Mayor Creates More Efficient, Eco-Friendly Leaf Pickup

COURT HOUSE — The changing color of leaves and the chill in the air remind us that leaf season is approaching, and the Middle Township Department of Public Works is busy making preparations for the its annual leaf collection program.
With cooperation from all residents, and Mother Nature, Middle Township can continue to provide efficient and timely service.
Residents can help.
“We emphasize that the success of any leaf collection program is due, in large part, to the cooperation of residents, so please, follow our recommended guidelines.” Mayor Susan Atkinson DeLanzo stated in a release.
The Town will only accept the use of biodegradable paper leaf bags for residents who wish to have leaves picked up prior to Nov. 1. Residents can purchase the biodegradable bags from any home center. Bags will be picked up curbside by Public Works. Bagging leaves helps the Town comply with state storm water regulations and will aid in keeping our streets clean during leaf season, the release stated.
From Nov. 1 through Jan. 11, leaves will be picked up via the leaf vacuum at curbside. Following are the ways in which you can also help:
Before raking leaves to the street, check the schedule to find out which area you are in and call Public Works at (609) 465-8745 to determine when the crews will be in your area. This will minimize the amount of time leaf piles are on the street.
Loose leaves need to be free of tree branches, grass or other debris. Piles containing anything other than leaves will not be picked up. Leaves should be placed in narrow rows along the street, leaving a space along the gutter for drainage. This will help minimize local flooding during rains. Do not pile leaves on or near drainage inlets, which can lead to local flooding. Do not put leaves in a fenced area or around mailboxes, paper boxes or on hills on the edge of the road.
The following is Public Work’s leaf collection schedule:
(Location, First Pickup, Second Pickup, Third Pickup)
• Del Haven, Nov. 1 & 3, Nov. 24 & 29, Dec. 20 & 21
• Rio Grande/Shannon Oaks, Nov. 4 & 5, Nov. 30 & Dec. 1, Dec. 22 & 23
• Edgewood/Whitesboro, Nov. 8, Dec. 2, Dec. 27
• Dennisville Road, Side Streets & Orbit, Nov. 9 & 10, Dec. 3 & 6, Dec. 28 & 29
• Goshen, Swainton Goshen Road, Nov. 11 & 12, Dec. 7 & 8, Dec. 30 & 31
• Whippoorwill, Green Creek, Burleigh Road, Nov. 15 & 16, Dec. 9 & 10 jan 3 & 4
• Court House, Hand Avenue, Stagecoach Road, Dias Creek Road, Solar Way & W. Shellbay, Nov. 17-19, Dec. 13-15, Jan. 5-7
• Mayville, Eastside Parkway & Indian Trail, Nov. 22 & 23, Dec. 16 & 17, Jan. 10 & 11
This schedule does not apply to mobile home parks. It will be followed, weather permitting. Please have leaves raked curbside a few days ahead of the scheduled date. Once the truck goes through an area, it will not return until the next scheduled date.
Beginning Wed. Jan. 12, all leaves must be placed in paper bags or containers, no plastic bags. Curbside vacuuming of leaves will cease for the season on this date.
Any questions regarding leaf pick-up, contact public works Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. or visit mtpubworks@middletownship.com.