In Autumn, the Dept. of Public Works schedules four rounds of leaf pickup from residential properties located within Maplewood Township. During this time, residents are permitted to rake all of their leaves from their properties to the street, with certain restrictions (see notes & rules below). Pickups are done on a rotating basis curbside (see this year's schedule below); but residents are also permitted to drop their leaves off at our DPW yard (359 Boyden Ave.) during this time. Read on for more information on how to take advantage of this great program.

LEAF PICKUP NOTES & RULES:

• We recommend residents put their leaves out the Sunday of the week of their scheduled collection.

• No leaves should be put in the street more than 7 days prior to your scheduled collection week.

• No leaves should be put in the street after the Sunday of your final collection week.

• No plastic bags or branches may be mixed with the leaves. If evidence of these or other waste items are found, the leaves will not be collected.

• If the Township gets ahead of schedule, the team may come through your section early, but will also return during your scheduled week.

• Weather and equipment failures may cause a delay in the collection schedule; delays should not be more than 1 or 2 days.

• The Department of Public Works will not collect any leaves after the last scheduled week of collection. After this week, residents are solely responsible for the disposal of their leaves.

• Disposal of leaves is permitted at the Public Works Facility (359 Boyden Avenue) for the duration of this program and until the leaf pile at our facility is removed; after removal, absolutely no further leaves will be accepted at the facility.

Two great reminders from our Environmental Advisory Committee & Maplewood Is Green:

1) Gas-powered leaf blowers are prohibited year-round within the township of Maplewood effective January 1, 2023. This prohibition includes all adapted uses of gas-powered leaf blowers such as for gutter cleaning or for the application of chemicals or products to treat bug or insect infestation. The code was passed in response to a review of scientific data which demonstrates that gas leaf blowers and the emissions, airborne particulates, loud noise and powerful air currents they generate negatively impact public health, daily activities and environmental sustainability in the Maplewood community. The scientific data regarding the hazards of leaf blowers can be found in the ordinance.