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1. Why were my leaves "skipped" for pick up?

We do not “skip” piles of leaves unless they are blocked by a vehicle or unless they are full of sticks or rocks. Those we cannot collect. Our leaf collection machines are essentially large vacuum cleaners - your vacuum cleaner at home cannot handle material it is not designed for without being damaged - the same is true for the leaf collection equipment - they are meant for leaves only. 

Leaves mixed with grass trimmings, sticks, branches, rocks and wood will NOT be collected.

Public Works provides for collection of other yard wastes like sticks, Christmas Trees, etc. at other times of the year - during these 9 weeks we can only collect leaves with this equipment, so please do not put other material in your piles (and hiding them underneath some leaves does not mean the machine can magically take them!).

2. Are there any other ways I can get rid of my leaves?

Again this year, we will be providing an opportunity for residents to bag and drop off their leaves in paper biodegradable bags at the Public Works yard, located behind the Municipal Building / Police Station / Library at 209 Bishop Hollow Road. This may be beneficial for residents who have missed their collection day, or for those who had a few more leaves to dispose of.

This bagged leaf drop-off is available ONLY to residents. It is NOT available to Commercial or Institutional properties, or to landscapers. Proof of residency will be required from those dropping off bags of leaves. Public Works will open the yard at the following times for bagged leaf drop-off:

• Monday - Friday, October 23rd thru December 22nd from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm 
• Saturday, December 16th from 12:00 noon until 6:00 pm 
• Sunday, December 17th from 12:00 noon until 6:00 pm

3. Where should we place our leaves for collection?

Numerous calls come in due to leaves being placed in the street and folks wanting us to come immediately to clear them. Leaves are never to be placed in the street. Placing them in the street causes a potential danger and is forbidden per Township Code - it can result in a visit from a Police Officer or Code Officer - it is not a way to get Public Works to come to your street quicker outside of the schedule!  See Newtown Township General Code - Chapter 145 to see the possible penalties for placing leaves in the street.

Leaves must be behind the curb so the road is always passable by pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Plus, snow and ice removal takes far longer for us and then for you when the piles are on the street (hidden by snow) and wind up getting plowed back onto your yard.

Stormwater Inlets

In a similar vein, please keep stormwater inlets and gutters clear when it rains. While we do try to clear stormwater inlets as best we can when rain is expected, homeowners need to do their part to make sure water properly flows in the gutters and inlets in front of their properties too.

4. Is open burning permitted?

Remember that burning leaves, and any form of “open burning” is strictly prohibited in Newtown Township. See Newtown Township General Code - Chapter 145 to read the penalties associated with burning leaves.  

If you see leaves being burned you should call 911.

5. What if I see "Leaf Dumping" by a landscaper or contractor?

Watch in your neighborhood for landscapers who may “dump” leaves from another location. It occasionally happens. Landscapers or anyone who dumps leaves from another location will face the possibility of fines.  There is no dumping permitted in Newtown Township. If you see "leaf dumping" please alert the township.