Home Washington Twp. News A message from Mayor Joann Gattinelli for the week of Oct. 4

A message from Mayor Joann Gattinelli for the week of Oct. 4

Washington Township Mayor Joann Gattinelli

Fall is upon us and we are preparing to begin our loose-leaf collection next month on
Monday, Oct. 16. The leaf collection will follow the same model as last year. The day
after your trash day. Our goal continues to be a biweekly pickup.  Last year we far exceeded our goal in most areas. There are things out of our control that make committing to a weekly pickup an unattainable goal. We cannot pick up leaves in heavy rain or snow. 
It is hard on the equipment and terribly inefficient. Leaf volume varies greatly week to
week. One week a route may have very little and we finish the entire area. The following
week the same area may have two to three times the amount. This often happens when we
have nice weekend weather. Everyone seems to rake on those beautiful fall weekends. 
When we do not finish a route in its entirety, we start the following week exactly where we
left off the previous week.  

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions as well as some things you can do to help us make this year’s collection a success.   

  • On your scheduled day try to keep cars off the street if at all possible.
  • Do not place your pile near anything that would inhibit our ability to pick it up. Examples are low tree limbs, basketball nets, too close to cars left on the street, etc.
  • Please DO NOT mix anything with the leaves. This includes large sticks, bushes, cornstalks, bags of leaves, grass clippings, an abundance of rocks, mulch, etc.  The machine can only handle leaves. We will not pick up piles with excessive amounts of these types of materials mixed in. 
  • Please do not place leaves on top of storm drains in the street. This can lead to flooding.
  • If a truck is working on your street and leaves before the pickup is finished it is most likely because the machine is full. They fill up every 45 minutes to one hour in heavy areas. We will return that day unless it’s the end of the workday. There is no need to call.
  • We will not backtrack. If you put leaves out after the truck has been down your street they will not get picked up until your next scheduled collection day.

Please feel free to call (856) 589-0523 ext. 2316 or 2402 with any other questions you have. Our staff is ready to help in any way we can. 

Upcoming Township Events

  • Super Saturday – Join us at Washington Lake Park on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a day full of food trucks, fun vendors, live music, a petting zoo, inflatable rides, giveaways and so much more!
  • Flea Market — The Washington Township Senior Center is hosting a Flea Market and Craft Fair on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come out and shop from lots of unique local vendors! Vendor tables are $25 and are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are a vendor interested in renting a table, please visit www.twp.washington.nj.us. for more information. Only outdoor tables are available at this time. We hope to see you there.
  • Food Truck and Music Fest – New Jersey foodies let’s eat! Bring the family for a fun filled day. There will be 20 gourmet food trucks, beer and sangria. Partnered with some incredible bands, vendors and kid’s activities. Please bring your lawn chairs, blankets and tents. over on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Band, food, beer at Washington Lake Park Amphitheater. Attendees we are also asking for non-perishables.

SAVE THE DATE: Shred Day Event

The Township is hosting a Shred Day on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Washington Township Municipal Building parking lot. Please keep in mind only paper is accepted. LIMIT to four bags/boxes per car. Residents, please bring ID’s as they will be checked to confirm residency. Our next Shred Day event will be held fall of 2024.

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