This fall, the Department of Public Works collected 755 tons of leaves in November and are estimating picking up over 1,200 tons of leaves in December. Because of the large number of tree limbs, branches, lawn and vegetation debris that residents camouflage in the leaf piles, the DPW had to resort to using backhoes to pick up the curbside leaves. The department’s leaf vacuum was put out of service due to the heavy debris that were hidden in the leaf piles. Hay bales and scrap metal were even found. What further aggravated the situation was a 6-inch snow storm on December 5.
Much has been said and written about bagging leaves rather than blowing them to the curb line. It would make it far easier for the DPW and would eliminate most of the heavy debris that is pushed into the street causing major removal problems and slowing the entire leaf pick-up process. Unfortunately, it would cause greater work for all of our residents who would be required to bag all of their leaves. For many residents it would require 100 to 200 bags to clean their properties. It would mean coming to DPW or Borough Hall and showing proof of residence to get biodegradable bags, then it would have to be determined if we limit the number of bags given to each resident.
We are interested in your opinion. Do you prefer the present leaf removal system, or would you rather bag your leaves in biodegradable bags. Please fill out the questionnaire below and return it to the Borough Administrator’s office 176 Park Avenue or contact our web site www.rutherford-nj.com. We appreciate your cooperation and your opinion.
The Council and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our residents a happy, healthy New Year.
| Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson | | Councilman Ray Frazier | Councilman George Fecanin |
| Councilwoman Martha Lozada | Councilman Thomas Arnold |
| Councilman Michael Matthews | Councilman Bruce Bartlett |
Questionnaire
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