The Township of Montclair implemented a new leaf collection program in Fall of 2005, which requires leaves to either be placed out for collection in biodegradable bags or be brought loose to the Public Works yard. Raking, blowing, or otherwise depositing leaves into the public streets is no longer permitted. Following are answers to frequently asked questions about the program:

Q. Why did Montclair change its system of leaf collection?

A. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued new regulations which prohibit leaves from remaining in public streets for more than seven days. Because of the huge number of trees in Montclair compared to other municipalities, Township officials ascertained that the best way to comply with this new mandate was to go to a bagged leaf system.

Q. Why can’t Montclair be like other towns which allow residents to rake leaves into the streets?

A.Other towns do not have the volume of trees and leaves that Montclair has. For example, Montclair has 40,000 street trees (not even counting trees on private property). It should be noted, of course, that there are also many towns that require leaves to be bagged. Neighboring Glen Ridge already has this requirement in place and Little Falls is switching to a bagged leaf program this year. Residents in towns that require leaf bagging appreciate how clean, attractive, and safe their streets are compared to towns with the mess of leaves in the streets.

Q. Why are hours being restricted for landscapers to dump leaves at the Township Public Works facility?

A. The Township Public Works yard is extremely busy with many operations. The logistics require careful scheduling of vehicles into and out of the yard. Changes will be made if necessary to get the job done. Finding a large open space for leaf storage in fully developed Montclair is also a severe challenge. The Township’s objective is to work with people in making the new system work.

Q. Why not keep the same system as in the past, but pick up leaves on a set schedule by neighborhoods or areas?

A. Unfortunately, leaves do not fall on a set schedule and, more importantly, other variables greatly impact the collection of leaves, such as rain, wind, and snow, equipment breakdowns, etc. Additionally, of course, many residents are unable for a variety of reasons to consistently and strictly comply with a set schedule.

Q. Won’t the Township save money with the new system?<

A. The Township does expect to generate some savings with the new system. The Township will, however, still have to collect all of the leaves now in bags, sweep the street of all leaves from street trees, and incur additional logistical and administrative costs for accommodating leaf disposal by landscapers and for other items.

Q. Are there other benefits to the new system?

A. Additional benefits include safer streets for children and for Montclair residents who walk, bike, or drive, with no narrowing of streets due to leaf piles in the roadways; safer travel lanes for all who use the roadways and adjoining walkways. No hazardous leaf piles with hidden rocks, glass, and debris, or protruding sticks and branches. Parking spaces won’t be lost because of raked or blown leaf piles in roadways. No leaves blowing back on lawns. Greatly improved drainage during rain storms with fewer catch basins clogged with leaves, reducing flooded gutters and flash-flooded roadways. A cleaner and environmentally improved quality of life in the community.

Q. Isn’t this the easy way out for the Township?

A. No, it is not. It would be easier for the Township to keep the old system. The new system presents many challenges for the Township to overcome.

Q. When should residents put out leaf bags for collection?

A. On their regular recycling pickup days.

Q. How should residents dispose of twigs and branches?

A. At present, small twigs and branches should be disposed of with regular refuse on regular refuse collection days. They may be put out in plastic bags. They should not be put out with recyclables. Larger branches should be cut into lengths no longer than four feet, bundled and tied, and put out for collection on regular refuse collection days.
The Township is investigating more cost effective methods for collection and disposal and expects to be making system changes in the near future.