don't simply use a standard mower that takes a catcher as this will mulch
the grass into big clumps, vreate an uneven dispersal over the grass and
leave piles that could rot in wet weather and rot your grass as well. Use
a
proper mulching mower. The obly exception I have found to that rule is in
summer when giving the lawn a very light mow and my standard rotary mower
cuts of a fine enough lay of grass that quickly dries on the grass.

Not strictly true Rob,
If a Rotary blade is spinning fast enough it should throw the debris to the
collection bag without leaving trails.

When the clumps of debris are seen behind the mower or building up on the
wheels usually it means the exit route from the blade to the bag is
clogging. Shut down, clear and then continue.

Sharp blades will produce a cleaner cut, even on a rotary. Careful
sharpening of the cutting section of the blade produces a better cut,
cleaner debris removal and less susceptibility to leaf damage because it
cuts and doesn't rip. If sharpening yourself ensure that an even amount is
removed from each end of the blade as balance on small machines if essential
to prevent vibration damaging engine or motor bearings.

If there are small areas of waste left behind just set the mower to highest
cut and go over the area again. The vacuum effect will lift the debris
without any damage.

10 years on a Golf course as their mechanic looking after everything from
18" walk behind mowers to 8 metre wide fairway machines, both rotary and
reel type, gives an idea of what cuts well and what cuts crap ;-)