If you bag the gas-powered mower, the city will subsidize part of the cost of an electric or push replacement:

Full city announcement out this week:

For a limited time, the City of Seattle is offering $25 rebates to city residents that trade in their gas mower for push or electric lawnmowers.

As part of Mayor Greg Nickels’ Climate Action Plan to curb Seattle’s greenhouse gas emissions, Seattle residents who turn in their old gas mowers between April 15 and May 15 will receive a $25 rebate toward a new push or electric mower.

According to one estimate, gas mowers cause as much as 5 percent of the nation’s air pollution. A typical gas-powered mower emits 80 pounds of carbon dioxide per year and produces as much pollution in one hour as driving a car 140 miles.

In addition to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, electric or push mowers improve air quality by reducing pollutant production, decrease noise pollution and save money on gas and oil.

“Swapping out that old gas-guzzling mower for an electric or push-powered machine is a relatively painless step people can take to help combat global warming. You can cut your grass and cut greenhouse gases at the same time,” said Nickels said.

Participants can receive an additional discount by purchasing their new mowers from a Northwest Natural Yard Days store through May 15. Gas mowers need to be empty of oil and gas before they can be recycled. Mowers that are turned in will be recycled as scrap metal.

Mowers may be turned in at Seattle Public Utilities North Recycling and Disposal station, 1350 N. 34th St., or south station at 8105 Fifth Ave. S. The city’s stations are normally open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. After May 15, they will still accept gas mowers for recycling, but without a rebate.

For more information on Seattle’s mower rebate, visit www.seattle.gov/util or call (206) 633-0224. For a list of participating Northwest Natural Yard Days stores, visit www.yarddays.com or call (206) 633-0224. For more information on the Mayor’s Climate Action Plan, please visit www.seattle.gov/climate/