Grass clippings, leaves and plant prunings are a valuable source of mulch and nutrients for lawns and gardens, but are pollutants when washed directly into storm drains and surface waters.

Many gardeners know the value of composting yard waste. Compost provides a slow, steady release of nutrients. It also builds soil organic matter, which improves soil fertility and moisture holding capacity.

To be successful, composting does require the use of proper materials/ingredients and methods. The location of a compost pile in your yard is also important. Do not locate a compost pile near a storm drain, surface water or drinking water well.

The Town of North Kingstown offers a program where residents can bring leaves and grass clippings to the Town Transfer Station free of charge. It also accepts live Christmas trees during specified months. The Town then composts these materials and allows residents to pick up finished compost for home use, also free of charge.

Yard waste can be handled in other ways. Do you find yourself disposing of leaves, grass clippings and brush while buying mulch?

With a mulching lawn mower, grass clippings and leaves can be chopped and left on the lawn, serving as a source of slow-release nutrients and building soil organic matter. Most standard lawn mowers can be retrofitted with a mulching blade kit.

Leaves and grass clippings can also be raked and used as mulch in gardens and beds. Mulch is valuable in conserving soil moisture, regulating soil temperature, suppressing weeds, and building soil organic matter. If you have trees limbs, brush, and large prunings, consider renting a wood chipper and using the finished product as mulch or as a material for walkways and parking and recreational areas.

While a valuable soil amendment and mulch for lawns and gardens, yard waste is a pollutant when washed directly into storm drains and surface waters. Recycle these valuable nutrients on the spot and reduce/eliminate the need for fertilizers and supplemental irrigation. This also reduces the amount of solid waste going to the landfill.

For more information about recycling yard waste

The following URI CE GreenShare factsheets:

Are you Guilty of Overmulching?
Compost
Mulches

Call our URI Master Gardener Hotline: 1 (800) 448-1011
Monday through Thursday 9 AM to 2 PM

The Town of North Kingstown Transfer Station
345 Devil’s Foot Road
(401) 295-4766
Information about the Town of North Kingstown’s recycling program

The RI Resource Recovery Corp. (401) 942-1430 xt. 775
Additional information on home & garden recycling