Fall Leaf Collection: What to Do With Leaves, Where to Get Free Bags

Montclair's fall leaf collection program will run from approximately Oct. 15 to Dec. 20, the township announced this week.

Each property owner will receive up to 10 free leaf bags, which can be picked up at the Department of Community Services Yard at 219 North Fullerton Ave., Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., between Oct. 19 and Nov. 16. 

Here's what property owners need to know about leaf collection:

• All leaves must be placed at the curb in biodegradable paper bags.

• Leaves placed in plastic bags of any type will not be collected.

• Leaves must be free of miscellaneous debris, e.g., branches, dirt, rocks, stones, etc. Leaf bags containing these items will not be collected.

• Leaf bags shall be limited to a weight of fifty (50) pounds or less. Leaf bags weighing more than fifty pounds will not be collected.

• Raking, sweeping, or otherwise depositing loose leaves or any other debris into the street is prohibited by Township Ordinance (292-2 & 292-26). Violations will result in the issuance of summonses.

• Leaf bags will be picked up once per week throughout the duration of the leaf collection program.

• Additional biodegradable paper leaf bags may be purchased at the DCS office Monday through Frida,  between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and on the Saturdays listed above between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The bags are packaged in bundles of five and cost $1.75 per bundle.

• Residents are not required to utilize paper bags purchased from the Township, however, bags utilized must be made of biodegradable paper. Plastic bags will not be collected. Biodegradable paper bags are available from most hardware and home improvement stores.

• Landscapers will not be allowed to deposit leaves in bulk at the DCS yard.

• In addition to the curbside pickup of leaf bags, residents will be allowed to bring their leaves to the DCS yard in the following manner:

• Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 to 4 p.m.
  
  
• Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  
  
• Residents will be directed by yard personnel where to deposit their leaves.
  
  
• Leaves can be brought in loose or bagged, however, leaves cannot be left in plastic bags. All plastic bags must be emptied by the residents.
  
  
• Miscellaneous yard debris will not be allowed.
  
  
• Landscapers will not be allowed in the yard.
  
  
• Residents must show proof of residency.
  
  
• This leaf drop-off is intended to allow residents to bring in their own leaves if they prefer rather than bag their leaves. Accordingly, vehicles will be limited to passenger vehicles and light duty pickup trucks only. Dump trucks and vehicles larger than full size pickup trucks will not be allowed.
  
  
• This program may be suspended at any time if it becomes a safety hazard or interferes with operations.

Questions? Call the Department of Community Services office at 973-509-5711.