Lakewood, NJ Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered material
- Leaves, grass clippings and brush
- Set-out window
- 7 days before scheduled collection
- Storm drain buffer
- 10 feet minimum
- First offense fine
- Up to $100
- Repeat offense fine
- Up to $300, plus up to 90 days jail
Summary
Lakewood Township, Ocean County, only allows loose leaves, grass and brush at the curb during the seven days before a scheduled pickup, and never within 10 feet of a storm drain. First offense costs up to $100.
Sweeping, raking, blowing or otherwise placing yard waste that is not containerized at the curb or along the street is only allowed during the seven days prior to a scheduled and announced collection, and shall not be placed closer than 10 feet from any storm drain inlet. Placement of such yard waste at the curb or along the street at any other time or in any other manner is a violation of this section.
Full Breakdown
2 defines yard waste narrowly as "leaves, grass clippings, and brush," and requires that anything not containerized, meaning not placed in a can, bucket or bag, be handled under strict placement rules. 1 is to "protect public health safety and welfare" while keeping loose leaves and grass out of the storm drain system, which the 10-foot buffer directly enforces. 4, distinct from the enforcement team named for recycling and solid waste violations elsewhere in Chapter 21.
Violations & Fines
Section 21-6.5 fixes its own penalty for the yard waste program, separate from Chapter 1's general fine: violators face "a fine not to exceed $100 for the first offense and $300 for subsequent offenses and/or incarceration in the County Jail for up to 90 days for each and every violation."
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I rake leaves to the curb in Lakewood Township?
How close to a storm drain can I pile yard waste?
What is the fine for putting out yard waste at the wrong time in Lakewood Township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
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Yard Waste Collection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle yard waste collection.