Can I Throw Grass Clippings in the Garbage?
One way to maintain an immaculate lawn is to bag grass clippings. You can even use them as compost or mulch. But if you have no need for them, you’re probably asking the following question: can I throw grass clippings in the garbage?
Yes, grass clippings can be thrown in the garbage, because they are defined as yard waste. You don’t want to throw away stones, soil, and other heavy debris.
It’s a good idea to check with your local waste management company, so you can figure out what’s considered to be yard waste. You can usually find a list (like the one here) for a more detailed explanation.
What to Do with Grass Clippings After Mowing
So, what else can you do with grass clippings after mowing? It all comes down to if you plan on re-using them. There are plenty of options available for you to try, but these methods are the most popular.
1. Collect them with a Bagger
Before you can do anything with grass clippings, you will need to collect them. The easiest way to do this is with a lawn mower bagger attachment. Not only do bags collect grass clippings, but they can also stop the spread of weeds.
It’s crucial to consider the size of your lawn in relation to the bag. If you have a big yard and a small bag, it will need to be emptied more often. Plus, cutting the grass more frequently will also not create as much waste.
2. Blow off the Clippings
This is a great way to get rid of grass clippings if your lawn mower doesn’t have a bag attachment. Without this device, all of that freshly cut grass will end up back on your yard.
A leaf blower will be powerful enough to direct all of this waste to the edge of your lawn. Just make sure to blow the clippings somewhere on your property – as you want to avoid getting your neighbors upset.
3. Use a Leaf Sweeper
A leaf sweeper is another tool you can use if your lawn mower doesn’t have a bag attachment. It’s basically a device on wheels that you push in order to collect leaves and grass clippings from your lawn.
I personally own a push lawn sweeper and it works very well. The only downside is that it takes a little elbow grease to get moving. That doesn’t make it the best choice for large yards, because it will also take more time.
4. Try the Mulch Setting
If you don’t have any interest in picking up lawn clippings, you could try mulching them instead. This is when special blades are used on the machine to cut up the grass multiple times during mowing.
The side chute is often blocked off to allow grass clippings to stay under the mower deck. Most lawn mowers today will come with an added mulch setting. Doing this will help your lawn, as it allows nutrients to enter back into the soil.
5. Compost
Composting your clippings is a great way to re-use dead/cut grass. You can either buy a designated barrel for compost, or build your own. Just make sure to keep the compost pile away from open windows, as it will smell.
Composting is helpful for the environment, because organic materials break down over time. They can also be used as a source of fertilizer, which means you will rely less on nitrogen fertilizer for you lawn.
6. Throw Them Away
If you have no need for grass clippings, you could always throw them away in the garbage. Just make sure to check your waste management company’s guidelines, which can usually be found on their website.
Grass clippings are generally classified as waste – which makes them disposable. This is a realistic option if you have a smaller yard and don’t have room to make a compost pile.
Can I Dump Grass Clippings in the Woods?
You cannot dump grass clippings in the woods on public land. The only time this practice is allowed is if it’s on your property. Even though grass doesn’t seem harmful, dumping it on public land can cause problems for the environment.
Issues can occur when this organic material is placed near bodies of water. Even when grass clippings are in close distance to a stream, they can be harmful to plants and wildlife in the area.
When grass clippings begin to decompose, they consume oxygen. This in turn depletes the oxygen levels for fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals. And if more homeowners dump yard waste in the woods it can be devastating.
But grass clippings can also cause problems for structures like culverts and drainage systems. You might think floating grass is harmless, but too much of it will block pipes and prevent water from passing through.
Recycling Grass Clippings
Some areas have practices in place that will take your grass clippings and recycle them. This can be useful if you have a small yard and no place to compost them.
And while this article is related to throwing grass clippings in the garbage, it’s always better for the environment if they are recycled. Following this method will reduce the amount of yard waste in landfills.
Hardware stores sell brown paper bags that you can place the lawn clippings into. This not only makes them easier to transport, but the bags are also biodegradable.
Final Thoughts
There’s no law that prevents you from throwing away grass clippings, because they are defined as yard waste. However, there are many other things you can do with them that doesn’t relate to disposal.
Grass clippings can be blown of the lawn with a leaf blower, mulched, or used as compost. There are plenty of options for you to try and it really comes down to your personal preference.
If you prefer to avoid waste, using clippings as compost can be environmentally friendly. But if you’re looking to provide organic nutrients to your soil, mulching grass clippings with a lawn mower can also be beneficial.
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