Is It Illegal to Mow Grass Into the Road in New York? Here’s What the Law Says

Lawn care is a hallmark of suburban and urban life throughout New York State. As spring and summer warm the air across cities like Buffalo, Albany, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse, and suburbs from Long Island to the Hudson Valley, residents dust off their lawnmowers, eager to keep their properties looking lush and tidy. But one simple act—mowing or blowing your grass clippings into the road—can have serious legal and safety consequences many homeowners never consider. So, is it illegal in New York to mow grass into the road? Let’s break it down in detail: the laws, the risks, the reasons, and what you should do instead to stay safe and legal.

Understanding New York’s Laws on Grass Clippings and Roadways

New York State law is absolutely clear: it’s illegal to blow, scatter, or deposit grass clippings on any road, street, or highway. The New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, specifically Section 1219, states that you cannot throw or deposit any substance—glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans, snow, dirt, rubbish, garbage, litter, or “any other substance likely to injure any person, animal, or vehicle”—onto any highway. This definition includes grass clippings.

If grass ends up on the road while you’re mowing your lawn, whether by accident or intentionally, you’re in violation of this law. The same statute requires the immediate removal of such material. Failure to comply can result in fines, and should your grass clippings cause an incident, you may be held liable for damages and face lawsuits, especially if someone is injured as a result.

Why Is This Law So Serious? The Hidden Dangers of Grass Clippings

At first glance, grass clippings might seem harmless, but cities like Utica, Rome, Syracuse, and small towns across New York have highlighted the hidden dangers:

• Slippery Surface for Motorcycle and Bicycle Riders: Fresh or wet grass clippings make pavement slick, similar to ice or wet leaves. When a motorcyclist or cyclist rides over them, there’s a significant risk of losing traction and crashing. Motorcycle advocacy groups across New York have campaigned for years to raise awareness among homeowners.

• Clogging Drainage and Sewers: Grass clippings in the street often get washed down storm drains, leading to blockages, localized flooding, and increased costs for municipalities like Troy, Schenectady, and Kingston during heavy rain events.

• Traffic Accidents: Cities such as Buffalo and Rochester have linked several accidents each year to slippery road conditions caused by yard debris—including grass and leaves—in the roadway.

• Environmental Impact: Grass clippings can carry lawn chemicals into local waterways, contributing to pollution and disturbances in the aquatic ecosystem. This concern is particularly important near bodies of water in places like the Finger Lakes, the Adirondacks, and Long Island’s South Shore.

Penalties and Enforcement Across New York

Violating the state law by mowing grass into the road can result in fines. In some cities and towns across New York, fines for road littering or improper yard waste range from $25 for a first offense in smaller residential cases to hundreds of dollars for repeat offenders or if the violation leads to other problems. Beyond state law, local ordinances may impose stricter rules—so always check with your city’s Department of Public Works (DPW) or Code Enforcement office.

Some local examples include:

• In Albany and its neighboring towns, officers regularly issue warnings and sometimes fines if grass clippings or leaves are left in the street. The city’s focus is on keeping stormwater systems clear and roads safe for drivers and cyclists.

• Broome County and the City of Binghamton remind residents every year that grass clippings in the street are a violation, and you may be subject to both civil and criminal penalties if they cause an accident.

• On Long Island, towns like Hempstead and Oyster Bay have dedicated yard waste collection programs, and improper disposal can lead to both fines and loss of collection privileges.

New York City: Separate Rules for the Urban Jungle

While New York City doesn’t have many grassy front yards, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) does enforce yard waste and composting rules borough by borough. As of 2025, all five boroughs—Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan—must separate yard waste, including grass clippings, for organics collection. Grass clippings or yard waste blocking city streets, sidewalks, or entering storm drains may result in fines as the DSNY aims for zero waste and improved environmental compliance.

Instead of throwing clippings into the road, DSNY recommends “grasscycling”—leaving grass clippings on the lawn, where they decompose and naturally fertilize the soil. Landscapers working in New York City are explicitly prohibited from leaving clippings curbside; they must be removed or composted at an appropriate facility.

Alternative Solutions: How to Handle Grass Clippings Legally and Responsibly

Keeping roadways safe and neighborhoods beautiful involves responsible yard care. Here’s how you can manage your grass clippings the right way:

• Mulch or Grasscycle: Use a mulching mower or remove the bagging attachment so grass clippings drop onto the soil. This saves time, reduces landfill waste, and improves your lawn’s health by returning nutrients to the earth.

• Start a Compost Bin: Composting grass, leaves, and yard debris helps create nutrient-rich soil for gardens. Many municipalities, such as Buffalo, Albany, and Ithaca, offer free or low-cost compost bins and have workshops for residents.

• Use Designated Yard Waste Collection: Most New York cities have scheduled yard waste pickups in spring and autumn. Place grass clippings in compostable bags, never plastic, and keep them on the curb (not the street or sidewalk) on collection days.

• Check Local Schedules and Guidelines: Each city or town may have slightly different rules about pickup times, bag requirements, and limits on yard waste. Cities such as Troy, Syracuse, and Poughkeepsie have detailed schedules and specific routes for yard debris.

• Community Drop-Off Programs: In cities like Rochester and Buffalo, residents can use yard waste drop-off centers to safely dispose of grass cuttings and other organic waste.

Real Safety Risks: Why Enforcement Matters

• Motorcyclists face a unique risk from improperly disposed grass clippings. When dry, clippings act like ball bearings, and when wet, they become slick as ice. For motorcyclists, a single patch of clippings can mean the difference between a safe ride and a dangerous accident.

• According to national and New York statistics, thousands of motorcycle crashes and hundreds of fatalities each year are attributed wholly or in part to road debris, including grass clippings.

• Cities like Utica, Schenectady, and Troy report that clogged storm drains from seasonal yard debris lead to costly emergency responses during summer downpours.

Tips to Stay Legal and Safe

• Always mow with the chute facing away from the road, sidewalk, and neighboring properties.

• After mowing, use a leaf blower or broom to clear any stray clippings from the street and sidewalk, returning them to your lawn or bagging them for collection.

• Never attempt to hose grass clippings into the gutter or storm drain—this is also illegal and harms water quality.

• Consider “No Mow May” or other local biodiversity initiatives. Cities like Ithaca and parts of New York City are encouraging residents to mow less frequently, supporting pollinators and easing yard work stress.

The Bigger Picture: Environmental and Community Stewardship

Municipalities all over New York are moving toward greener, more sustainable waste practices. With New York City now separating yard waste for composting, Albany’s community compost programs, and increased fines for illegal dumping, there’s momentum toward turning what was once considered yard waste into a resource.

By managing your grass clippings responsibly, you’re not only following the law but protecting your neighbors, supporting local infrastructure, and preserving New York’s unique natural environment for future generations.

Final Thoughts

Wherever you are in New York—from the brownstones of Brooklyn to the leafy suburbs of Westchester, from Buffalo’s lakesides to Long Island’s coastal towns—the rule is the same: never blow or dump grass clippings into the road. It’s not just a minor code violation—it’s a matter of public safety, environmental responsibility, and community pride.

Next time you power up your mower, remember: those clippings belong on your lawn or in your compost bin, not in the street. Mowing with care helps keep your local roads safe for everyone and preserves the vibrant, clean neighbourhoods New Yorkers are proud to call home.

Helpful Links