The Hope Grass Project is a new community initiative – in partnership with AgriSA – whereby the public can donate their lawn clippings to be converted into animal feed for animals in drought stricken areas.
There will be volunteers managing the drop-off sites in different areas with at least one worker on site helping with unloading. The grass is then raked and spread open to dry at the collection site. It is important that cut grass is not left in a pile as the fermentation occurs when it heats up. This will render the grass unsuitable for use. When the grass is dry, it is put in suitable bags for storage and transport.
The dry grass is then transported to a central site where it is stored and then distributed to delivery points where farmers in need can collect.
Most of the dried grass will be sent for pelleting. Pelleting is the process whereby grass is mixed with other materials such as lucerne grass, corn and bonding agents and then processed into pellets. These pellets can then be either stored as winter-feed, or directly distributed to farmers in need.
The following are the guidelines for handling the grass:
• Do attempt to dry the cut grass as far as possible.
• Do not leave the grass in big piles
• Do Not let piles of grass heat up
• Do not immediately put the cut grass in plastic bags unless it will be dropped-off the same day.
• Do not leave closed plastic bags with freshly cut grass in the sun / heat as this may lead to fermentation.
• Do put your cut grass in bags
• Do make sure that all domestic pet faeces is removed from the area before cutting grass.
For any queries contact 084 629 9674 or send your questions to grassproject@gmail.com
The two drop-off points in Roodepoort is at:
• The open area opposite NG Kerk Wilgespruit on the corner of Mimosa and Wag ‘n bietjie Road. 5997
• 2 Blackwood Street in Florida Park. The contact number is
For more info on the drop-off points in Roodepoort contact 082 775 5997.
Want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us an SMS/ WhatsApp message with your name and cellphone number to 079 414 6709.
Familiarise yourself with our WhatsApp service disclaimer.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
