Spring 2006: These guidlines are provided for sorting and disposing Residential Vegetative Yard Waste

- Leaves, which are recyclable and are sent by the Township for composting.

- Grass Clippings, which are recyclable and are sent by the Township for composting, but separately from leaves.

- Miscellaneous Vegetative Waste, which is not presently recyclable –

• Branches
• Shrubs
• Wood Chips/Chunks, Tree Bark, Acorns, Misc. Nuts, Tree Droppings, etc.
• Logs
• Stumps
• Christmas Trees/Wreaths

Questions

Which of these items are collected?
How are they placed for collection?
When are they collected?
What is done with items not collected?

Disposal Requirements

Leaves will be collected for recycling when placed at the curb in biodegradable paper bags. Leaf bags can weigh no more than 50 pounds each. During the fall and spring leaf seasons (typically mid October through the end of December and the entire month of April) leaf bags will be collected on the regularly scheduled recycling day. Leaf bag collection may continue between the fall and spring collection periods, weather permitting, however there will be no set schedule. During this period leaf bags will be collected when noticed by DCS staff or when reported by the resident, generally on a weekly schedule. Leaf collection is contingent upon weather conditions and may be suspended by directive from the Director of Community Services or the Township Manager. Note that leaves are composted and leaf bags must contain leaves only. Anything other than trace amounts of small yard debris (e.g., twigs) cannot be included with leaves. Bags noted to contain other miscellaneous debris will not be collected.

Grass Clippings will be collected for recycling from May through mid October. Grass clippings must be placed at the curb in biodegradable paper bags or rigid containers not weighing more than 50 pounds each. Grass clippings are collected on the regularly scheduled recycling day.

Miscellaneous Vegetative Waste

• Branches are defined as any tree, bush or shrub parts less than three (3) inches in diameter. Branches must be cut in lengths of 48-inches or less and must be securely bundled. Bundles cannot weigh more than 40 pounds each. Branches will be collected with the regularly scheduled refuse pickup. Loose piles of branches will not be collected. Branches are limited to four (4) bundles per pickup day.
• Shrubs are any woody plant not defined as a log or as a branch. Shrubs cannot weigh more than 40 pounds each. Shrubs will be collected with the regularly scheduled refuse pickup. Shrubs are limited to four (4) bundles, bags or containers per pickup day.
• Wood Chips/Chunks, Tree Bark, Acorns, Misc. Nuts, Tree Droppings, etc., will be collected. These items must be placed at the curb in biodegradable paper bags or rigid containers not weighing more than 50 pounds each. These items can be commingled with each other and will be collected with the regularly scheduled refuse pickup. Wood Chips/Chunks, Tree Bark, Acorns, Misc. Nuts, Tree Droppings, etc. are limited to four (4) bags or containers per pickup day
• Logs are defined as any tree part three (3) inches or larger in diameter. Logs or firewood are not collected as vegetative waste or with the normal refuse collection. Residents must make their own arrangements for disposal.
• Stumps are not collected. Residents must make their own arrangements for disposal.
• Christmas Trees placed at the curb will be picked up on a weekly basis during the entire month of January. Wreaths will be collected separately with refuse.

Dirt, stones, concrete blocks, bricks, etc. are not collected. Residents must make their own arrangements for disposal.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF VEGETATIVE YARD WASTE NOTED ABOVE ARE COMPOSTED, RECYCLED OR SENT TO LANDFILLS DEPENDING UPON THE ITEM. THOUGHTFUL SEPARATION OF THE VARIOUS ITEMS WILL AID IN THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF UNWANTED YARD WASTE AND WILL REDUCE THE IMPACT UPON LANDFILLS AND THE TOWNSHIP’S ULTIMATE DISPOSAL COSTS. PLEASE HELP US MAXIMIZE RECYCLING – IT’S GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SAVES MONEY TOO!THANK YOU.

YOUR COOPERATION IS ESSENTIAL AND APPRECIATED.