Grasscycling

Grasscycling refers to leaving grass clippings on the lawn when mowing. The term is a portmanteau word combining "grass" and "recycling", and had come into use by at least 1990^[1] as part of the push to reduce the huge quantities of clippings going into landfills, up to half of some cities' summertime waste flow^[2], as 1,000 square feet (93 m²) of lawn can produce 200 to 500 pounds (90 to 225 kg) of clippings a year.^[3]

Additional recommended knowledge

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Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Because grass consists largely of water (80% or more^[4]), contains little lignin^[4], and has high nitrogen content, grass clippings easily break down and return to the soil within one to two weeks^[3], acting primarily as a fertilizer supplement and, to a much smaller degree, a mulch. Grasscycling can provide 15 to 20% or more of a lawn's yearly nitrogen requirements.^{[5] [6]} Proponents also note that grasscycling reduces the use of plastic bags for collecting yard waste and reduces trips to the curb or landfill to haul waste.^[7]

Optimal grasscycle techniques include:^[3][5][8]

• Cutting no more than 1/3 the length of the grass
• Cutting when the grass is dry to the touch
• Cutting when the height is between 3 and 4 inches (7 to 10 cm)
• Ensuring that the mower blade is sharp

Although a mulching mower can make grass clippings smaller, one is not necessary for grasscycling.

References

1. ^ Grasscycling definition/etymology.
2. ^ Denver Recycle Grasscycle.
3. ^ ^{a b c} Rivanna Solid Waste Authority Grasscycling Info.
4. ^ ^{a b} Grasscycling FAQ.
5. ^ ^{a b} Grasscycle!.
6. ^ California Integrated Waste Management Board - What is grasscycling?.
7. ^ King County Experience: Grasscycling.
8. ^ Bay Delta Grass Recycling Campaign.