) accept free
- Kane County hazmat collection
- Local mechanic shop
3. (Optional) Remove battery
You can leave it — we’ll pull it on-site and route to lead-acid battery recycling.
What happens to the old mower
After drainage and battery removal:
- Loaded onto our truck (winched if non-running)
- Hauled to a scrap metal recycler
- Processed for steel, aluminum, copper, and any salvageable parts
Mowers don’t go to landfills — the scrap value alone makes recycling the only sensible path.
What about resale instead?
Working residential mowers from major brands (John Deere, Cub Cadet, Husqvarna, Toro) hold resale value:
- Standard residential rider: $200–$800 used
- Larger garden tractor: $500–$2,000
- Zero-turn: $400–$2,500
Platforms: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, equipment dealers. If your mower runs well and you have time to manage listings, sale is often the better financial outcome.
If you don’t have time or the mower doesn’t work, Junk Nurse handles disposal.
What we’ll also take
- Push mowers (gas and electric)
- Weed eaters, string trimmers
- Leaf blowers
- Hedge trimmers and chainsaws
- Snowblowers
- Pressure washers
- Tillers and edgers
Same prep rules for gas-powered equipment — drain fuel and oil.
For full details, see our riding lawn mower disposal guide.
Related reading:
Schedule mower pickup. Call (630) 294-1340 or request a free quote. Mon–Sat, 7am–7pm.