NEW ROCHELLE, NY — This past spring, the City adopted a new policy for fall leaf collection requiring all leaves to be placed in biodegradable bags and/or open containers for pickup. Loose leaf piles will not be picked up. There were a number of considerations for this change, including:
- Safety: Large piles of leaves on roadways create traffic and flooding hazards, obstruct sidewalks and create slippery surfaces.
- Environment: Keeping leaves out of the ponds, lakes and storm drains keeps our water resources healthier.
- Efficiency: Bagged collection is a quicker, more efficient operation, allowing for frequent collection
- Cleanliness: Bulk collection leaves debris throughout the City for extended periods of time.
Property owners have three options- bag/can, mulch mow, or transport.
Bag/can: The City will provide weekly pickup of loose leaves in biodegradable paper bags and open containers weighing less than 75 lbs. During leaf collection season, bags and containers may be placed at curb anytime. Materials must be placed curbside by 7AM on MONDAYS in the North End and WEDNESDAYS in the South End for pickup throughout the week. Actual pickup day may vary due to weather.
Mulch Mow- Rather than raking, bagging, or transporting fall leaves off site, the City of New Rochelle’s “Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em” mulch mowing campaign is a sustainable alternative that actually benefits lawns and gardens! Mulch mowing demonstrations are scheduled throughout September and October.
Transport- As always, licensed landscapers and gardeners may still dispose of leaves at the City’s Yard Waste Transfer Site at 85 Beechwood Ave. Monday-Friday 7AM– 3:30 PM. Vouchers can be purchased from the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 515 North Avenue, Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM.