Modesto residents can get up to $250 toward electric lawn equipment. Here’s how it works

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is offering Modesto residents an incentive for buying electric-powered lawn care tools as temperatures rise this spring, creating the possibility for smog once things really start to heat up.

The district’s Clean Green Yard Machines: Residential Program is designed to encourage residents to help improve air quality by replacing gas-powered equipment with zero-emission alternatives.

Here’s how to get your money, including how much you can receive and how to apply for the funds:

Which tools qualify and how much you can receive

Residents who apply for funds can receive up to $250 toward a trade-in from a gas lawn mower to an electric-powered one under the program:

• Electric lawn mowers, with a trade-in, that have a purchase price of $200 or less qualify for a rebate of up to $100.
• Electric mowers with a purchase price of $201 to $350 qualify for a rebate of $150
• Applicants who purchase an electric mower that costs more than $350 are eligible to receive a $250 rebate

Up to $50 is available when making a direct purchase, without a trade-in, of electric mowers and other electric yard care equipment including edgers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws and pole saws. Blowers are not eligible for a rebate under the program.

For lawn mowers and other eligible equipment that cost $100 or less and are purchased without destroying old equipment, a rebate of up to $25 is available.

Residents who buy electric equipment, without destroying the old, that costs more than $100 can receive $50 back.

How to apply

Residents can apply for rebates online at apps.valleyair.org/CGYMResidential.

The short application requires name, address information and an upload of a receipt or invoice that verifies the purchase of eligible electric lawn equipment that dates within 30 calendar days of the purchase.

If trading in a gas-powered lawn mower, applicants must take their old lawn mower to a participating dismantler for inspection and a destruction verification form. The rebate application must be submitted to the district along with a copy of the form.

For additional information, contact district staff at grants@valleyair.org or call 559-230-5800.

This story was originally published April 7, 2023 at 11:19 AM.

Dominique Williams

The Modesto Bee

209-253-9007

Dominique Williams writes about new business, restaurant and retail developments for The Modesto Bee. She is a Ripon native and a graduate of Sacramento State.