Reminder: The last week of yard waste collection is December 7.
Please bag, mulch or compost your leaves and do not rake leaves into the street (unless they are concurrently being collected by a landscaper) and never push them into storm drains. Leaves blocking storm drains can cause flooding and create safety concerns for motorists and pedestrians. Residents are encouraged to remove leaves from storm drains, if feasible; or you may call Newton City Hall Customer Service 617-796-1000 (M-F 8:30am-5pm) or the Newton Utilities Division at 617-796-1640 (M-F 7am-3pm) to request a drain be cleared.
Leaves are an important part of the natural environment. Left on the land, leaves decompose, feeding your plants and enriching your soil. But when large amounts of leaves are washed off our lawns, down our driveways, into storm drains and into our waterbodies, they release phosphorus and nitrogen into our water, contributing to water pollution.
The last week of yard waste collection is December 7. This collection schedule is weather dependent, meaning if it snows heavily, the service could be postponed or cancelled. Use the Recycle Right Newton App to be notified of any collection schedule changes. Download the free app today in the App Store or Google Play.
Yard waste is banned from disposal by state law. View Newton’s yard waste collection guidelines. Placing yard waste in the blue or green cart may result in rejection.
Reprinted from the Newton Sustainable Materials Management Division’s Green Cart Chronicles, November 2020.
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