Spring Leaf, Brush Collection Details Announced In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Hamden's spring leaf and brush collection will have an earlier start date due to several downed branches from the latest storm, Public Works Director Joseph Colello.

In past years, spring leaf and brush collection began in May. Due to the recent storm producing several downed branches throughout town, this year’s spring leaf and brush collection will begin one month earlier, on March 24, to accommodate these cleanup efforts, according to Colello.

As with all spring leaf and brush collections, only one sweep will be made through town. Bags put out after trucks have passed will not be picked up and can be brought to the Transfer Station, according to officials.

A spring leaf and brush collection routes map will be posted on the Town’s Public Works website here. The map will be updated each day to reflect progress. One crew starts their leaf and brush collection from the south end, and simultaneously a second crew starts their leaf and brush collection from the north end, officials said.

Leaves must be placed in paper bags (not plastic) and brush must be bundled and tied with string or twine. Bundles should weigh no more than 50 pounds, exceed no more than 4 feet in length, and contain no pieces in excess of 4 inches in diameter.

Bundled brush and bagged leaves should be placed curbside separate of each other. No items should be placed in the street or in any way block a sidewalk. Disposal of large pieces of wood, root systems, grass clippings and soil are prohibited, according to a news release.

“Director Colello would like to remind residents of the requirement to bag all leaves and yard waste,” officials wrote in a news release. “Only those residences where all occupants are physically disabled or unable to bag their leaves, and have provided the necessary documentation to the Town, may rake their leaves to the curb (pursuant to Chapter 52 of the Code of Ordinance of the Town of Hamden). This greatly speeds up the process and allows all residents to have their leaves and yard waste picked up in a timely manner.”

For questions regarding curbside leaf pick-up eligibility documentation, contact the Town Attorney's Office at 203-287-7050.

Leaves cannot be picked up from private roads or from roads that have not been accepted into the town road system, according to officials. Residents on unaccepted and private roads can bring leaves to the Transfer Station.

The entrance to the Hamden Transfer Station is located at 231 Wintergreen Avenue. The normal hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and the first Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Hamden Public Works is offering additional Saturday hours at the Transfer Station on March 29 and April 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 203-287-2600.