Do fall leaves leave you guessing what to do next in Ridgewood? You want your curb to look great and you do not want a fine, but the rules and dates can feel confusing. This quick guide walks you through yard waste basics, leaf season, drop-off options, and easy ways to stay compliant. Let’s dive in.
Ridgewood yard waste basics
What counts as yard waste
Yard waste includes grass clippings, plant trimmings, branches, twigs, and leaves. Ridgewood runs curbside collection plus a separate leaf season with special rules. You can confirm details on the Village’s Yard Waste & Leaf Collection page.
Container and bundle rules
Outside leaf season, set out yard waste in containers up to 32 gallons and 80 lb total weight, or in biodegradable paper lawn and leaf bags. Do not use plastic bags. Bundle branches and tie them in manageable stacks up to about 3 feet long and 2 inches in diameter.
For current rules and pickup guidance, check the Village’s Yard Waste & Leaf Collection page and the Recycle Coach app.
Leaf season rules and timing
When and where to place
Leaf season typically runs from mid October through early December. During leaf season, you may place leaves directly along the curbline in the street on your neighborhood’s scheduled placement dates, or use approved paper bags. Ridgewood mails an annual Leaf Flyer in October and posts updates online. See the Village’s Yard Waste & Leaf Collection page for current-year dates.
Keep piles safe and clean
Keep leaf piles at least 10 feet from storm-drain inlets. Do not mix brush, branches, rocks, or trash into leaf piles. Brush is not collected curbside during leaf season. Property owners are responsible for compliance even if a landscaper does the work.
Learn more in the Ridgewood municipal code on yard waste placement and enforcement.
Curbside pickup outside leaf season
Outside leaf season, all yard waste must be containerized or bagged in biodegradable paper bags. Do not place loose yard waste in the street. Branches should be bundled and tied to the size limits listed above. Check the Village schedule or Recycle Coach for your pickup days on the Yard Waste & Leaf Collection page.
Recycling Center drop-off
Prefer to handle disposal yourself or missed a pickup? The Ridgewood Recycling Center is at 203 E. Glen Ave. behind Fire Headquarters. Typical hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and closed Wednesday, but hours can change. Bring proof of residency; if you arrive with plastic bags, you must slit and empty them yourself.
For today’s hours, materials accepted, and compost or wood-chip availability, visit the Yard Waste & Leaf Collection page or call DPW Yard Waste & Leaf Removal at 201-670-5500 ext. 5517.
Avoid fines and violations
Enforcement and penalties
Ridgewood prohibits sweeping, raking, or blowing yard waste into streets except during official leaf placement dates. Violations can carry fines up to $2,000 per violation, per block and lot. Owners remain responsible for violations by contractors. See the municipal code for details.
No leaf burning
Open burning of fallen leaves and most plant material is prohibited under New Jersey law. Do not burn leaves. Review the state regulation for exceptions and enforcement.
Landscaper and blower rules
Commercial use of powered landscaping equipment in residential zones is limited to set hours on weekdays and is restricted on Saturdays. It is not permitted on Sundays or federal holidays. Homeowners are accountable for contractor violations. Confirm allowed hours in Chapter 222 of Ridgewood’s code. To reduce noise and complaints, consider raking or battery-powered tools within permitted hours.
Smart habits for sellers
- Plan your yard work to match the Village’s placement dates so your curb looks neat during showings.
- Keep walks and driveways clear of leaves for safe access.
- Share your neighborhood’s leaf dates and set-out rules with your landscaper in writing.
- Before storms, check that leaf piles are not near drains to reduce flood risk.
Composting made simple
Backyard composting can turn leaves into useful garden material and reduce curbside volume. Mix brown materials like dry leaves with green materials like grass clippings, keep the pile slightly moist, and turn it for air. For county programs, bin sales, and education, explore Bergen County Utilities Authority resources and the BCUA compost bin sale page.
Quick reference checklist
- Use containers up to 32 gallons and 80 lb, or paper lawn and leaf bags.
- Bundle branches up to about 3 feet long and 2 inches in diameter.
- During leaf season, place leaves at the curb only on your scheduled dates.
- Keep piles 10 feet from storm drains and free of brush or debris.
- No plastic bags curbside. No open burning of leaves.
- For drop-off, go to 203 E. Glen Ave. with proof of residency.
- Confirm current-year dates on the Yard Waste & Leaf Collection page and the Recycle Coach app.
If you are buying or selling in Ridgewood, a clean, compliant yard helps your home show its best and avoids last-minute hassles. For local guidance that covers timelines, prep, and neighborhood know-how, connect with Miriam Yu.
FAQs
When does Ridgewood pick up leaves each fall?
- Leaf season typically runs mid October to early December, with placement dates mailed to residents and posted online; check the Village’s Yard Waste & Leaf Collection page or the Recycle Coach app for your schedule.
How should you set out branches in Ridgewood?
- Outside leaf season, bundle and tie branches up to about 3 feet long and 2 inches in diameter; set them out with other yard waste as scheduled.
What are Ridgewood’s yard waste container rules?
- Use cans up to 32 gallons and 80 lb or biodegradable paper bags; plastic bags are not accepted at the curb.
Can you burn leaves in New Jersey?
- No. New Jersey prohibits open burning of leaves, with narrow exceptions; review the state regulation for details.
What if my landscaper breaks the rules?
- The property owner can be cited and fined, even if a contractor placed the material; confirm dates, set-out rules, and allowed equipment hours with your landscaper.
Where is the Ridgewood Recycling Center and what should I bring?
- The Recycling Center is at 203 E. Glen Ave. behind Fire Headquarters; bring proof of residency and be prepared to empty plastic bags yourself if used.
Links and references:
- Village of Ridgewood Yard Waste & Leaf Collection: https://rpd.ridgewoodnj.net/179/Yard-Waste-Leaf-Collection
- Ridgewood code — yard waste placement and enforcement: https://ecode360.com/6696057
- Ridgewood code — power tools and landscaper hours: https://ecode360.com/6694351
- NJDEP regulation — open burning prohibition: https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-7-27-2-3
- BCUA recycling and waste resources: https://www.bcua.org/recycling-waste
- BCUA compost bin sale and education: https://bcua.compostersale.com/home/
