Galloway Amends Leaf Collection Ordiance, Fines for Ordinance Offenders

Galloway Township Council passed a pair of ordinances Tuesday night: one modifying the way in which the township collects leaves and one concerning the modification of violations punishable by fines from $1,000 to $2,000.

Township officials clarified that the $2,000 fines will be for second time offenders. First time offenders could be fined an amount closer to the $1,000 fine, but the final say will ultimately lie with the judge.

“It’s for ordinance violations,” Township Manager Arch Liston said. “It just gives the judge a little discretion.”

“It’s the judge’s decision,” Mayor Don Purdy said.

Galloway residents who bag their leaves for collection are now being mandated to use biodegradable paper bags, as opposed to plastic bags.

According to the Department of Public Works, the change is being made so that Public Works employees won’t have to unbag leaves from plastic bags and then dispose of the bags before putting the leaves in the windrows at the Galloway Compost Site. It will also help the township remain within stormwater rules by helping to keep the storm drains cleaner, according to the Department of Public Works.

Biodegradable bags are available at Galloway ACE Hardware, Home Depot and the Atlantic County Utilities Authority.

Residents still have the option of raking their leaves into piles, and not putting them in any bags whatsoever.

Also as part of the ordinance, residents will not be permitted to throw away grass clippings with household trash, bringing the township in line with the Atlantic County Solid Waste Management Plan. Instead, residents are asked to bring them to the Galloway Compost Site or the Atlantic County Utilities Authority; leave them on their lawn; or used to mulch flower beds or compost on their property.

Leaves and grass clippings can be brought to the Galloway Compost Site Wednesday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Branches can be brought to the site on the first Friday and Saturday of each month from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Fall collection will remain for leaves only, and will take place between Nov. 13, 2012 and Jan. 31, 2013. The full schedule is available on the township’s website.