Education campaign launched.
By: Rachel Silverman
Princeton Township launched its new leaf-, brush- and log-collection program this week with a live news conference on Princeton Community TV Channel 30.
"It has great implications for the public safety and beautification of our community," Township Mayor Phyllis Marchand said on the live telecast Monday. "We don’t want this to be Draconian or punitive. It’s being done for environmental reasons, safety reasons and just to be proud of our community," she said.
The new collection program, which was introduced by the Township Committee on Feb. 7 and passed March 7, is now the subject of a widespread public education campaign.
"You should have received the township newsletter," Public Works Superintendent Don Hansen said. "Most of the information that is needed to know is there. We’ve sent over 200 letters to contractors in surrounding communities," he added.
The collection program itself comprises several components.
There are specific size requirements for piles of leaves, branches and logs, and there are additional rules about where these items should be placed on collection days.
Loose leaves, for example, must now be placed on the paved roadway in piles that extend no more than 3 feet into the roadway from the curb or edge of the road and no closer than 10 feet from a storm sewer inlet. Bagged leaves, on the other hand, should be deposited in biodegradable bags on the grass near the edge of the curb but not on the curb itself.
The leaf- and brush-collection program also calls for neighborhood pickup schedules based on what section of the township one resides in.
In addition, under the new rules, all landscapers are required to register with the Department of Public Works. Registration, which costs $10 per year and is available in both Spanish and English, is intended to ensure that landscapers are aware of the latest township requirements.
According to township officials, the new regulations were initiated as a result of two main factors.
"The new state stormwater regulations came into effect as of the first of the year," Deputy Mayor Bernie Miller said. "Also, for more than a year now, our staff has been working to improve the cleanliness and safety of our streets."
Township officials also vowed that enforcement would be a key component of the new collection campaign, as those who do not comply with these rules may receive fines, penalties or a court summons.
"Our goal here is compliance," police Public Safety Officer Tom Murray said, citing court appearances and $100 fines for those who do not adhere to the required disposal rules.

