Want to save cash, cut noise and breathe cleaner air?
Whether you’re environmentally conscious, budget-savvy, or just tired of dealing with smelly, noisy gasoline tools, this is your chance to upgrade to cleaner, quieter zero-emissions lawn and garden equipment – and get financial help while doing so.
The Cut Down Pollution program, run by the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ), lets residents and commercial businesses exchange working gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment toward vouchers for electric, battery or manual models.
“Many participants love how easy it is to use electric,” said Arisia Lee, the coordinator for the Cut Down Pollution Program. “Plus, the financial incentives make it easier for people considering the switch to finally transition to cleaner, quieter equipment.”
Since its launch in January 2020, the program has collected over 1,335 pieces of equipment – and those decisions by consumers have prevented more than 700 tons of air pollution.
“It’s a lot easier to start, a lot quieter, a lot lighter,” program participant Gus Gomez said of his battery-powered mower. “The batteries, you just put them on the charger and you’re ready to go the next day.”
Voucher values:
- $200 for commercial use mower
- $150 for personal use mower
- $50 for handheld equipment
Residents can turn in one gas mower and up to five different handheld devices, such as leaf blowers, trimmers, and chainsaws. Commercial businesses can exchange an unlimited number of mowers and devices.
How Does it Work?
It’s simple:
- Apply online.
- Drop off: Once approved, you will be emailed a drop-off form and you’ll have three weeks to bring your equipment (drained of gasoline) to one of six partnering drop-off sites across the Tucson metro area. Staff at the drop-off site will sign, date and stamp the form, which you will photograph, email, or text to PDEQ.
- Get your voucher: You’ll receive a voucher through email that can be redeemed at any participating Home Depot store in the area.
Why Switch to Electric Equipment?
- Save money: Gasoline-powered tools may seem cheap at first, but the cost of fuel, maintenance, and repairs adds up. Switching to electric or manual tools slashes those costs.
- Keep the peace: Electric and battery-powered equipment are whisper-quiet compared to gas-powered machines. Your neighbors – and your ears – will thank you.
- Protect your health: Gasoline tools spew toxic fumes and operate at high decibel levels, putting your health and hearing at risk.
- Eliminate hassle: Forget gas storage and refueling. Just charge and go!
Cleaner Air, Healthier Communities
Gas-powered lawn and garden equipment emit a shocking amount of air pollution in our neighborhoods, contributing to harmful ground-level ozone. Here’s an example: A gas-powered two-stroke leaf blower emits 23 times more carbon monoxide than a Ford F-150 truck. These emissions contribute to regional air pollution problems but are particularly harmful to equipment users.
Ground-level ozone pollution can trigger a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and asthma – especially in children, seniors, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
“As gas-powered equipment is turned in and recycled, we know it makes an impact in the air we all breathe,” Lee said.
To learn more about the program, visit pima.gov/CutPollution or call 520-273-9898. The program is funded by a grant from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
