WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford's annual fall leaf collection program begins Monday, Nov. 2, giving residents seven weeks to dispose of fallen leaves before the service ends Friday, Dec. 18.
The town will collect bagged leaves and leaves placed in designated yard waste carts on residents' regular trash collection days.
Unlike the town's regular curbside yard waste collection program, which ended Oct. 30 and will resume in April, the fall leaf collection program is limited to leaves.
Residents may place an unlimited number of approved leaf bags at the curb for collection.
Leaf Collection Rules
According to the town, residents must follow these guidelines:
Paper leaf bags are available at local hardware and home improvement stores, including Ace Hardware, Lowe's and Home Depot.
Residents interested in purchasing a brown yard waste cart can contact All American Waste, the town's collection contractor, at 860-289-7850 or visit the company's customer service website for pricing and ordering information.
Leaves Must Stay Out Of Streets
Town officials reminded residents that leaf bags and piles cannot be placed in the street.
According to the town, leaves in roadways can create traffic hazards, particularly during windy or rainy weather, and clog storm drains, potentially causing flooding.
They can also interfere with snowplowing operations.
The town's compliance officer will monitor collection areas and issue written warnings, followed by daily fines, for leaves left in the street.
Leaf bags and piles also must not block sidewalks.
Residents Can Drop Off Leaves
Residents who do not want to wait for weekly curbside pickup may bring leaves to the town's Yard Waste and Recycling Center at 25 Brixton St.
A permit is required to use the facility.
The center's operating hours through Saturday, Dec. 19, are:
Residents bringing leaves in plastic bags must empty the bags into the appropriate disposal area.
Yard Waste Permits Available Online
Residents can purchase annual or daily permits online using a credit card.
The town said annual permits are valid for the calendar year in which they are purchased.
Annual permit holders have unlimited access to the recycling center at no additional charge for accepted materials, including yard waste, mattresses, box springs, electronics, textiles, paint, books, cardboard, metals, and other recyclable items.
Other Ways To Manage Fallen Leaves
The town also encourages residents to consider mulching leaves instead of collecting them.
Residents can use a lawn mower to make several passes over fallen leaves until they are reduced to fine pieces.
According to the town, mulched leaves provide nutrients to lawns and can help encourage spring growth.
Composted leaves can also enrich soil in vegetable gardens and flowerbeds.
For residents who prefer curbside collection, the final scheduled day of the town's fall leaf collection program is Friday, Dec. 18.
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