Alternatives To Grasscycling
Grasscycling is not feasible in every situation. Prolonged wet weather, mechanical breakdown of mowers, or infrequent mowing are situations where grass clippings should probably be bagged since an excessive volume of clippings may be generated. But do not throw the clippings away!
Grass clippings are an excellent addition to a backyard compost pile. Clippings can also be used as mulch to provide weed control and prevent moisture loss around flowerbeds, trees, and shrubs. Mulching with grass clippings should be avoided if they are of an "invasive" variety, such as Bermuda grass, or if herbicides have been applied recently to the lawn.
- Fresh grass clippings are a nitrogen-rich "green" compostable material. Dried clippings are a carbon-rich "brown" material
- Compost your grass clippings. Mix clippings with leaves or shredded paper to keep the grass well aerated and free from odours
- Following standard composting methods, add layers of alternating "green" and "brown" materials, and top with garden soil or compost. Do not add more than a 6 cm (2.5 inch) layer at a time
- Adding too much wet fresh grass (nitrogen-rich) to a composting bin can result in an ammonia-like odour to develop. The solution is to add more "brown" and less "green" materials
- Do not add pernicious weeds (e.g., crabgrass) or weeds in seed to your composter
- Spread grass clippings on your garden as mulch in thin layers (2.5 cm or 1 inch)
Grass clippings are not collected at the curb. Residents are encouraged to grasscycle instead. Residents that still wish to dispose of their grass clippings may do so, free of charge, at any of the Niagara Region's Drop-Off Depots or Walker Environmental Residential Waste and Recycling Drop-Off Depot.
Residents may drop off their grass clippings for composting, free of charge, at any of the or Walker Industries Drop-Off Depot.