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.
Recycle these valuable nutrients
on the spot and reduce / eliminate the need for fertilizers
and supplemental watering. This also reduces the amount of
solid waste going to the landfill.
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.
URI
CE Master Composter and Recycling Program
The
RI Resource Recovery Corp.
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. The Town then composts these materials and allows
residents to pick up finished compost for home use, also free
of charge. Check with your local transfer station for similar
programs.
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.
Pine needles as mulch. URI
CE Botanical Gardens
If you have tree limbs, brush, and
large prunings, consider renting a wood chipper and using the
finished
product as mulch or as a material for walkways, parking and
recreational areas.
For more information about recycling yard waste
URI
CE Master Composter and Recycling Program
URI Master Gardener Hotline: 1 (800) 448-1011
Town
of North Kingstown Transfer Station
Information about the Town of North Kingstown’s recycling
program.
The RI Resource Recovery Corp.
Compost information and resources including bins
Healthy Landscapes Demonstration
Sites
Information on composting
livestock manure - Small Acreage Livestock Education
Program
