Leaves

By recycling leaves, we remove approximately 12,000 tons per year from the waste stream and avoid approximately $1.67 million in disposal fees. Recycling our leaves provides us with the materials needed to make compost that is available to our residents at no cost. Hamilton Township is an environmentally conscious town. Through our environmental leadership and smart growth initiatives, we attained Greentown, USA status, making us one of just a few municipalities in the state to attain that distinction. 

When the township's leaf program is not in progress, leaves can be put out on your regularly scheduled garbage day in bags. When leaves are put out for regular garbage, bags must be tied and not weigh more than 50 pounds. Also, there is a 7 bag limit (total bags including household garbage) to the amount of bags/containers you can place curbside for regular garbage pickup.

Fall Leaf Disposal Options

There are four easy ways for our residents to dispose of leaves each Fall (November/December). 

GUTTER LEAVES 

Due to Stormwater Management Regulations (NJAC 7:8), municipalities are required to follow strict guidelines for minimizing nonpoint source pollution. These new regulations require that all non-containerized leaves be placed in the gutter no more than seven (7) days prior to scheduled pickup, and leaves cannot be placed closer than ten (10) feet from the storm drain. 

The Township has created a detailed gutter leaf pick-up schedule. Non-containerized gutter leaves will be collected from November 3, 2025, through December 26, 2025. After December 26, 2025, leaves can be placed in open, biodegradable paper bags or containers with handles only. You may call HAMStat at 609-586-0311 for pickup. As always, leaves can be dropped off at the Ecological Facility on Kuser Road.

2025 Fall Leaf Collection Schedule Street-by-Street (PDF)

BAGGED LEAVES 

Beginning on November 3, 2025, through December 26, 2025, leaf collection crews will pick up bagged leaves. 

Leaves may only be placed curbside in OPEN BIO-DEGRADABLE BAGS or open rigid containers with handles (NO PLASTIC BAGS OR RECYCLING BUCKETS). The weight of the open biodegradable bag or container cannot exceed 50 pounds. You may also place your bagged leaves out for pickup during your scheduled gutter leaf collection. Once the leaf program ends, please call the HAMStat Call Center at 609-586-0311 for disposal guidelines. 

RESIDENTIAL LEAF BIN DROP-OFF SITES

If you do not wish to wait for collection, you may drop off your leaves at one of the convenient locations available from October 20, 2025, through December 19, 2025. Bags must be emptied; no debris or branches.

Contractors are PROHIBITED from using these drop-off sites, as well as curbside pickup, per Ordinance No. 420-28 (c). Violators will be prosecuted under illegal dumping Ordinance No. 289-2.

  • Pearson House on Hobson Ave.
  • Snell-Wilkus Park (Shadybrook Park) - Ruth Ave.
  • 320 Scully Ave.
  • Public Service - Right of Way - Hamilton Ave. & Donald Dr.
  • Bromley Park - Hollywood Dr.
  • Whitehead Manor Park - Whitehead Rd. - off Fifth Ave.
  • Cornell Heights Playground - Amherst Ave.
  • Warwick Park - off Quakerbridge Rd. - end of lot
  • George Dick Field - Wegner Ave. (HGSA)
  • Estates Blvd. & Shady Ln.
  • Flock Rd. at dead end
  • Switlik Park (near batting cages)
  • Nottingham Little League
  • Dead end of Estates Blvd. by Great Oak Rd.
  • Drialo Playground off Yardville-Allentown Rd.

ECOLOGICAL FACILITY 

A final option is to bring your leaves to Hamilton's Ecological Facility on Kuser Road. The Ecological Facility is open daily Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 3:30 PM, with the exception of November 4th, November 11th, November 27th, November 28th, and December 25th.