How To Get Rid Of Leaves In West Orange: Fall 2023 Update

WEST ORANGE, NJ — It’s almost that time again, West Orange.

With the autumn comes one of nature’s most anticipated suburban spectacles, as leaves around the township begin to turn colors and fall from their branches. In recent years, some experts have begun to debate about whether it’s necessary to rake them off your lawn in the first place. But for those who choose to get rid of them in West Orange, there are some rules to follow.

The below information about the 2023 fall leaf collection procedure comes via the Township of West Orange.

HOW TO DISPOSE OF LEAVES IN WEST ORANGE

Residents can start placing loose leaves in the gutter of the streets on Monday, Oct. 23. Leaf pickups will begin Monday, Oct. 30.

The last day residents/landscapers can place leaves in the street is Monday, Dec. 11. The last day public works will be picking up leaves is Wednesday, Dec. 27.

No branches or any other debris such as rocks, building material or garbage can be placed in the leaf piles.

Do not block drainage inlets, driveways and crosswalks. Keep leaves 10 feet away from drainage inlets and keep the leaves three feet from the curb to allow the water to flow to the drains.

Use of biodegradable leaf bags is encouraged at all times. Leaf bags will only be collected weekly from Oct. 10 through Dec. 29. Spring pickup of bagged leaves will be from March 1, 2024 through May 31, 2024 only. Absolutely nothing can be placed in the street at any other time than the designated pickup time in the fall, which is for loose leaves only.

Leaf bags can be obtained at the Public Works Building, 25 Lakeside Avenue. They can be purchased at a cost of five bags for $2.

These procedures only apply to public municipal streets. For the collection schedule for loose and bagged leaves along county roads, call 973-226-8500 or check www.essexcountynj.org.

For additional information about leaf collection in West Orange, call 973-325-4067 or visit the township’s website at www.westorange.org.

Leaf collection will continue until all leaves are removed from the streets. For safety reasons, please do not park on or play in the leaf piles. The Public Works Department removes approximately 15,000 cubic yards of leaves during an average season. Sometimes Mother Nature does not cooperate. There may be rain and snow storms during the pickup cycles, also trees dropping all their leaves on their schedule not ours may delay leaf collection. Your patience and cooperation during leaf season is and will be appreciated.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page.