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Delanco committee introduces ordinance to set scheduled curbside brush pickup
Summary
The Township Committee introduced Ordinance 2026-12 to set curbside brush pickup on a regular schedule (every other week Monday) to replace the current call-in system; public works raised safety and operational concerns and staff will pilot the change.
The Delanco Township Committee on July 13 introduced Ordinance 2026-12, which would amend Chapter 135 to regulate the amount and diameter of brush, limbs and stumps that residents may place curbside and to establish a scheduled pickup every other week (proposed on the recycling week, with Monday collections).
Township Administrator Deb explained the proposal is intended to eliminate call-in scheduling and give residents predictable service weeks: "Everyone will know exactly what date they're coming around," she said (SEG 1579–1586). Public Works Superintendent John cautioned that the chipper is the department's most dangerous equipment and that unsorted or tangled piles — nails, pipes, fence pieces and logs — create hazards and slow operations. He recommended continuing quality controls and reiterated crew-safety concerns (SEG 1616–1632).
Committee members agreed to try a schedule approach, with conditions: keep rules about how to stack and face brush for safe pickup; allow staff discretion for storm responses; and monitor the workload during winter and peak seasons. "We'll give it a shot," Mayor Kate said; the committee voted to introduce the ordinance by title and set a public hearing for Aug. 3 (SEG 1906–1913; 1918–1931).
Why it matters: Regularized pickup could reduce resident calls, improve collection predictability and reduce storm-related street obstructions. The change will require an ordinance amendment and will be subject to public hearing and potential future revisions depending on operational impact.
Next steps: Ordinance 2026-12 was introduced by title on July 13; a public hearing and final vote are scheduled for Aug. 3. Staff will pilot or monitor the new schedule, emphasize stacking rules to residents, and report back if additional resources or changes are required.
