By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR — Changes have been made that affect yard waste collection throughout the township, including fines for those who repeatedly violate collection regulations.
Yard waste still includes brush, leaves, twigs, shrub clippings, garden trimmings, plant stalks, pine needles, tree trimmings, pruning debris, weeds, flowers and branches less than four-inch diameter and 5 feet in length. However, now residents can also put out tree trunks and logs that do not exceed six inches in width and are less than 18 inches in length.
The council also amended the ordinance to state that yard waste collection will not take place in January and February unless the mayor or the governor declares a state of emergency.
The council also adopted new enforcement regulations, with those found in violation of the yard waste ordinance receiving notice of a violation and five days to comply for the first offense. If at the end of the five days the violation continues, the township will issue a summons and a penalty of $100. Should the violation be a threat to public safety, the township would also have the ability, after five days, to remediate the violation and assess the property owner for all fees and costs by placing a lien against the property.
A second offense within two years time would warrant a $250 fine and a third offense would yield a $500 fine. Residents found illegally dumping yard waste would be assessed a penalty of $250 for the first offense and $500 for any subsequent offense.
The Township Council unanimously voted to adopt these changes to the yard waste ordinance after a public hearing on Oct. 6. Councilman George Borek was absent.
Council President Bryan Maher said the amendments aim to prevent residents from putting yard waste out whenever they want to.
According to the township’s yard waste collection ordinance, residents may only place yard waste at the curb or along the street during the seven days prior to a scheduled and announced collection. All material must be curbside by 7 a.m. on the first day of the collection week. No yard waste should be placed closer than 10 feet from any storm drain outlet.
For further information regarding yard waste collection, contact Public Works at 609-799-8370.
