Newark DPW Announces 2026 Leaf Collection Schedule: Free Bag Distribution for Seniors

As autumn foliage begins to cover the Brick City, Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Rodney Hadley have announced that the City of Newark will launch its annual Leaf Recycling Collection on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, running through Friday, January 29, 2027.

Yard waste will be collected Monday through Friday across all five wards. To ensure smooth collection and prevent autumn street flooding, residents are required to place leaves in biodegradable paper bags at the curb the night before collection, between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

“Our crews are working hard this fall to collect leaves and keep Newark’s streets clean, and residents can make that work go further,” said Director Hadley. “If you have a garden, leaves make excellent mulch, and they break down well in a backyard compost pile. Whatever you do bag, however, should be put at the curb and out of the street. Leaves that wash into the gutters clog storm drains and can flood your block after heavy rain.”

Service Center Drop-Off Locations

In addition to curbside pickup, Newark residents may bring leaves and yard debris directly to designated DPW Service Centers on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.:

• North Ward: 61 Verona Avenue
• West/Central Ward: 244 South 12th Street
• East Ward: 29 Waydell Street
• South Ward: 99 Earl Street

Key Collection Rules and Compliance Guidelines

The Department of Public Works reminds all residents and property owners to follow state and local leaf disposal regulations:

• Biodegradable Paper Bags Only: Leaves must be placed strictly in biodegradable paper bags (available at local hardware stores). Plastic bags are prohibited. Failure to use paper bags will result in municipal fines and uncollected yard waste.
• Do Not Blow Leaves Into Streets: Sweeping, blowing, or raking leaves into streets or gutters violates state regulations and risks severe storm drain blockages. Non-compliance penalties range from $100 to $1,000.
• Separate Large Branches: Leaf bags may contain grass trimmings and small garden debris, but large tree branches must be bundled and tied separately.
• Landscaper Responsibility: If a hired landscaping contractor maintains your lawn, the contractor is legally required to haul away and dispose of all yard waste.
• Backyard Composting Preferred: Residents with home gardens are encouraged to use leaves for backyard compost piles or ground mulch to reduce municipal waste at the source.

Free Bag Distribution for Senior Citizens

To support older adults, Newark residents aged 62 and older can receive free biodegradable leaf bags by showing a valid ID at any of the following locations, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.:

For real-time service alerts and program updates throughout the fall and winter, visit the Department of Public Works portal at dpw.newarknj.gov.