Landscape Waste Prevention

Grasscycling

Grasscycling is the natural recycling of grass by leaving clippings on the lawn when mowing. Grass clippings will quickly decompose, returning valuable nutrients to the soil. 

Grasscycling saves time, money, and protects the environment. Mowing time is reduced since the bagging and disposal of clippings is eliminated. Grass clippings add beneficial organic matter to the soil, which provides free fertilizer and produces healthy, green lawns. Grasscycling reduces turf grass fertilizer and water requirements, which can minimize toxic runoff entering storm drains and polluting lakes, creeks, and rivers.

Grasscycling also reduces the amount of yard waste disposed in landfills. Research has shown that lawns can generate approximately 300 pounds of grass clippings per 1000 square feet annually. This can be as much as 6 1/2 tons per acre each year! Grass clippings are too valuable to throw away, and grasscycling allows this green material to be reused in our urban landscapes.

To find out more about grasscycling, select a topic below:

• Tips for Successful Grasscycling
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Mowing Heights

Other Resources

• Demonstration Projects
• California State Capitol Grasscycling Demo
• Turf Management Links

Informational Materials from CIWMB

• Our grasscycling brochure, Make the Most of Your Time, Make the Most of Your Lawn, is available in English or Spanish, in hard copy or Adobe PDF format. A companion video is also available in English or Spanish.
• Reusing Turfgrass Clippings to Improve Turfgrass Health and Performance in Central and Northern California
• Reusing Turfgrass Clippings to Improve Turfgrass Health and Performance in Southern California
• Best Management Practices to Reduce Production of Organic Materials in Landscape Plantings

Last updated: August 29, 2008