Is blowing lawn clippings down the storm drain or placing them in the wetland area behind my house a bad thing? Don’t they work like mulch or compost?
Yard waste is harmful to our waterways because it contains natural fertilizers like Nitrogen and Phosphorous, which can create algal blooms down-stream. Fish kills are a common result of excessive fertilizers and organic matter in our waterways. In addition, yard waste can clog up the storm drainage system, increasing an area’s chance of flooding and water damage to properties.

Your grass clippings are useful to your lawn if used properly. Using a mulching mower, mowing often, and mowing your grass to about 3.5 inches will promote a healthy lawn. More importantly, the taller grass will help to keep the clippings in place during decomposition helping to prevent it from washing into the storm drains and natural watercourses during rain events.

Show All Answers

1. What is Stormwater runoff?
2. Where are storm drains?
3. What is the difference between a storm sewer and a sanitary sewer?
4. Does this stormwater get treated at the wastewater plant?
5. What kind of pollution is in stormwater runoff?
6. What about Bacteria?
7. Is blowing lawn clippings down the storm drain or placing them in the wetland area behind my house a bad thing? Don’t they work like mulch or compost?
8. What is a BMP?
9. What can I do to help prevent stormwater pollution?