TUCSON, Ariz. — In the market for some new lawn equipment? Pima County might be able to help with that.
The county's Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is trying a new program to clean up pollution by offering residents vouchers to buy new, zero-emission, electric lawn equipment when they turn in their old, gas-powered ones.
The PDEQ is offering a $150 voucher redeemable at Home Depot stores in the county for an electric lawnmower when residents turn in their old one, and $50 for an electric hedge trimmer, leaf blower, chainsaw or other smaller equipment. Those who use a gas-powered mower for commercial purposes can get a $200 voucher.
It's part of the county's "Cut Down Pollution" program, which begins Monday, Jan. 13, 2020. The program aims to keep the air free of pollutants, like ozone. The PDEQ says gas-powered law equipment emits those pollutants, and switching can contribute to cleaner air.
“The more gas-powered equipment that is switched over to cleaner, quieter and less messy electric or battery-powered equipment, the healthier our air will be,” PDEQ senior program manager Beth Gorman said in a news release.
There are some limits to what equipment is acceptable, and who qualifies. You can find more information on the county's Cut Down Pollution website, or by calling (520)-273-9898.
