JACKSON — Municipal officials are making plans for Jackson’s annual fall leaf collection.
“Due to our shortened workweek [Monday through Thursday], we have developed a new leaf pickup schedule that divides more than 100 square miles of Jackson into two sections,” Director of Public Works Fred Rasiewicz said. “We are confident that with the assistance of our residents, we can accomplish this great task of picking up thousands of tons of fallen leaves.”
Section One consists of the east side of Jackson, and collection there will be for all residents east of Route 527 to the Lakewood, Howell or Freehold Township borders. This will also include all residents on the north side of Cedar Swamp Road.
Leaf collection for the east side of Jackson will begin on Oct. 25 and end on Nov. 30, according to information provided by the township.
Section Two, the west side of Jackson, consists of all residents who live west of Route 527 to the Plumsted, Cream Ridge or Freehold Township borders. This will include all residents on the south side of Cedar Swamp Road.
Leaf collection for the west side of Jackson will begin on Dec. 1 and continue to Dec. 31.
Rasiewicz said the Department of Public Works is asking residents to help provide for a safe and efficient leaf collection season.
“Please place your leaves at the curb or at the property’s edge,” he said. “Do not place piles directly in the street, as you may receive a violation for obstructing traffic.”
The DPW director asked residents to separate leaves from any bulky waste or brush and to place the leaves at least 10 feet from parked cars and other obstacles.
Parking vehicles in available driveway space will allow DPW employees to move quickly through a neighborhood and will also allow the crew to do a more complete pickup, he said.
Bagged leaves will not be picked up curbside. Residents should place leaf piles away from and downstream from stormwater inlets, sewers.
There are more than 1,100 streets in Jackson, and that makes it extremely difficult to make return trips to a particular street, Rasiewicz said.
Residents should try to place the bulk of their leaves out at one time. Residents may also bring their leaves to the compost facility at 334 Jackson Mills Road. Leaves, bagged or loose, may be brought to the compost facility Saturday through Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The facility is closed on holidays.
For further information, call 732-928- 1311.