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How To Dispose Of Old Outdoor Power Equipment

Today, the 60 million American households that own and operate outdoor power equipment are presented with a most important opportunity -- how and where to discard outdoor power equipment in an environmentally responsible manner.

OPEI Provides Solutions

It may take a little time and effort to find the proper resting place for your old outdoor power equipment ... but it can be done. The OPEI suggests five avenues for responsibly disposing of unwanted outdoor power equipment: donating the equipment to a charitable organization, reselling it, using it as a trade-in on a new model, taking it to a scrap yard, or where possible, calling your trash collector to haul it away.

When deciding how to dispose of old equipment, there are two primary factors you must consider. First, the condition of the machine: is it in good working order, does it just need a few minor repairs, or is it totally useless? Second, your primary motivation for disposing of the equipment: will you be thankful to just get the machine out of your garage, or is it important to sell the equipment?

Once you've assessed these factors, you can select the disposal option that's right for you ... and best for the environment:

Donate Equipment

If your machine is in fairly good working condition, but you're ready to replace it, consider donating the old equipment to a charitable group. There are many churches and non-profit organizations that will gladly accept older machinery and put it to good use. In fact, many non-profits are willing to make minor repairs and recondition older machines. Local Salvation Army and Goodwill stores will often accept outdoor power equipment if it is in usable condition. Be sure to call to see if your donation may be tax deductible.

Resell Equipment

Reselling your equipment is another possibility. Here are some options:

• Place a classified ad in your local newspaper. Millions of Americans read the classified sections of newspapers in search of the ultimate bargain. Many of these readers may be willing to recondition or repair an older machine to save a few extra pennies. What's more, a classified ad is relatively inexpensive to place - and it often generates good response.
• Sell the machine at a neighborhood garage sale. It happens every summer -- homeowners on the block get together to stage the annual neighborhood garage sale. Take advantage of the opportunity to sell your lawn and garden equipment to fellow homeowners.

Trade In Equipment

Like used cars, old outdoor power equipment can be used as a bargaining chip when negotiating the best deal for your new dream model. While discount department stores and mass retailers may not take old equipment as a trade-in, dealers and retailers who specialize in outdoor power equipment are often willing to accept trade-ins. (Although it is the exception rather than the rule, some retailers and dealers will accept old outdoor equipment without a trade-in.)

Look in the Yellow Pages under "outdoor power equipment dealers/retailers," "lawnmowers," "tractors," or "garden centers." Make a few phone calls to locate dealers willing to accept your old equipment. If you're having trouble locating a local dealer, the OPEI suggests contacting the North American Equipment Dealer's Association (NAEDA) at 314-821-7220. NAEDA, the national trade association of lawn and garden servicing dealers, will provide you with the name of a local NAEDA-member dealer who can best assist you.

Scrap Equipment

Though your worn-out machine may appear to have little value, a scrap yard dealer may view it in a different light, A scrap dealer will likely take the machine off your hands and compensate you for the metallic value of the equipment. Typically, a scrap dealer disassembles the machine and compensates you based on the weight of aluminum, steel, copper, and other metals, as well as various properties like plastic that may be salvaged from the equipment.
To get the most profitable deal for your equipment, it's best to call a few scrap dealers to find out what materials they are willing to salvage. For example, some scrap dealers are solely interested in salvaging the aluminum from the lawnmower deck. Still, others will salvage and compensate for the steel and plastic components found on the machinery. Scrap dealers are listed in the Yellow Pages section of the phone book.

Trash Equipment

If you've struck out at the scrap yards, it may be time to call your local trash collector to haul your old outdoor power equipment away. Policies vary among trash collectors, but you could contact your local refuse disposal company to see if they offer a scrap removal service. Check your local yellow pages under "Rubbish and Garage Removal".

THE LAST RESORT

If all of the above methods have failed, don't give up hope until you've called your state's solid waste management agency. Every state has at least one agency responsible for the disposal of refuse generated by its citizens. For more information, view the state-by-state listing of solid waste recycling agencies.