Brush Collection Program
The Brush Collection Program runs annually from April 1st through October 31st. As a friendly reminder, October is the final month for brush collection! Brush includes: Fallen tree branches and twigs Small amounts of tree pruning Bagged grass and hedge clippings Land-clearing debris will not be collected under any circumstances. Private arrangements must be made for the removal of land-clearing debris. Please refer to the 2026 Brush Schedule, located on the back cover of the 2026 Sanitation and Recycling Schedule, to determine when your final brush collection will occur. All remaining brush must be placed at the curb before the start date of the last scheduled pickup in your area. Once crews make their final pass through your area during the scheduled October collection period, they will not return until April 2027, when the Brush Collection Program resumes. Fall Leaf Collection Program
The Fall Leaf Collection Program generally begins in mid-to-late October and continues until winter weather curtails operations. Loose Leaf Collection Loose leaves will be collected approximately every 25 working days, depending on scheduling and weather conditions. This generally means that residents can expect approximately one to two loose-leaf vacuum pickups during the fall season. Every residence is guaranteed at least one pickup, and the Highway Department will make every effort to provide an additional pickup as weather and scheduling allow. For example, if your first loose-leaf pickup does not occur until late November, you will likely not receive another loose-leaf pickup. At that point, leaves will need to be bagged. In the event of an early frost before December 1st, residents may be required to transition to bagging leaves sooner than anticipated. Residents will be notified if this becomes necessary. Leaf Bag Collection There is no set schedule for leaf-bag pickup. Crews will continue collecting properly prepared leaf bags as often as time allows until winter weather curtails operations. Important: Any leaves placed at the curb after December 1st must be bagged — no exceptions. Leaves placed in biodegradable paper leaf bags will be collected throughout the Fall Leaf Collection Program as often as time allows. Leaf bags must be placed curbside for collection. Leaf bags are available for purchase at Berger Hardware in Hawthorne and at other local in-town home centers. Help Us Keep Leaf Collection Safe & Efficient
The leaves collected through this program are turned into compost and redistributed to residents in the spring for use in gardens and flower beds. To help us maintain a successful and efficient leaf recycling program, loose leaves must not be mixed with brush, branches, trash, or other materials. Mixed materials will not be collected. Brush and trash mixed with leaves: Slow the decomposition process Result in a less desirable compost product Can clog leaf-vacuum equipment Cause interruptions and delays in collection Please remember: Loose leaves must be raked into a neat pile at the curb. Do not place leaves in the roadway under any circumstances. This creates a safety hazard and is a violation of Town Code Section 166-7 Yard Waste. Wet leaves can create slipping hazards for drivers and pedestrians. Leaves can clog catch basins, potentially contributing to flooding. Leaves left in the roadway can create additional problems in the event of an early snowstorm. Residents should advise landscapers and anyone maintaining their property not to blow leaves into the roadway. All leaves must be bagged by December 1st. This is necessary because trucks and equipment must be converted in preparation for winter snow-removal operations, and crews must be allocated accordingly. Why does loose-leaf collection begin in mid-to-late October?
The timing of the majority of leaf drop varies from year to year and is dependent on weather conditions. For this reason, the start of loose-leaf collection is generally scheduled for mid-to-late October rather than on a fixed date. Leave ‘Em In Place
The Town of Mount Pleasant is one of fourteen municipalities that encourages the “Leave ‘Em In Place” approach to leaf management. Residents are encouraged to consider using a mulching mower and leaving leaves in place rather than bagging or piling them for collection. Leaving leaves in place: Saves time and money Eliminates the need for bags or curbside leaf piles Reduces the amount of equipment needed for collection Reduces the transportation and processing Helps reduce our carbon footprint Returns valuable organic material to your lawn Leave ‘Em In Place is a more efficient approach — and your lawn and our environment will thank you! Questions?
Please feel free to contact the Highway Department Office with any questions or concerns. Highway Department Phone: (914) 769-1045 Thank you for your anticipated cooperation. We wish all of our residents a wonderful and safe fall season ahead!