The issue of yard debris collection (subject of a letter to the editor on page 5 of this issue) was also discussed in depth at the April 28 West Windsor Council meeting. Alex Drummond, director of the Department of Public Works, was on hand to provide information.
“We were hit hard by the amount of storms and level of damage this winter, especially in light of the effects of Hurricane Sandy. Plus, our contract with [private contractor] Breton is expiring, so we will need to renew or come up with other options. My crew is working hard. They are putting in 10.5 hour days to pick up the debris,” said Drummond.
Explained Council president Bryan Maher: “I am concerned about the amount of debris on the roadways. In my opinion, DPW should be picking up debris on major roads and arteries first, especially debris left in bike lanes.”
Drummond responded: “I agree with you up to a point, especially in regards to bike lanes, but sometimes the major roadways are wide enough that they are passable even with debris in the roadways whereas many of the side streets become nearly impassable, especially when debris is placed on both sides of the street. Then those streets need to be our priority.”
Drummond and all five council members agreed that one of the major issues causing the delay in debris removals are the residents themselves.
Drummond noted that often it is the landscaping companies that are causing a real problem, because they are putting out too much debris, or it is too large and cumbersome to be disposed of quickly and efficiently. “This is especially true for tree stumps and tree removal,” he said.
“But the biggest problem is that residents put stuff out on the streets the day after we have cleaned their streets up. Sometimes they are doing it legitimately; because we have been so far behind on our schedule, their week to put out debris has come up again. But usually that is not the case. Debris collection is governed by township ordinance, but many residents and their contractors are either ignorant of the schedules or just choose to disregard the law. Enforcement is a real issue,” Drummond added.
“I agree,” said Maher. “The problem is, the way our statute reads now, the penalties for violating it are so extreme that no one is ever actually issued a citation. I would like to have the penalties be lowered significantly, perhaps increasing in cost per violation, and then see them enforced. This will make residents aware that they cannot just put out their yard debris whenever they feel like it, and they cannot put debris in the street or in bike and pedestrian lanes.”
It should be noted that currently, according to the township ordinance, the maximum penalty for violating the debris collection ordinance is a fine not exceeding $2,000 and/or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 90 days, and/or a period of community service not exceeding 90 days.
Maher and the council members discussed various alternatives, including limiting debris pick-up in “off-months,” such as January-March.
“If we limit debris pick-up during these slow months,” said Borek, “we will be able to increase pick-up during peak seasons and storms for the same cost. Plus, this will help keep residents mindful of the fact that debris can only be put out at certain times.”
Borek and Samonte agreed to draft a new ordinance including several possible changes, to be discussed by the Council at an upcoming work session. No changes to the relevant ordinances have yet been made.
#b#Yard Waste Rules#/b#
As a reminder to residents, the township has posted the rules governing yard and waste debris on the website. Those rules state:
“All material must be in open cans or loose at the curb. No bagged material will be collected. Materials must not block storm drains, crosswalks, bike lanes, or curb cuts. If bike lanes or crosswalks exist on the road, material must be placed between the curb and sidewalk or at the road edge.
Included: Branches*, twigs, shrub clippings, garden trimmings, plant stalks, pine needles, tree trimmings & pruning debris, weeds, flowers, brown Sweet Gum seed balls, and all other yard debris.
*Policies for brush and branches: All brush put out at curb must be no longer than 5 feet in length. Branches over 4 inches in diameter must be cut into pieces 18 inches or less in length.
Not included: Garbage, grass, soil, railroad ties, landscape timber, pressure-treated materials, concrete, bricks, tree stumps or large tree limbs, wood, construction materials, stones, plywood, 2x4s, etc.).”
