The following letter, as it appeared in the February 2022 issue of Ewing Observer, incorrectly identified the writer as June Moon. Her first name is Jane. We regret the error.
Editor’s note: Last summer, Ewing implemented new procedures for leaf pickup. The change was reported in the June issue of the Observer, and it was also communicated by the township in a number of full-page ads run over a period of several months.
Under the new rules, the township no longer scheduled periodic leaf collections and instead made them year round. Residents were prohibited from raking leaves or debris into the street for pickup, as had been allowed in the past.
Leaves and grass are now required to be put in a container or in biodegradable bags at the curb. Plastic bags are not allowed. Rules were also put into place requiting that brush and tree branches to cut up and bind.
Mayor Bert Steinmann said one reason for the change was that the debris from collections was flying loose and collecting in storm drains, clogging them. He also said that there were changes in environmental regulations at the state level restricting the placement of loose leaves in the street.
In the following letter, township resident Jane Moon expresses her concerns surrounding the change.
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Ewing Township has been disingenuous to Ewing residents regarding new pickup guidelines pertaining to leaf and brush collection.
The flyer that circulated and was posted in the Ewing Observer implies that loose leaves will no longer be picked up, “as per updated regulations from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.”
Ewing Township eliminated a valued taxpayer service unnecessarily.
All the surrounding townships including the capital City of Trenton are picking up non-containerized (loose) gutter leaves.
My friend, who lives in Hamilton Square, sent me an e-mail on Jan. 6 informing me that the township was on his street with the claw collecting leaves before the impending storm that was expected to arrive that evening.
He asked me, “Should I send them to Ewing?” Yes, please I replied.
Ewing Township approved a new ordinance in March 2021 that amends the General Ordinance of the Township wherein they state that they are updating various provisions to make it consistent with current practice and law.
I’m baffled by how they consider it consistent with current practice when research reveals that surrounding townships are complying with updated stormwater management regulations by following guidelines for non-point source pollution (N.J.A.C. 7:8) without sacrificing services.
This was accomplished by a modest change in gutter leaf collection by requiring that all non-containerized leaves shall not be placed in the gutter no more than seven days prior to scheduled pickup date, and shall be no more than 10 feet from the storm drain.
What’s peculiar is that brush may be placed at the curb for collection. and is picked up inconsistently but year-round.
Just recently I visited the (Ewing) Department of Public Works at 136 Scotch Road, the manager, the supervisor and five other men were in the building at 1:45 p.m.
It appeared they had completed their day with nothing further to do. I addressed the leaf collection issue, and I was informed by the manager that he was not consulted. They just do as they’re told. I left with bags but had the feeling that they’re embarrassed by the change.
I live in the 08628-area code. It is a mature, heavily treed area. I pay $200 a week in taxes. The new ordinance has created a problem for taxpayers.
You either allow leaves to blow around or face a further financial burden if you choose to hire a landscaping service to collect the leaves at a cost of ($300-$700) or risk injury by bagging many, many bags.
Residents always bagged leaves, but the bulk of the leaves were always collected. I moved here in the 1970’s, the township has established a long precedent—they have collected leaves for half a century and probably more!
Some basic truths:
1. Bulk loose-Leaf collection is being performed by all the surrounding townships.
2. Ewing Township Department of Public Works has plenty of manpower (45 employees) and equipment.
3. Ewing Township Department of Public Works has a huge multi-million-dollar budget.
We are being stripped of more and more services. What are we supposed to do? Grin and Bear It? N0!
Ewing residents: Speak up and object.
Jane Moon
Ewing Township
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