Gasoline- and diesel-powered lawn and garden equipment emit smog-producing pollutants, contributing to local and regional air pollution. According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), running a gasoline-powered lawn mower for one hour produces similar emissions to the average car driving 300 miles. Residential and commercial lawn and garden equipment make up 69 percent of small off-road engines (spark-ignition engines rated at or below 19 kilowatts). As of 2021, emissions from small off-road engines already exceeded emissions from light-duty passenger vehicles. Emissions from these engines are projected to rise to nearly double those produced by passenger vehicles by 2031, according to CARB.

To reduce air pollution and promote a safe and healthy environment, South Coast Air Quality Management District offers the following Electric Lawn and Garden programs to facilitate the replacement of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment with battery-electric alternatives, as outlined below. 

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Residential Electric Lawn and Garden Rebate Program

Residents may receive rebates of up to $250 with the purchase of cordless, battery-electric lawn and garden equipment (lawn mowers, trimmers, leaf vacuums, chain saws) by returning an operable, gasoline-powered equivalent equipment to an approved dismantler. Residents may apply for a rebate for up to three pieces of equipment with proof of purchase of cordless, battery-electric equipment, only after the return of equivalent gasoline-powered equipment. 

Residents may apply for up to three rebates and each rebate must be for a different equipment category. Rebates are available on a first-come first-served basis while funds last. Corded, used or previously owned electric equipment, and electric equipment purchased as part of a bundled package with other equipment is not eligible. 

Eligible rebate amounts may not exceed the purchase price and are as follows:  

For eligibility requirements, approved dismantlers, and to apply for a rebate, please visit South Coast AQMD’s website. 

Commercial Electric Lawn and Garden Equipment Incentive and Exchange Program

Commercial landscapers and gardeners, nonprofit organizations, colleges, and school districts may purchase eligible cordless, battery-electric equipment (mowers, trimmers, pruners, leaf vacuums, chain saws, etc.) at a discounted price at participating retailers by returning an operable, gasoline- or diesel-powered equivalent equipment.

Participating retailers will assist buyers with determining eligibility and selecting eligible battery-electric equipment. The retailer will then apply for a voucher with the South Coast AQMD on the buyer’s behalf.

 Steps: 

1. Bring your gasoline- or diesel-powered equipment to a participating retailer.
2. The retailer will help identify eligible electric equipment and will test the old equipment for operability and responsibly drain all fluids. 
3. The retailer will apply for a voucher from the South Coast AQMD. Once the voucher is approved, it will be applied as a point-of-sale discount toward the purchase of the new electric equipment. 
4. The retailer will send the old equipment to a licensed dismantler to be permanently destroyed. 

Refurbished or reconditioned electric equipment is not eligible. 

Battery-electric equipment will be discounted up to 85 percent, not to exceed to the maximum amounts listed below, whichever is less:

For eligibility requirements, equipment, and participating retailers, please visit South Coast AQMD’s website.

All Blowers Restricted in the City of Manhattan Beach

The community should be aware that pursuant to the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Section 5.48.330, all mechanical blowers, whether electric, battery, or gas-powered, are prohibited for use in the City of Manhattan Beach to address the threat posed by leaf blowers to air quality and human health.

In September, 1998, the City Council adopted Ordinance 1986, amending Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Section 5.48 to prohibit the use of all mechanical leaf blowers in the City in response to concerns from the community about the health and environmental impacts of leaf blowers, as well as the nuisance caused by blowing dust and debris onto adjoining properties. Leaf blowers can stir up dirt, dust, debris, animal feces, mold spores, pesticides and herbicides, fertilizers, vehicle brake-lining dust, rubber from tire wear, and heavy metals.

The AQMD Electric Lawn and Garden Equipment Program facilitates the exchange of gas- or diesel-powered lawn and garden equipment, such as lawn mowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers. However, residents of Manhattan Beach, as well as landscapers and gardeners operating in Manhattan Beach, should be aware that the use of all mechanical leaf blowers in the City, including gas, battery, and electric, is prohibited. Mechanical vacuums are a permitted alternative to blowers, and many leaf blowers can be fitted with a vacuum attachment. Gas-powered leaf blowers may be exchanged for electric vacuum-compatible alternatives.

Download the flyer: English, Spanish