Reusable yard trimmings (such as grass clippings, leaves, and
tree trimmings) make up approximately 14.7 percent (by weight) of
the municipal solid waste sent to area landfills. It costs
Texans $250 million a year to dispose of it; but that
could be reduced.
Using composted and uncomposted yard trimmings as a soil
amendment can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and
pesticides, thereby reducing
nonpoint source pollution. These materials can be reintroduced
as organic material through composting and direct application onto
highly erodible lands, or lands that account for a large portion of
the more than three billion tons of topsoil lost
annually nationwide.
To provide comprehensive information on such land application on
highly erodible lands in Texas, the USDA's Natural
Resources Conservation Service 
and the TCEQ
partnered for a demonstration project.
They identified sites where implementing best management
practices—through education and field
demonstrations—would substantially reduce the potential field
runoff. This would reduce the effect of nonpoint source pollution
on the quality of surface water and groundwater.
As a result, farmers used fewer chemicals, increased erosion
control, and returned high yields on crops. The project produced
technical and educational material: a video, a field guide, and
site demonstrations. For information on methodology, analysis,
yield-testing methods, and more,
read the full report (PDF). (Help using PDF).
