How To Dispose Of Leaves This Fall In Newark: 2026 Update

NEWARK, NJ — It’s almost that time again, Newark: leaf collection season.

The city will begin its Leaf Recycling Collection program on Oct. 14, and continue through Jan. 29, 2027.

Yard waste will be collected in all wards from Monday through Friday. Leaves must be placed in biodegradable, paper bags at the curb the night before, between the hours of 7 and 10 p.m.

During the collection period (on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.), Newark residents can drop off their leaves and yard debris at the following service centers:

• 61 Verona Avenue
• 244 South 12th Street
• 29 Waydell Street
• 99 Earl Street

“Our crews are working hard this fall to collect leaves and keep Newark's streets clean, and residents can make that work go further,” Department of Public Works director Rodney Hadley said.

In some cases, it might be a good choice to put those unwanted leaves to work.

“If you have a garden, leaves make excellent mulch, and they break down well in a backyard compost pile,” Hadley suggested.

Whatever Newark residents do bag should be put at the curb and out of the street, Hadley added.

“Leaves that wash into the gutters clog storm drains and can flood your block after heavy rain,” Hadley said.

HERE’S WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR LEAVES

The Newark Department of Public Works provided some tips for removing leaves:

• Whenever possible, store leaves in a backyard compost bin. This method is preferred to reduce waste at the source.
• Leaves must be placed in a bio-degradable paper bag, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. Do not use plastic bags.
• Failure to use a bio-degradable paper bag will result in fines, and the leaves will not be collected.
• Leaf bags must NOT contain large branches. Branches should be separated and tied up in a bundle. Leaf bags can contain grass clippings and other yard trimmings.
• Do not rake or blow leaves into the street. Due to state regulations, all leaves must be bagged in bio-degradable bags and placed at the curb. Failure to comply may result in fines ranging from $100 to a maximum of $1,000.
• If a contracted landscaper is used for lawn maintenance, the landscaper is responsible for disposing of the leaves.

BAGS AVAILABLE FOR SENIORS

Bags can be obtained for Newark residents 62-years or-older by showing their identification card at the following locations, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.:

• Department of Public Works Headquarters, 62 Frelinghuysen Avenue
• North Ward Service Center, 61 Verona Avenue
• West/Central Ward Service Center, 244 South 12th Street
• South Ward Service Center, 99 Earl Street
• East Ward Service Center, 29 Waydell Street

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