Please note that Montclair Township Ordinance 292-26 determines the period for township fall and spring leaf collection programs as follows: from October 15 through December 1, and from April 1 to April 30, inclusive.
Sorting and Disposing of Residential Vegetative Yard Waste
- Leaves, which are recyclable and are sent by the Township for composting.
- Grass clippings, which are recyclable and are sent by the Township for composting, but separately from leaves.
- Branches, which are recyclable and are sent by the Township for composting.
- Wood chips/chunks, tree bark, acorns, misc. nuts, tree droppings, etc., which are recyclable and are sent by the Township for composting.
Miscellaneous vegetative waste, which is currently not recyclable
- Shrubs
- Logs
- Stumps
- Christmas Trees/Wreaths
Disposal Requirements
Leaves
Leaves will be collected for recycling when placed at the curb in biodegradable paper bags. Leaf bags can weigh no more than 50 pounds each. During the fall and spring leaf seasons (typically mid - October through the end of December and the entire month of April) leaf bags will be collected on the regularly scheduled recycling day. Leaf bag collection may continue between the fall and spring collection periods, weather permitting; however, there will be no set schedule. During this period leaf bags will be collected when noticed by DCS staff or when reported by the resident, generally on a weekly schedule. Leaf collection is contingent upon weather conditions and may be suspended by directive from the Director of Community Services or the Township Manager. Note that leaves are composted and leaf bags must contain leaves only. Anything other than trace amounts of small yard debris (e.g., twigs) cannot be included with leaves.
BAGS NOTED TO CONTAIN OTHER MISCELLANEOUS DEBRIS WILL NOT BE COLLECTED.
Grass Clippings
Grass clippings will be collected for recycling from May through mid - October. Grass clippings must be placed at the curb in biodegradable paper bags not weighing more than 50 pounds each. Grass clippings are collected on your regularly scheduled recycling day.
Branches
Branches are defined as any tree, bush or shrub parts that are less than three (3) inches in diameter. Branches must be cut into in lengths of 36 inches or less and must be securely bundled. Bundles cannot weigh more than 25 pounds each. Branches will be collected with leaves or grass on your regularly scheduled recycling day. Loose piles of branches will not be collected. Branches are limited to three (3) bundles per pickup day.
Wood Chips/Chunks, Tree Bark, Acorns, Misc. Nuts, Tree Droppings, etc.
These items must be placed at the curb in biodegradable paper bags not weighing more than 50 pounds each. These items may be commingled with each other and will be collected on the regularly scheduled recycling day. You are limited to two (2) bags per collection day.
Miscellaneous Vegetative Waste
Shrubs
Shrubs are any woody plant not defined as a log or as a branch. Shrubs cannot weigh more than 25 pounds each. Shrubs will be collected with the regularly scheduled recycling pickup.
Logs
Logs are defined as any tree part three (3) inches or larger in diameter. Logs or firewood are not collected as vegetative waste or with the normal refuse collection. Residents must make their own arrangements for disposal.
Stumps
Stumps are not collected. Residents must make their own arrangements for disposal.
Christmas Trees
Christmas trees placed at the curb will be picked up on a weekly basis during the entire month of January. All decorations, lights, etc. must be removed.
Wreaths will be collected separately with refuse.
Dirt, stones, concrete blocks, bricks, etc.
These items are not collected. Residents must make their own arrangements for disposal.
ITEMS MAY NOT BE PLACED IN RIGID CONTAINERS OR PLASTIC BAGS -- BIODEGRADABLE BAGS OR BUNDLES ONLY.
Please note that the different types of vegetative yard waste cited above are composted, recycled or sent to landfills depending upon the item. Thoughtful separation of the various items will aid in the proper disposal of unwanted yard waste and will reduce the impact of incineration and the Township's ultimate disposal costs. Please help us maximize recycling -- it's good for the environment.
Your cooperation is essential and appreciated.