E.B. leaf-rakers urged to comply with policies
BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

EAST BRUNSWICK -- Residents are speaking out about the unwillingness of local homeowners to comply with the township's leaf collection policies.

At recent council meetings, residents have approached the council about the fact that many homeowners are putting their leaves in the street, which is not permitted, and doing so weeks in advance of their collection time. This can create a hazard for emergency vehicles, cause drainage problems and block streetside parking spaces.

Township regulations are strict when it comes to when, where and how residents can put leaves out for collection, and officials have said they hope people will voluntarily comply. The rules are in place to make things safer for residents, and easier for those collecting the leaves.

The township collects leaves in biodegradable bags at designated times, and also picks up loose leaves at curbside. The bagged leaves must be in biodegradable bags that are available at the township's recycling center. The township does not pick up leaves in garbage cans or plastic bags.

Loose leaves can be placed at the curb line, not in the street, during designated weeks. Residents are asked not to rake leaves to the curb prior to seven days of their scheduled pickup.

Resident and former Board of Education member David Seiden spoke to the Township Council about the problem of residents not paying attention to township ordinances governing leaf collection last month, and on Monday resident Robert Lennon raised the issue, saying there is widespread noncompliance.

Lennon asked who could issue citations for violating the leaf ordinances, and Township Business Administrator James White responded that both the police department and code enforcement could fine the violating parties.

Lennon said the township could be issuing loads of summonses because many residents have their leaves in the street.

He also wondered who is responsible for clearing the catch basins of leaves.

White said leaves are not supposed to be brought within 10 feet of a storm sewer.

During the prior meeting, Seiden complained that many residents are not following the ordinances, which he felt was unfair to those who do abide.

Seiden was told that any resident caught violating the leaf ordinance would be issued a warning. He scoffed at that, however, saying that if someone runs a stop sign, they get a ticket, not just a warning.

At Monday night's meeting, Lennon said leaves run down the drains during storms due to the rain water.

He said he wishes residents would start abiding by the rules "just to be a good neighbor."

Township Attorney Michael Baker said the township has no intention of performing a ticket blitz to fine those who violate the leaf ordinance.

Officials have said all along they do not want to give summonses and just hope that residents comply.