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Solid Waste Management Department

Grasscycling

Recycling Yard Trimmings is so Easy!

When it comes to Yard Trimmings, You have options! Visit each tab for more information...

Grasscycling | Compostable Bags | Composting

 

Why spend time and effort putting grass clippings into bags, when left on the lawn they provide valuable nutrients to the soil! The Texas A & M Agricultural Extension Service has developed the "Don't Bag It" Lawn Care Plan. Here's how it works:

Lawn Care Plan When You Mow:

  1. You can use a standard mower without a bagging attachment, a mulching mower, or a kit to convert your standard mower.
  2. Adjust the height of your mower to leave your lawn 2-4" high. Cut with a sharp blade every 5-7 days during the growing season.
  3. Remove no more than 1/3 of the leaf blade.
  4. Let your clippings fall to the ground as you mow.
  5. Mow only when the lawn is dry to prevent the clippings from landing in clumps.
  6. If your yard is professionally managed, ask your lawn service to leave the grass clippings on the lawn instead of bagging them.

Thatch?  Not anymore!

Thatch is an accumulation of roots and stems on the surface of the soil caused by over fertilizing and incorrect watering. Finely cut grass clippings are 85-90% moisture. They break down very easily and do not cause thatch.

Compostable Bag and Composting Links

ASTM D6400 - 04 Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics U.S. Composting Council - promotes the composting industry including research and education.
Earth Kind - Environmental Stewardship Programs for the Urban Landscape Texas Cooperative Extension Solid and Hazardous Waste Managment Initiative Team - Information on the process of composting.