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Add as a preferred sourceRockaway Borough has five curbside leaf collections left this year, and the next pickup is Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Vegetative collection, which covers leaves, grass and brush, runs every other Wednesday from April through December, according to the Borough’s 2026 Recycling News. The remaining dates are:
- Wednesday, Oct. 28
- Wednesday, Nov. 11
- Wednesday, Nov. 25
- Wednesday, Dec. 9
- Wednesday, Dec. 23
Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, when Borough offices are closed, but it is still listed as a collection date. Residents can check the Borough website or the Recycle Coach app for any schedule updates, or call the Borough at 973-627-2000.
How to set out leaves in Rockaway Borough
Put leaves and grass in biodegradable brown paper bags or open containers with handles. Each bag or container must weigh no more than 50 pounds, and the carrier recommends 32-gallon cans with handles to help stay under the limit.
Keep brush separate from leaves and grass. Branches must be tied with string in bundles no more than 18 inches across and 4 feet long, and limbs over 3 inches in diameter will not be taken. The Borough asks residents to have everything at the curb the night before.
Do not sweep leaves into the street or gutter. Borough code prohibits throwing leaves into the street.
Rockaway Township works differently
Rockaway Township, a separate municipality, collects grass, leaves and brush weekly from April through December. Pickup days depend on your address, so Township residents should enter their address under the My Schedule tab on the Township recycling page or use the ReCollect app.
Township leaves must go in brown biodegradable bags or cans labeled Vegetative Waste, no heavier than 50 pounds each. Free labels are available at the Municipal Building. Residents can also drop off leaves and brush at the McVeigh Recycle Yard, which is closed to landscapers and commercial vehicles.
Township code bans blowing leaves onto the street, curb, catch basins or any body of water. Questions go to the Rockaway Township Department of Public Works at 973-983-2891.
