What am I Supposed to do With all These Damned Leaves?

I am writing this letter because I have a simple issue that appears to have no easy solution according to the town of Wilton. 

Where am I supposed to get rid of my leaves in Wilton? I am trying to be a responsible citizen and follow protocol but it appears that there is none. I began my search with my refuse company and they informed me that while they appreciated my concern, they cannot take my refuse bags filled with leaves. They recommended I get in touch with the town and surely they would have a solution.   

With that seeming like sound advice, I called the First Selectman’s Office and was told to call the Department of Public Works because they would take them. I spoke with the town’s Transfer Station and was informed that although they do not take them, I could call the Wilton Fire Department for a permit and burn them. 

The fire dept. kindly informed me that while I could get a permit for brush, that it is illegal to burn leaves.  They recommended calling the First Selectman’s office. Ahh, now I get it, let’s go in a circle until I quit my quest! Not yet.

I called the First Selectman’s Office back, explained the conundrum, and was simply told to hire a landscaping company to do it.  Ahh. That’s the answer. So while I have spent the better part of three weekends blowing, raking, and bagging my leaves, I am now essentially told that there is no option for the do-it-yourselfer in Wilton: In Wilton, you need to hire somebody to do it for you.

In essence the town will gladly take your exceptionally high real estate taxes but they just can’t take your leaves.

Am I missing something?

-Chris Kazan