Q&A with Public Works Director Ryan Rollero on fall leaf collection

Q: Ewing Township now has three leaf vacs plus the front-loader "claw." How much has been collected in the first two weeks of the new curbside leaf collection program? A: We’ve completed 64 truckloads, or roughly 1,600 cubic yards, in just two weeks!

Q: What happens to all the leaves? A: Leaves are composted per NJDEP regulations. The compost produced from the leaves is used on township properties and given to residents, but it’s critical that during this period we collect leaves only. No trash, no brush.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge so far? A: Managing mixed piles that contain brush and yard trimmings along with leaves. It’s also a challenge when leaves are placed at the curb after we’ve swept through a neighborhood since we can’t return to streets within the same week. (Some residents have been issued a code violation warning.)

Q: What is going on with residents placing brush at the curb, away from their leaf piles? A.: Brush pickup ceased for the year on Oct. 31. Brush piles left at the curb will result in a code violation notice to residents. Residents may take brush to the Convenience Center at 100 Beakes St., until curbside collections resume the week of March 3, 2024. Again, per NJDEP regulations, brush or yard trimmings cannot be mixed with leaves, as leaves must be stored and processed separately.

Q: Let's talk about your crew, since this process is new to them as well. Have the crew kept up with demand?  A: Yes, we’ve completed two rounds in each zone and actually finished last week just ahead of schedule! We’ll also work with Mercer County to ensure loose leaf collection on county roadways during the weeks of Nov. 25 and Dec. 23. Additionally, crews are being alternated and cross-trained to develop a well-rounded collection team. Our goal is to keep improving to provide the best collection services we can. The new vacuum equipment is providing the tools necessary to make it happen. 

Q: Has the drought affected leaf collection?  A: Yes, this October was the driest on record, creating more dust as the vacuums pulverize leaves into a fine material. It’s a shared issue across Mercer County.

Q: Regarding leaf bags, some residents are still using paper or biodegradable leaf bags. Is that OK?  A: Yes. While loose piles are our priority, residents can rip open bagged leaves at the curb on collection weeks or bring them to Dover Avenue. We’ll start picking up bags on the third round in each zone, but loose leaf collection remains our focus. Let me emphasize, we want to promote the loose leaf collection program but also understand certain residents may require bagging of leaves for specific circumstances, such as space to park a vehicle. Again, bags that contain any material other than leaves will be left behind by our crews.

Q: Any advice for property owners? A: Only leaves in your piles! Keep them at least 10 feet from storm drains and clear from parked vehicles. Any piles mixed with yard trimmings may result in a code violation.