The 7,000th gasoline-powered lawn mower in the 14 years of Supervisor Ron Roberts’ Mowing Down Pollution campaign was exchanged Saturday as 587 Black & Decker 36 Volt mowers were handed out at Qualcomm Stadium.
County residents began lining up at 3 a.m. for the chance to both clean local air and trade-in their old, gas powered lawn mowers for new, zero-emission models. The price? The Black & Decker mowers, which normally retail for $400, cost just $99.99, tax included, at the 14th Annual “Mowing Down Pollution” trade-in.
The exchange opened for business at 8 a.m. and the last mower of the 2013 event was handed over about 10:30 a.m. Since 1990, the program has distributed 7,044 rechargeable mowers.
“Today was another great success for our environment,” said Roberts. “San Diegans have really shown over the years a willingness to do their own part to help clean our air. Marian Armstrong of Oceanside certainly showed that. She, along with Joe Herbert and Noe de Jesus of the College Area were the first to arrive, getting to the stadium at 3 a.m., three hours before even I arrived!”
The trade-ins have made a real dent in air pollution, removing more than 22 tons of pollutants each year. Gas-powered machines emit an average of about 10 pounds of air pollution per year, said Robert Kard, director of the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District. The new, upgraded models emit zero pollution. Local air pollution fines and penalties lower the cost of the mowers.
Residents had to show photo IDs and prove county residency to exchange their mowers. One trade-in was allowed per household and old models had to be in working condition with all parts attached. Residents were asked to empty old mowers of oil and gas.
Qualcomm was being used because the traditional staging spot, the parking lots surrounding the County Administration Center, are being converted into a waterfront park.
Next year’s 15th annual Mowing Down Pollution mower exchange is set for Saturday, May 3, 2014. For more information, visit ronroberts.com or the County Air Pollution Control District’s website.
