Lawrence Officials: Please Follow Rules for Yard Waste and Debris

Lawrence Township officials have received several complaints in recent weeks about yard waste and debris being placed curbside at times not in compliance with brush collection regulations. 

Officials are concerned about potential safety hazards for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists and about the aesthetics of neighborhoods when brush is at the curb for long periods of time. Landscapers and residents routinely place brush at the curb shortly after collection by the Public Works staff, thereby leaving brush in the street for weeks.

Lawrence officials would like to remind residents of the following regulations:

• Yard waste may not be placed at the curb before your designated collection week. Residents may place brush at the curb the weekend before their scheduled collection week. (click here for the schedule).
• Yard waste and vegetative materials may not be placed in an area of the street greater than 3 feet tall.  
• Branches must be shorter than 5 feet long.  
• Materials must be placed on the street within 4 feet from the edge of the pavement.
  
• Tree limbs larger than 8 inches in diameter may not be disposed through curbside collection.
• Stumps, dirt, grass, sod, pressure treated wood, stones, wooden fencing, plywood and construction material will not be collected.
• Yard waste shall not be placed within 10 feet from the nearest storm drain outlet.  
• Yard waste collection is suspended during the months of November and December for leaf collection. Yard waste may not be placed at the curb during the leaf collection program.

Brush may also be disposed at the Ecological Facility at 3701 Princeton Pike. Visit www.lawrencetwp.com or contact the Public Works Department at 609-587-1894 for information.  

TREE REMOVAL INFORMATION

• A residential property owner may remove up to 5 trees per calendar year, if the trees are between 8” and 29” in diameter.    
• There is no restriction on number of trees less than 8” in diameter.
• Specimen trees cannot be removed without the approval of the Township.  A specimen tree is defined as a tree with a diameter of 30” or greater, an exceptional example of a species or a tree of historical significance.
• Contact the Community Development Department at 609-844-7087 with questions.

Township officials want to conduct an efficient brush removal program and reduce the amount of curbside yard waste for both for aesthetics and storm water management. The cooperation of residents and their landscapers is needed for this program to be successful. 

Officials will continue to monitor neighborhoods and inform residents of the regulations. Please note that failure to comply with Township regulations may result in the enforcement action, including fines and penalties.  

Residents are asked to help in this effort to keep Lawrence beautiful and safe.