Spring Leaf And Brush Collection Details Announced In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Hamden’s spring leaf and brush collection will begin on April 24, Public Works Director Craig Cesare announced Monday.

As with all spring leaf pickups, only one sweep will be made through the town and bags put out after trucks have passed will not be picked up, according to Cesare.

Leaves must be placed in paper bags (not plastic) and brush must be bundled and tied with string or twine. Bundles should weigh no more than 50 pounds, exceed no more than 4 feet in length and contain no pieces in excess of 4 inches diameter.

Bundled brush and bagged leaves should be placed curbside separate of each other. No items should be placed in the street or in any way block a sidewalk. Disposal of root systems, grass clippings and soil are prohibited, according to Cesare.

Cesare reminds residents of the requirement to bag all of their leaves and yard waste. Only those residences where all occupants are physically disabled or unable to bag their leaves, and have provided the necessary documentation to the town, may rake their leaves to the curb (pursuant to Section 52 of the Code of Ordinance of the Town of Hamden).

“This greatly speeds up the process and allows all residents to have their leaves and yard waste picked up in a timely manner,” according to a news release. “Residents whose leaves are placed at the curb un-bagged without having received permission from the Town to do so run the risk of being fined $100.”

For questions regarding curbside leaf pickup eligibility documentation, contact the Town Attorney's Office at (203) 287-7050.

Leaves cannot be picked up from private roads or from roads that have not been accepted into the town road system, according to Cesare.

Residents on unaccepted and private roads can bring leaves to the transfer station Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. While normally closed, Public Works is offering regular Saturday hours at the transfer station on the following dates: April 24, May 1, May 8.

“Public Works is able to offer this service at no additional cost, as it will be captured in the already contractual Leaf Overtime expense,” according to the news release.

For more information, contact Public Works at 203-287-2600.