New Rochelle Encourages Residents to 'Mulch Mow' Their Fallen Leaves

The fall leaf collection in New Rochelle began on Oct. 14, but in a move to lighten its load and save some tax dollars city officials are encouraging residents to “mulch mow” their fallen leaves, a move that can also help the environment.

Loose leaves will no longer be collected at the curb, a policy the city adopted a year ago, but paper bagged leaves still will be collected until the end of the year.

Mulching leaves on site helps promote healthy lawns, saves time and can help spare storm drains with runoff and other concerns.

Below is information New Rochelle has provided to help residents with leaf collection and mulching:

Fall Leaf Collection will begin in the City of New Rochelle on Tuesday, October 14 and conclude at the end of December. All leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or open containers weighing no more than 75 lbs. for collection. Remember: Loose leaves will not be picked up.

Place materials curbside anytime for weekly pickup beginning 7AM on MONDAYS in the North End and WEDNESDAYS in the South End. Actual pickup day may vary due to weather.

Licensed landscapers and gardeners can dispose of leaves at the City’s Yard Waste Transfer Site at 85 Beechwood Ave. Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 2:30 pm. Vouchers can be purchased from the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 515 North Avenue, Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:00pm.

Rather than raking, bagging, or transporting fall leaves off site, the City of New Rochelle’s “Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em” mulch mowing campaign adopted in 2013 is a sustainable alternative that actually benefits lawns and gardens! Benefits include:

• A healthy property: Mulching recycles nutrients into the soil to feed lawns & plants, provides a free natural fertilizer, and helps retain moisture.

• Savings of time and effort: Mulching in place is easier and faster than raking or blowing leaves.

• Helping the environment: Leaf piles block streets and traffic, clog storm drains, and result in excess nutrient runoff (phosphorus & nitrogen), polluting our waterways. Transporting and disposing of grass and leaves as yard waste wastes energy and contributes to pollution, too.

For more information on mulch mowing, including mulch mowing service providers and how-to videos, visit newrochelle.leleny.org or call our leaf information line at (914) 740-6145.

Additional leaf collection information is available on the City’s website at newrochelleny.com/leaf or by calling (914) 235-4029.

Patch file photo.