West Orange Bans Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers – Again

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange has a leaf blower ban on the books – again.

The West Orange Town Council voted in favor of an ordinance regulating gas-powered leaf blowers on second reading at their meeting this week. The ban is “seasonal” for now, but will become permanent at the end of the year.

The ban regulates the use of gas-powered leaf blowers – except for turbine blowers – on residential, commercial and township-owned properties:

• Gas-powered leaf blowers may be used from March 1 to April 15, 2025, and from November 1 to Dec. 31, 2025
• Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the use of gas-powered blowers will be prohibited throughout the township
• The hours of operation for all leaf blowers shall be limited to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends

Violators of the ban will get a written warning for the first violation (both the homeowner and landscaping company). A second violation comes with a $200 fine, and a third violation carries a $500 fine.

After three violations by the same landscaping company, that company shall be suspended from working in West Orange for one year. All lawn care businesses operating within West Orange must be registered with the township, the ordinance states.

Why was the ban rolled out? According to the ordinance:

“Science has shown that the noise, particulate matter, gas and oil fuel mixture being released unburned, and the fumes from burnt fuel are hazardous to the health of the workers, residents, particularly seniors and children and those with respiratory conditions, causing hearing loss and potential cancers, hypertension, cardiac disease, and increased stress levels. The practice of blowing leaves and other debris for property maintenance has unintended environmental and health consequences that disrupt and destroy animal, bird, insect and pollinator habitat, including adversely impacting the respiratory health of our pets. The township wishes to continue to strengthen its commitment to public health and wellness and environmental sustainability and believes that the proposed amendments will help achieve greater equity and public health as well as quality of life. Commercial-grade battery-powered leaf blowers have become more readily available. The township believes that the passage of this ordinance will more clearly reflect the needs and values of the West Orange community.”

Some people have spoken against the ban, arguing that it will too costly for lawn care businesses and electric blowers aren’t yet up to the task of replacing their gas-powered counterparts.

“We are not enemy number one,” a landscaper told the council during public comment on Tuesday. “We’re here to provide a service to the community and that’s what we’re trying to do efficiently and as fast as we can – because time means money.”

However, many West Orange residents feel that a ban is needed, according to council member Asmeret Ghebremicael.

“I can tell you that we’ve had more emails from residents that are for this ban than there are who are against it,” Ghebremicael said.

Ghebremicael also recommended putting the issue before voters via a referendum before the permanent ban begins on Jan. 1. That option was voted down near the end of the meeting.

This week’s ban may be a bit of déjà vu for some West Orange residents. The town council passed a similar ban last year – but it was eventually vetoed by Mayor Susan McCartney. See Related: West Orange Mayor Vetoes Leaf Blower Ban (Here’s Why)

Other towns in Essex County that have rolled out bans on leaf blowers include Maplewood and Montclair. Both have faced lawsuits from local landscapers.

Watch footage from Tuesday’s meeting below (video is cued to the public hearing and vote on the leaf blower ban).

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