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Scarsdale May Cease Loose Leaf Collection In 2015

SCARSDALE, N.Y. – After lengthy discussions with various village leaders and organizations, the Scarsdale Board of Trustees is debating whether to eliminate village-wide leaf collection next winter.

Scarsdale officials have encouraged the introduction of mulch mowing, a technique that is utilized at all official village locations.

Scarsdale officials have encouraged the introduction of mulch mowing, a technique that is utilized at all official village locations.

Photo Credit: Contributed

With municipalities throughout Westchester County looking to trim their budgets as unfunded mandates continue to escalate, a resolution has been referred to the trustees that would mark the end of the annual leaf vacuuming the village conducted at the edge of its 5,600 residences.

If the resolution passes, the village will save nearly $1 million that is spent on the leaf-collection program each year. Homeowners are instead being encouraged to utilize the mulch-mowing technique as part of the “Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em” initiative that was launched several years ago.

“It is recognized that the village board has a responsibility and duty to consider alternate methods and programs changes that would, in this instance, manage leaves in a manner that may be more beneficial to the environment, smarter for lawn maintenance and require less public resources and intervention in the collection of fall leaves,” the resolution reads.

Under the resolution, the village still will continue to collect leaves, but they must be placed curbside on a specified day each in specified biodegradable bags. The village also will accept bagged or loose leaves brought to the Crossway Leaf Transfer Station.

After months of debate and discussion, the trustees are expected to make a determination on village leaf collection policies early next year.

The entire resolution can be read here. What do you think about the village’s proposal to alter its leaf collection policies? Vote in our poll and continue the conversation in the comments section.

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