Residential Waste Collection

Grass clippings make up a large percentage of the household waste produced each year. About 1,000 square feet of lawn can produce 200 to 500 pounds of clippings during a Pennsylvania growing season.

Grass cycling is a simple alternative to bagging grass clippings. Simply leave the clippings on your lawn, where they break down in 7 to 14 days. The grass clippings act as top-dressing fertilizer and help keep your lawn green and healthy.

Grass cycling tips:

Mow when grass is not wet and use a sharp mower blade. Don’t let large clumps of grass clippings accumulate on the lawn. Don’t overuse harsh chemicals and fertilizers. Look for organic brands. If possible, use a mulching mower that chops the clippings into smaller pieces. Use grass clippings as a surface mulch around vegetables or flowers to inhibit weed growth and retain soil moisture. Remember to keep clippings at least two inches away from young plants to avoid burning the new growth with excess nitrogen. Add grass clippings to your compost pile for extra nutrients and to speed up the composting process. To avoid odors, grass clippings should comprise no more than one-third of the pile.