PELHAM, NY (October 9, 2025) — The Village Department of Public Works is set to launch its 2025 Fall Leaf Collection Program on October 15, 2025, running through December 15, 2025. The annual initiative will see the department collect approximately 1,200 tons of fall leaves and yard debris, ensuring clean and safe streets for residents.
Residents are urged to follow specific guidelines to ensure smooth collection. Leaves should be piled neatly on the grass near the road or curb line, kept on private property, and free of other materials like grass clippings or branches. Only biodegradable paper bags are permitted for yard waste, such as grass clippings, twigs, and dead plants. Tree branches must be tied separately and placed curbside alongside bagged yard waste.
“Do not place leaves in the roadway, as this can create traffic safety issues,” the department advised. Piles should not block walkways, sidewalks, fire hydrants, or storm drains, nor cover items like boulders, gravel driveways, or sprinkler heads, which could cause damage during collection.
Leaves and bagged organics must be curbside between October 15 and December 15, with daily pickups rotating through village sections. No collections will occur after December 15 until the program resumes on March 15, 2026. Mixing twigs, branches, or rubbish with leaf piles is prohibited, as it contaminates the material and prevents acceptance at the organic waste site.
The village also enforces restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers, banning their use from May 1 to October 14 and December 16 to March 14. Violations by property owners or lawn maintenance providers may result in a $250 fine issued by Village Police. Residents are encouraged to share the program’s guidelines with their lawn care providers to avoid penalties.
For holiday cleanup, bare Christmas trees—free of ornaments, lights, stands, garlands, or wreaths—will be collected curbside from December 26, 2025, to January 31, 2026. Trees wrapped in garbage bags will not be accepted.
No organic waste pickup will occur between December 15, 2025, and March 15, 2026, and residents must hold items until the spring collection period begins.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
