Electric scooters have become increasingly popular in recent years as an eco-friendly and convenient way to get around. However, there may come a time when you need to get rid of your electric scooter, whether it’s broken beyond repair or you simply don’t use it anymore. So how do you properly dispose of an electric scooter?
Why Would You Need To Get Rid Of An Electric Scooter?
There are a few common reasons why someone may need to dispose of their electric scooter:
It’s Broken Beyond Repair
[su_note note_color=”#057A9E” text_color=”#ffffff”]Like any electronic device, electric scooters can break down over time, especially if not properly maintained. If the costs to repair your scooter outweigh the costs of buying a new one, it may make sense to get rid of the broken one.[/su_note]
You’re Moving
If you’re moving to a new home, especially if you’re moving to a smaller space, you may not have room to store an electric scooter anymore. Getting rid of your scooter can help simplify your move.
You Don’t Use It Anymore
Electric scooters are often novelty purchases that seem fun and convenient initially but end up sitting unused for long periods. If your scooter is just taking up space, it’s reasonable to get rid of it.
Is It Possible To Sell Or Donate An Electric Scooter?
Before deciding to throw out your electric scooter, consider if selling or donating it are viable options:
[su_box title=”Selling” box_color=”#057A9E”]If your scooter is in good working condition or just needs minor repairs, you may be able to sell it secondhand on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or eBay. This allows you to recoup some of the original cost. Make sure to take attractive photos and accurately describe any flaws.[/su_box]
[su_box title=”Donating” box_color=”#057A9E”]Donating unwanted electronics, including electric scooters, is a great way to keep them out of landfills. Look for local charities, community organizations or reuse centers that accept used scooter donations. Make sure to call ahead to see if they’ll accept it.[/su_box]
How To Dispose Of An Electric Scooter If Selling Or Donating Isn’t An Option
If your scooter is beyond resale or donation, proper disposal is important. Here are a few key steps:
Remove The Battery
Electric scooter batteries can be hazardous if disposed of improperly. Safely remove the battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Many local household hazardous waste facilities accept lithium-ion batteries for recycling or disposal.
Check For Local Recycling Options
Contact your local municipal recycling program to ask if they accept electric scooters or components like motors and tires. If not, they may be able to direct you to electronic waste recyclers in your area.
Bring It To E-Waste Drop-Offs
Many communities have e-waste recycling programs that allow you to drop off old electronics, including electric scooters. These items get disassembled for recycling rather than ending up in a landfill.
Use Special E-Waste Curbside Pickup
Some residential curbside recycling programs offer special pickup days for e-waste items. Check your local schedule to see if electric scooters can be collected from the curb for proper recycling.
Ship To E-Waste Processors
If there are no good local options, you can use national e-waste recycling mail-in programs. They provide prepaid shipping labels to send your unwanted electronics like scooters to facilities for responsible recycling.
What NOT To Do When Disposing Of An Electric Scooter
There are a few improper disposal methods to avoid at all costs:
Don’t Put It In The Trash
Electric scooters contain hazardous materials like lithium-ion batteries. Tossing one in your household trash can lead to dangerous chemicals leeching into landfills.
Avoid ‘Junk Yards’ Or Salvage
So-called junk or salvage yards will often improperly dispose of e-waste to maximize profits. It’s better to use responsible recyclers for safe, ethical disposal.
Never Burn Or Bury It
Backyard burning or burial of an electric scooter puts hazardous substances directly into the environment, which is extremely unsafe.
Don’t Abandon It
Dumping a scooter on the street, in an alleyway or wilderness area is completely irresponsible and usually illegal. Always dispose properly.
Key Takeaways On Disposing Of An Electric Scooter
Here are some key tips to remember when getting rid of an electric scooter:
- Try selling or donating first before pursuing disposal.
- Remove the battery safely before discarding the rest.
- Research responsible recycling options like e-waste facilities.
- Avoid improper disposal like burning, landfills or illegal dumping.
- Dismantling and separating parts aids recycling efforts.
Properly disposing of electric scooters keeps hazardous waste out of landfills and protects the environment. Following these guidelines allows you to retire your scooter guilt-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad for the environment to throw an electric scooter in the regular trash?
Yes, disposing of an electric scooter in your regular household garbage is detrimental to the environment. Scooters contain lithium-ion batteries and other hazardous components that can leak dangerous chemicals when landfilled. Always use proper e-waste recycling facilities instead.
Can I bring my old electric scooter to Best Buy or other electronics stores for disposal?
Unfortunately most electronics retailers like Best Buy do not accept old electric scooters for disposal or recycling. You’ll need to seek out dedicated e-waste drop-off points, recycling events or mail-in programs. Some retailers like Apple accept their own devices, but not third-party items.
Is it safe to remove the battery from an electric scooter myself?
It is generally not recommended that you try to remove an electric scooter’s battery yourself, as you could damage the battery and cause leaks, sparks or overheating. Have a professional e-waste handler remove batteries for recycling before disposing of the rest.
What’s the most eco-friendly way to get rid of an electric scooter?
The greenest way to dispose of an unwanted electric scooter is to have it recycled responsibly by an e-waste processor. This allows as many components and materials as possible to be reused or repurposed rather than wasted in a landfill.
Can I get in legal trouble for dumping an electric scooter?
Yes, illegally dumping hazardous waste can lead to fines or even criminal penalties in some areas. Always dispose of electric scooters properly at permitted facilities. You should never abandon one on public or private property.
Is it possible to recycle parts of a broken electric scooter?
Many components of electric scooters can be recycled, including batteries, motors, controllers, wiring, steel frames and aluminum parts. Professional e-waste recyclers dismantle scooters and sort materials to be processed accordingly.
Are there companies that will come pick up an old electric scooter for disposal?
Some e-waste management providers offer pickup services for getting larger electronics removed from homes and businesses. Reputable companies like 1-800-Got-Junk provide this service for electric scooters and other bulky e-waste when needed.
Can I bring an unwanted electric scooter to a scrap yard?
It’s not recommended to bring electric scooters to general scrap or salvage yards, as they often don’t properly recycle e-waste. Use a specialist electronics recycler to ensure hazardous components are handled correctly. Some yards may accept motors or metal frames.
What should I do if my city doesn’t have electric scooter recycling?
If there are no local e-waste recycling options in your area, search for mail-in programs that provide prepaid shipping labels. You package up your scooter and they ensure it gets recycled responsibly. Or hold onto the scooter until a special waste collection event occurs.