Dallas, Texas
Grass Clippings

Grass clippings.

What can you do with them?
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Simple solutions that can save time & money:

In the past, the City of Dallas picked up bagged grass and yard clippings. The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission estimates that yard waste accounts for 20 percent of most municipal landfill space ——very expensive space. The Dallas City Council voted to end the city's pickup service for grass clippings and yard waste in April 1993. This effort helps to decrease the need for additional landfill space and sanitation workers.

Dallas isn't alone as other large cities in the Metroplex and throughout the United States face the same challenge of managing waste better to cut down on costs and promote a cleaner environment.

By changing our behavior and habits, we can work towards leaving a cleaner Dallas for future generations.

Simple solutions that can save time & money:

Mulching mowers provide natural nutrients to your lawn

Just like the old, reel-type push mowers, a mulching mower cuts grass into short, fine pieces that fall and settle to the ground. Advantages of a mulching mower include:

  • No more hassle of messy grass catchers and trash bags. Saves you time!
  • They provide natural, non-toxic, FREE lawn nutrient that reduces the need for fertilizer and water. In some cases, leaving grass clippings on the lawn all summer is the equivalent to one application of fertilizer. Saves you money!

Converting to mulching is easy

  • Buy and install a mulching blade or attachment on your existing lawn mower.
  • Blades are inexpensive and easy to install.
  • Purchase a mulching mower when you're ready for a new mower. Mulching mowers have many of the same features found on bagging lawn mowers. Increased demand for mulching mowers has resulted in many different brands, models and features from which to choose.

Composting——an easy solution to disposal and fertilizer needs

So you don't want to use a mulching lawn mower and your catcher overfillith with grass. Do what farmers and gardeners have done for centuries——compost!

Compost is the end product of a biological process that turns fresh leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps into a dark, nutrient-rich and odorless soil conditioner. Through regular use of compost you can drastically reduce or sometimes eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers. It also helps your soil retain moisture which can reduce your water bill. Composting is an easy, simple solution that makes lawn care more convenient and saves you money.

City accepts clippings at four composting sites

You may drop off bagged grass clippings year-round at the three City sanitation transfer stations or the McCommas Bluff Landfill for composting. Call 214-670-4475 for more information.

Dumping grass clippings into storm drains threatens water quality

When it rains, yard wastes wash into storm drains that empty into the nearest creek, river or lake. Although this might seem harmless, yard wastes can increase or start new algae and weed growth in the water supply. Algae and weed growths create ugly, stagnant water causing a lack of oxygen that kills fish and other wildlife.

Know the law to avoid fines

  • Do not dump grass clippings or anything else into any storm drain. Dumping waste into a storm drain is illegal and you may be fined.
  • Do not sweep grass clippings onto a sidewalk or into the street. In some cases, you could be violating city law.
  • Don't dump grass on a creek bank or area where it will be washed into a storm drain or water supply.

Report illicit discharges of pollutants into storm drains by calling 214-670-5000.

City of Dallas Public Works & Transportation Dept.
Storm Water Quality Division
2721 Municipal Street, Room 12
Dallas, Texas 75212

Publication No. 94/95-27
5/95
Updated 1/99

 


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