UPDATE 10.15.2025: Reminder – loose leaves should not be placed out to the curb until Monday, October 20th until that date they should be bagged for pickup.

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To The Residents of Essex Fells:

It’s that time of year again, when the leaves change color and, unfortunately, fall to the ground. This year we are reminding all residents to sign up for Nixle via the borough website (www.essexfellsboro.com) so you stay up to date with borough notifications as well as future mailings.

Please follow the below requirements regarding the Borough’s autumn leaf collection period. Given the high volume of leaves that we recycle, we need residents’ and landscapers’ cooperation in order to continue offering this service to residents:

• Residents may place unbagged leaves at their curb for collection by the Borough beginning Monday, October 20th and ending Friday, December 5th. Outside of these dates, any leaves put at the curb must be bagged.
   
• Homeowners wishing to bag leaves must use biodegradable paper bags only. Plastic bags and other containers will not be accepted.
   
• Branches, shrubs, grass clippings, hay bales, pumpkins, flowers and other materials should NOT be mixed with leaves. These contaminants are not part of our leaf recycling program.
   
• Arrange leaves in rows in the street across your property’s frontage. Leaf rows should not extend more than three (3) feet into the road and may not be piled more than three (3) feet high or be placed on or around speed humps.
   
• All leaves must be kept at least 10 feet away from storm drains and fire hydrants, and at least 20 feet away from any intersection. Do not park over or drive through leaf piles.
   
• Leaf collection will be repeated several times throughout all areas of the Borough, and may take two to three weeks between collections. Given this expectation, if you use a landscaper, please consider instructing them to not pile unbagged leaves in the street during every visit.

BRANCHES AND TWIGS: As is the case throughout the year, branches placed curbside must be tied in bundles no more than five (5) feet long and weighing no more than 50 pounds. Any twigs should be placed in containers at the curb. Please contact the Department of Public Works at 973-226-3400 to notify them of bundled branches or containers that need to be picked up. Please note that you only need to call DPW for pickup branches and twigs, not loose leaves.

LANDSCAPERS: As a reminder, all landscapers and tree removal contractors must register with the Borough Clerk’s Office. This is to ensure awareness of and compliance with the Borough’s ordinances and state laws, including those concerning vegetative waste disposal, stormwater drainage and tree protection.

Thank you in advance for your assistance. It is greatly appreciated.

The Mayor and Council
Borough of Essex Fells

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