Claude Shaffer, Westfield Superintendent of Public Works, said the leaf pick up is going well if a little slowly as many trees are yet to drop their leaves. "The beginning of the pick up was light, we usually get the most leaves at our first pass,"  he said. Difficult to do this year, as trees are still displaying healthy looking green leaves.

Leaf pick up officially began Oct. 18 and will continue through Dec. 3.  Last year leaf cleanup was done by Dec. 12, but because of this year's late start, Shaffer estimated that it may take until Dec. 17 to complete the job.

The town is divided into 10 leaf collection areas. Four crews of two trucks each are currently in the town's area 6, bordered by Dudley Ave. and Prospect St. and area 10 bordered by Rahway Ave. and Clifton St. Check here for further info or call the 'leaf hotline' 908-789-4120 to see when crews will be in your neighborhood.

Township residents are permitted to place leaves in the street 12 inches from the curb and at least 10 feet from any storm sewer.  Although the town is not distributing free bio-degradable leaf bags this year, their use is encouraged.  Do not places sticks and branches in the street with leaves. Westfield residents may drop them off at the  Conservation Center at 1300 Lamberts Mill Rd., with proof of residency such as a NJ Driver's License or a town decal on their car.