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Background |
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How to Participate |
Grass clippings make up a surprisingly large portion of our waste during the growing season. Contra Costa County and its cities would like you to consider “grasscycling” as a way to help reduce the amount of waste going to our landfills.
What Is "Grasscycling"?
We will use this campaign, operating in the central, north, and west county areas, to educate residents, commercial landscapers, and others about the economic and environmental benefits of grasscycling. Participation in the CIWMB sponsored Grasscycling Outreach Campaign will help us accomplish this goal.
Grasscycling is the simple practice of leaving grass clippings on the lawn when mowing. Once cut, grass clippings first dehydrate, then decompose, quickly disappearing from view. Grasscycling-
- Encourages a healthier lawn by returning nutrients to the soil beneath the lawn
- Reduces work because you don’t have to bag or rake and dispose of your grass clippings
- Saves you money because you don’t have to pay for disposal of your clippings
- Benefits the environment by naturally recycling the clippings
Simply put, grasscycling is good for your lawn and can help you reduce waste. Learn how easy it is for you to begin grasscycling.
How to Begin.
Proper mowing is required for successful grasscycling. Cut grass when the surface is dry, and keep mower blades sharp. Follow the "1/3 Rule": mow your lawn often enough so that no more than 1/3 of the length of the grass blade is cut in any one mowing. Frequent mowing will produce short clippings that will not cover up the grass surface. You may have to cut the lawn every seven days when the lawn is growing fast but only every 7 to 14 days when the lawn is growing slowly.
You can grasscycle with most any mower. The mower collection bag should be removed to allow clippings to drop on the lawn. However, if your mower does not have a safety flap covering the opening where the bag fits into the chute, it is important that you purchase a retrofit kit from your local retailer.
Most lawnmower manufacturers have developed “mulching” mowers which cut grass blades into small pieces and force them into the soil. These types of mowers are effective in grasscycling and have become very popular. They are sold at many yard and garden equipment retailers, nurseries, and home supply stores in Contra Costa County.
Common Questions Regarding Grasscycling
Does Grasscycling Cause Thatch ? No!
Research has shown that grass roots are the primary cause of thatch, not grass clippings. Thatch is composed primarily of roots, stems, rhizomes, and other plant materials. These plant materials contain large amounts of lignin (fibrous material) and decompose slowly. Grass clippings are approximately 80-85 percent water with only small amounts of lignin, and decompose rapidly.
Does Grasscycling Spread Lawn Disease? No!
Improper watering and fertilizing have a much greater impact on disease spread than grasscycling. If a desirable environment for turf grass disease is present, infestation will occur whether clippings are collected or not!
Will Grasscycling Make My Lawn Look Bad? No!
If a lawn is properly mowed, watered, and fertilized, grasscycling can actually produce a healthier looking lawn. It is important to cut the lawn frequently to produce small clippings that will decompose quickly. If a lawn is not cut frequently and clippings are left on the lawn, it will produce a "hay-like" look which can be unsightly. Most local parks grasscycle and have lush lawns to show for it. These include Hap Magee Park in Danville, Waterfront Park in Martinez, Civic Park in Walnut Creek, and Buchanan Community Park in Pittsburg. Many golf courses also grasscycle, including Boundary Oaks in Walnut Creek, and Buchanan Fields in Concord. If you have concerns about the appearance of grasscycling, visit one of these locations and check it out!
Ask Your Gardener to Grasscycle
Many of us use gardeners for weekly maintenance of our yards and gardens. Some services may already grasscycle, but most don’t because of perceptions that customers find it unsightly or unhealthy for the lawn. If you use a gardening service, encourage them to grasscycle! Grasscycling will save your gardener time because there are no clippings that require collection and disposal. If your gardener does not know how to grasscycle, or thinks it cannot be done with a normal lawnmower, give them a brochure or video offered by this campaign or have them contact us. We’ll be glad to help out!
The Contra Costa Grasscycle! Clip Your Waste Campaign Wants You To Grasscycle! Here are some ways to participate:
- Request a Free “Make the most of your lawn, Make the most of your time-Grasscycle!” videotape for temporary loan. Learn about grasscycling conveniently at home (Copies also available at your local public library).
- Contra Costa County residents please follow the instructions below for your special lawnmower rebate opportunity.
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ALL REBATES/MOWERS HAVE BEEN CLAIMED
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For additional information or to contact the Contra Costa Grasscycle! Clip Your Waste Campaign, email your request or questions to grasscycle@yahoo.com or call 925-906-1806.
The Contra Costa Grasscycle! Clip Your Waste Campaign is sponsored by Contra Costa County, the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority, the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority, and the Cities of Concord, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Pittsburg and San Ramon. Funding support provided by the CIWMB, BAAQMD, Ca Air Resources Board, PG&E, Calpine Corp. and Bechtel. Text for this webpage was adapted (with permission) from a brochure by the California Integrated Waste Management Board.
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tab © ABAG 2000