Yard Waste

As of December 1, 1993, Ohio law began prohibiting landfills from accepting yard waste such as grass clippings, leaves, and brush as regular solid waste. Left where they belong, grass clippings decompose quickly. If placed in bags in landfills and buried under trash, they take years to break down while taking up valuable landfill space.

If you currently bag your clippings, the solution is simple: mow your lawn and let the clippings fall to the soil. They will decompose rapidly, and because they contain essential nutrients, they will help feed your lawn. That means you won't have to fertilize as often as you may now. You won't need to water your lawn as much since grass clippings are more than 80% water. Less fertilizing, less watering, and no more lawn bags means saving money!

Here are some suggestions for a great lawn without bagging:

  • Don't cut your grass too short.
  • Mow when your grass is 3 to 4 inches tall and set your mower blades to cut only 1 inch; it's better to cut only 1/3 of the length at a time.
  • Mow only when it is dry.
  • Keep your mower blade sharp.

If you are faced with a large pile of excess clippings:

  • Use it for mulch by spreading a thin layer of clippings around trees and shrubs or between the rows of your garden.
  • Mix it with your leaves and start your compost pile.
  • Please take it to your local landfill, which will be managed appropriately.
  • Call your local government for local pick-ups or yard waste drop-off sites.

A Recipe for Homemade Compost (PDF)

Yard Waste Regulations

There is a charge of $20.70 per ton with a $5.18 minimum fee. No plastic bags or other materials are accepted. We will take brush up to 24 inches in diameter. For a list of accepted and not accepted materials, download a copy of the If It Doesn't Grow, It Doesn't Go! Brochure (PDF).

The city-funded City of Bowling Green resident drop-off of brush to the landfill is no longer available.

Residents may still take brush to the landfill but will be charged and responsible for the appropriate fee.

What Is Vermicomposting?

Vermicomposting is a composting method that uses worms to recycle food waste! Red Wigglers, a type of worm, are placed in a bin, along with newspaper bedding material, moisture, and food scraps. Worm bins can be placed under the kitchen sink for easy disposal of leftover cooking scraps.

The Red Wigglers decompose the food scraps very quickly, leaving behind nutrient-rich worm castings (worm poop). The finished vermicompost can be used to fertilize your houseplants and gardens!

For more information, download Vermicomposting (PDF).