Livingston is currently in the midst of its annual leaf collection. People who fall under section two (the area south of East and West Mt. Pleasant Avenue and north of East and West Northfield Road) are having their leaves picked up through November 21. This is a great service that allows residents a proper way to dispose of all of the leaves on their property.And yet, we receive reports each week from the fire department about leaf and lawn debris fires in town. Not only does this waste the time of our firefighters, who are being called to investigate these reports of smoke in residential neighborhoods, but it is also dangerous, as one gust of wind can send that burning pile of brush toward a home or wooded area. It is also disrespectful of neighbors.Not only that – it is also illegal.Leaf burning has been outlawed in New Jersey since 1972. In Livingston, it has been illegal even longer; the Tribune archives show an ordinance preventing leaf burning in 1969, an infraction of the township’s air pollution code.“For years the burning leaves has exacted its hazardous effects on those suffering from asthma, nasal allergies, bronchitis and emphysema,” Livingston health officer Paul Jackson said in the October 2, 1969, edition of the Tribune. “Your neighbor and people so affected have every right to live, work and relax in an environment which does not threaten their health and comfort. The Health Department is prepared to take immediate action against those who would threaten this fight of others.”So, think twice before burning the pile of leaves in your yard. There is a proper way to take care of it, one that keeps your neighbors happy and you on the right side of the law.For the ongoing leaf collection, section three (the area south of East and West Northfield Road and West Mt. Pleasant Avenue west of the traffic circle) should put their leaves in the street next week, November 15 through 21, so they may be picked up starting on November 22.And for anyone from sections one (north of East and West Mt. Pleasant Avenue) or two who missed their chance, the entire township may place their leaves on the street from November 28 through December 5, to be collected between November 29 and December 11.Once leaves have been removed from the street during a pickup week, residents should not put more out ...
