September 1, 2006
Dear Madison Resident:
Last year the State of New Jersey instituted new Storm
Water Management Regulations that severely restricted the flow of debris
into catch basins. Madison reacted to this law by encouraging residents to
place leaves in biodegradable bags, extending the curbside collection of
yard waste to the end of the year, opening the Borough garage to allow
residents and contractors to bring leaves to the yard during regular
business hours and forbidding leaves to be raked into the street.
This first attempt to meet the requirements was
somewhat successful but changes are necessary. Last year we were lucky.
The weather allowed Madison to continue to pick up leaves at the curbside
until February 28th. During most winter seasons this is not
possible. In the future, work must be completed by the end of the year.
Therefore, a stronger effort must be made by residents
to reduce the amount of leaves brought to the curb. Free bags are
available at the Public Works garage on John Avenue beginning October 2nd.
If you prefer not to bag your leaves, you or your landscaper may transport
them to the Borough Garage on Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30
p.m. from October 23rd until December 29th. Someone
at the garage will direct you to the leaf pile when you arrive.
In order to make the collection of leaves that are
brought to the curb more efficient, we must return to placing the leaves
in the street. This allows our workforce to use front-end loaders for
pickup when leaves are wet. The State will allow this change only if
leaves in the street are picked up within seven days. The
workforce can only meet this requirement if the size and number of leaf
piles are reduced and the pickup schedule is precisely followed.
For purposes of leaf collection the Borough will be
divided into two sections with Main Street and Madison Avenue as the
dividing line. Those living north of Main or Madison Avenue (closer to
Florham Park) will have leaves collected between October 23rd
and November 4th. Those residents to the south of Main or
Madison Avenue (closer to Chatham Township) will have their leaves picked
up between November 6th and November 22nd. A second
collection will be made in both areas from November 27th to the
end of the year. It is most important that you do not place leaves
in the street until your section of town is scheduled for pickup as you
could be subject to a fine.
We ask for your patience, understanding and cooperation
so that Madison can meet the storm water management regulations. If you
require additional information regarding this plan, please call the
Department of Public Works at (973) 593-3088. The Borough of Madison will
do everything possible to effectively collect your leaves under this
stringent state law.
David Maines
Superintendent of Public Works
