This Saturday morning at the SDCCU Stadium (formerly known as Qualcomm Stadium), you have the opportunity to trade in your gasoline-powered lawn mower, chainsaw or trimmer for cordless, rechargeable models at steeply discounted prices.
The 19th annual “Mowing Down Pollution” Lawnmower Trade-in Exchange will be the last hosted by Supervisor Ron Roberts, who is serving his final term on the County Board of Supervisors. Roberts’ office organizes the event in partnership with the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District.
What Tools Will be Available for Trade In?
Four types of tools in various quantities are available for trade-in. The exchange price for mowers is $99.99, and the exchange price for the remaining tools is $79.99.
- 500 rechargeable mowers will be available for those who bring in an old, working mower for trade-in. The exchange price for the dual-battery mowers (Black+Decker 40-volt CM 2043C) will be $99.99.
- 100-battery-powered chain saws (Black+Decker Model LCS1240)
- 150 string trimmers (Black+Decker Model LST 540)
- 15 hedge trimmers (Black+Decker Model LHT341)
Those who participate in the trade event will also receive a free succulent plant.
Clean Air Benefits
Over the past 18 years, the trade-in event has replaced nearly 9,000 gasoline-powered mowers with electric ones, helping to reduce air pollution.
At today’s press conference announcing the trade-in, Supervisor Roberts said that taking the old gas mowers out of circulation is equivalent to removing pollution from up to 220,000 cars for the days those mowers would operate.
Mitch Mitchell, vice president of state government and external affairs for SDG&E, noted that the benefits of switching to electric tools, whether they be rechargeable mowers or vehicles, are greater than ever due to the growing amount of renewable energy integrated into the power grid. Every day, around 45 percent of the energy delivered by SDG&E to local homes and businesses comes from renewable sources, such as solar and wind.
Event Details
19th Annual Lawnmower Trade-in Exchange
Date: Saturday, May 12
Time: 8 a.m.-noon or earlier depends on when the equipment sells out (Gates open at 4:40 a.m. for those who would like to lineup early)
Requirements: All items exchanged must be in working condition. Only cash or credit card is accepted. Must be San Diego County resident. Each household is limited to exchanging one item for each category of trade-in, but one household could bring a gas-powered mower, chainsaw, hedge trimmer and string trimmer and leave with rechargeable models of all four items, after paying the requisite cost for each.
Electric Vehicle Display: While residents are waiting for their trade-in, they will also have the opportunity to check out various electric vehicles available on the market.
More information: Visit the Air Pollution Control District web page for the event.