Newark’s Fall Leaf Collection: Your Essential Guide to Yard Waste Days
Photo Credit: Michael Chiara
Every Newark homeowner knows the reality that comes with the beautiful fall canopy. Proper disposal of leaves during the raking season helps keep the streets clean, prevent clogs in storm drains, and ensure the Brick City maintains its composting and recycling goals. To help you avoid fines and get your curb clear, here is your essential guide to Newark’s Fall Leaf Collection Program, managed by the Department of Public Works (DPW).
The "Green Wednesday" Rule
Newark runs its leaf collection as part of the regularly scheduled yard waste program, often referred to as "Green Wednesday" collections. Typically, this program runs from mid-October and continues through the end of the year (usually until December 31st). Since pickup frequency depends on your zone, please use the City of Newark DPW website to search your address for your exact collection zone to ensure your leaves are picked up on time.
Do Use Biodegradable Bags ONLY
This is an important rule, as the New Jersey state regulations mandate that leaves be recycled, and plastic bags contaminate the process. These biodegradable paper bags (often called "Kraft" bags) can be purchased at most local hardware or home improvement stores. Avoid the use of plastic bags, as leaves placed in them will not be collected and could result in a fine. And on the night before your scheduled Wednesday pickup, generally between 7:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M., please place your bagged leaves at the curb.
Essential Dos and Don’ts to Avoid Fines
The city is strict about what goes into the bags and where the leaves are placed. Failure to comply can result in fines ranging from $100 to $1,000.
DO: | DON'T: |
Place your leaves in biodegradable paper bags. | Rake or blow leaves into the street. |
Tie branches into separate bundles (no longer than 4 feet). | Put large branches or debris inside the leaf bags. |
Use this time to also dispose of grass clippings and other small yard trimmings. | Include soil, rocks, bricks, food waste, or animal waste in your yard bags. |
If you use a contracted landscaping service, do ensure the landscaper disposes of the leaves and follows the biodegradable bag rule. And on occasions when you have a large cleanup project or miss your scheduled Wednesday collection, you can drop off yard waste bags at an official DPW Service Center between 7:00 A.M. and 3:30 P.M., Mondays through Saturdays. Ensure that the leaves, grass clippings, and small twigs are properly bagged or bundled.
- Where to Go:
- North Ward: 61 Verona Avenue
- West Ward: 244 South 12th Street
- South Ward: 99 Earl Street
- East Ward: 29 Waydell Street
And when you are done with all these, it is time to order your sumptuous Nigerian meal from Ounje Alabeke.