RE: WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR TRASH???
If they don't give a sh*t then go there. Take the bus or a cab.
Or try your lhs. At mine, the manager said that he always has a bunch of maxx engines that people bring in because they are bad. Then he takes the engine, sends it to Traxxas and they give him a rebate. You might be able to get a engine from your lhs but if you do you will probably have to spend about $100 or more to get the engine running again.
Although you said that you love building things so the experience would help.