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]

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.

[edit] References

1. ^ "Grasscycling definition/etymology". http://www.wordspy.com/words/grasscycling.asp. Retrieved 2007-05-25. 
2. ^ "Denver Recycle Grasscycle". http://www.denvergov.org/recoth/GrassCycle/tabid/425972/Default.aspx. Retrieved 2007-05-25. 
3. ^ ^{a b c} "Rivanna Solid Waste Authority Grasscycling Info". http://avenue.org/rswa/grasscycle.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-25. 
4. ^ ^{a b} "Grasscycling FAQ". http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Organics/GrassCycling/FAQ.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-25. 
5. ^ ^{a b} "Grasscycle!". http://www.reelmowersetc.com/grasscycle!.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-25. 
6. ^ "California Integrated Waste Management Board - What is grasscycling?". http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Organics/GrassCycling/default.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-25. 
7. ^ "King County Experience: Grasscycling". http://www.metrokc.gov/procure/green/rjcgrass.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-25. 
8. ^ "Bay Delta Grass Recycling Campaign". http://www.abag.ca.gov/bayarea/grass/grasstips.html. Retrieved 2007-05-25. 

[edit] External links

• What is grasscycling?