Residents and municipalities prepare for fall leaf pickup

SUSSEX COUNTY-Fall foliage makes Sussex County a picture perfect tourist attraction in autumn months, when visitors are often awed by the brilliant colors of our landscapes. But if you're a homeowner here, you know those beautiful leaves will eventually end up covering your lawn and will be on your weekend list of chores. Raking, blowing and bagging leaves have long been a regular autumn weekend event for many families. Many towns in Sussex County help by providing free pickup and disposal of the leaves. In Sparta, leaves packed in biodegradable paper bags will be picked up the week of Nov. 1 through Nov. 5 and again the week of Nov. 29 through Dec. 3. Bundled brush tied in four-foot lengths will also be picked up curbside during those weeks. There is no limit on number of leaf bags and brush bundles. Pickups will be on a random basis and all bagged leaves and bundled brush must be placed at curbside by 7 a.m. on Nov. 1 and Nov. 29 to ensure pickup. Biodegradable paper bags are available for purchase at the Sparta Township Department of Public Works, the Sparta Library and the Health Department during business hours for 30 cents each. Leaves and brush may also be deposited throughout the year at the Sparta Recycling Center at 15 Prices Lane. The center is open during the months of October, November and December from 8 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesdays, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Hours differ in spring and summer months and the recycling center is closed January through March. Andover Township residents may place bagged leaves at curbside throughout the month of November. The township road department picks up leaves in regular sweeps through the township throughout the month. Leaves must be in biodegradable paper bags, which can be purchased from local hardware stores. Andover Township also provides bulk pickup of any items other than hazardous waste, wood or car parts. Residents may put out items in any amount on the Wednesday of the second full working week of each month. Byram Township picks up bagged leaves on Nov. 15 and again on Dec. 6. The leaves must be in biodegradable paper bags, which can be purchased at the township hall for 25 cents each or from outside sources.