East Brunswick Will Continue With Loose Leaf Pickup Service In 2024

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – After listening to residents’ concerns, East Brunswick has decided to continue with loose-leaf pick-up service, Mayor Brad Cohen announced.

Back in August, when the Township was close to inking an agreement with a garbage contractor, it was announced that East Brunswick would phase out the pick-up of loose leaves.

But the Township has now modified its plan.

The issue with loose leaves pick-up was primarily safety, complying with DEP regulations, and the cost, Cohen said in a public message.

“Regarding safety, first responders uniformly object to the piling of leaves in the streets. Besides narrowing the roads, the coefficient of friction for wet leaves equals that of ice,” Cohen said.

The township will now strictly enforce the ordinance that requires that all loose leaves be left at the curb and not piled in the streets. Fines will be increased as a disincentive for disregarding this safety measure, Cohen said.

“As for the DEP regulations, the Department of Public Works will provide a schedule that gives a range of dates for pick-ups and divides the township into regions. Since the falling of leaves is unpredictable, the schedule will aim to strike a balance between helping residents prepare for pick-ups and providing the flexibility that the township needs to avoid DEP penalties as it attends to the 184 miles of township roads,” Cohen said.

This service, however, may have an impact on the 2024 budget. But it’s too early for township officials to determine the said impact.

"We will continue to work hard to keep control of municipal taxes as I have had a record of less than one percent per year increases since taking office in 2017. Neither the Township Council, nor I, would like to see that change,” Cohen said.

Earlier this year, East Brunswick signed a contract with their current hauler IWS. They were the only company that responded to the Township’s bid.

“We are working in an environment where many townships have faced 100% increases, and several have given up this service entirely. Despite these obstacles, we sought to improve the service provided to our residents and strengthen our relationship with IWS. Having a good relationship with our hauler helps to maintain the service demands of the township,” the Mayor said.

In the next few days, residents will be receiving a flyer that will highlight the modifications to be expected in January 2024.

East Brunswick opted for a twice-a-week refuse pickup schedule as IWS could not provide a service schedule that changes during the year.

“We would rather go to twice-a-week pick-up all year as opposed to once a week all year. New 95-gallon bins will be delivered in the Spring and each resident will get one for refuse and one for recycling. One armed automated trucks will be used once everyone has received their bins and IWS has secured enough automated trucks,” Cohen said.

The new schedule will still begin on Jan. 1, 2024, using the present garbage cans and the rear-loading trucks. Bulk pick-up will continue at no charge but will need to be scheduled.