Department of Public Works

The mission of the Springfield Public Works Department is to maintain, repair, and improve the infrastructure of the Township. This includes the municipal roads, sidewalks, parking lots, parks, trees, buildings and sewers. This department strives to provide a high level and quality of service for Springfield residents. The Public Works Department (DPW) works with the Engineering Department on maintaining the public infrastructure of the Township.  DPW also oversees:  snow removal, leaf collection, recycling, bulk pick up, shade tree operations and road and park maintenance.

Ken Homlish, Superintendent of Public Works
22 Mountain Avenue
Springfield, New Jersey 07081-1729
Phone: 973-912-8483
Fax: 973-912-2292
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2013 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS GOALS

• Work with OEM to implement Hurricane Sandy “next time” recommendations
• Investigate, locate and document problems: silt buildup, debris snags, downed trees and potential obstructions along Rahway River to minimize flooding potential
• Improve landscaping at municipal “gateways” around the town
• Undertake preventative maintenance program in troubled sewer lines to reduce back-ups
• Develop brochure of services and functions performed by DPW for residents
• Monitor structural integrity of concrete wells at Marion Pump Station. Plan replacement, if necessary, for 2014 capital budget
• “Re-invent” and make improvements to two parks, (TBD) in cooperation with Recreation
• Conduct weekly safety meetings for all DPW employees to review procedures of equipment operation, snow and ice removal and leaf pickup
• Replace roll-off truck due to age of equipment and expense of operation
• Cleanup central equipment and tool storage at the Center Street/Mountain Ave garages

2013 Garbage Collection Services – once a week

Garbage collection services will be done by a private collection company, Regional Industries, LLC of Elizabeth, NJ.

Garbage collection will be once per week.  If your garbage was picked up Monday and Thursday, your garbage collection day will be Thursday.   If your garbage collection was Tuesday and Friday, your garbage collection day will be Friday.  

No garbage pickup July 4^th, but instead Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6 and Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving) but instead Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30.

2013 Curbside Recycling Schedule – every Wednesday starting January 2, 2013

The Township has changed it collection practice to Single Stream recycling.  No more separation of materials is required.  All recyclable and allowable materials can now be put together into one container.   No more sorting of newspaper from glass and cans - all materials become a single stream of material for collection!   Curbside collections are scheduled rain or shine - items must be placed at the curb the evening before pick-up after 6pm.  December 25, 2013 (Wednesday) pickup will be done on Friday, December 27, 2013.  Recycling Information Line is (973) 912-2222.  Any issues with recycling collection services residents should feel free to call Giordano Companies at 800.216.2250.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON THE NEW SINGLE STREAM RECYCLING

2013 Bulk Waste Disposal Schedule - Things to Know

Bulk waste is collected quarterly on the following dates:

March 21-22
June 12-13
September 18-19
December 11-12

If your garbage was picked up in 2012 on Monday and Thursday, your Bulk pickup will be the first day of the two day pickup.  If you garbage pickup was Tuesday and Friday, your Bulk pickup will be the second day of the pickup schedule above.

All material should be out at curbside the evening before pick up.  No appointment is necessary. 

Bulk waste is comprised of a collection of large and/or non-routine waste items collected on a quarterly basis. Bulk waste constitutes larger household waste including household furniture, appliances, light brush not to exceed six feet in length , bundled and tied and not to exceed 60 pounds, broken crockery, carpeting, not to exceed six feet in length, rolled and tied, not to exceed 60 pounds, hot water heaters, and barbecue grills. Specifically excluded are construction material and debris such as sheet rock, lumber, pipe and panelling, concrete and large rocks, stones or logs greater than six inches in diameter, stumps and tree roots, recyclables, electrical items (computers, televisions, etc.), video games, propane tanks and all other hazardous waste. Refrigerators and freezers must have the doors removed. Freon no longer has to be removed by the homeowner from air conditioners, freezers, and all other cooling devices.

Electronics and Computer Recycling

The electronic drop-off program is on the first Saturday of every month at the Springfield Community Pool.  Residents can also recycle leaves, grass and soft vegetative waste, metal items and appliances.   In addition, the County also sponsors free programs to collect computer and electronic equipment such as TV, monitors, phones, speakers, circuit boards, etc.  A schedule of dates is not yet available. Please note: The County will not accept certain equipment such as air conditioners, white goods.  If you choose to use the County services please call 908-654-9889 for a complete list of dates and what is and is not accepted.

Grass Collection – expanded hours 

Township residents may drop their grass clippings off at the DPW garage located at 54 Center Street beginning on Tuesday, April 2 through Friday, October 25. The specific days the clippings may be dropped off are: Tuesday and Friday of each week, 7:00 am through 10:00 am and Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. In addition, grass clippings can be dropped off the first Saturday of every month at the same time and location electronic recycling occurs at the Community Pool.  Clippings may be put in paper recyclable bags or in garbage cans to be dumped into the Township containers on-site.

Under no circumstances can Public Works accept any material placed in plastic bags.

Please do not put grass clipping at the curb for garbage collection since they will not be picked up. The Township must pay a disposal or “tipping charge” for material that is recyclable and should not be put in a landfill. 

Residents are encouraged to become more environmentally responsible and pursue a grass "cut it and leave it" program.

What is “Cut it & Leave it” Grass Recycling Program?

Grass clippings are a major part of the Township of Springfield municipal solid waste stream. Nearly a third of all summer waste generated by homeowners consists of grass clippings. As a Springfield resident you probably already recycle paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, aluminum cans, and more. However, many people may not realize that another material that is easily recyclable is right under their feet, grass. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection estimates that as much as a ton of clippings is generated for every acre of turf grass each year. A lawn that is 5,000 square feet generates 75 pounds of grass clippings per mowing. By just cutting it and leaving it, think of the amount of waste that will be diverted from the solid waste stream.

Grass clippings can be added to the list of common home wastes that can be recycled. Simply leave your clippings on the lawn when you mow, and let nature do the recycling for you. Grass clippings will provide a natural fertilizer for a growing lawn which also helps retain moisture for your lawn, whilereducing weed growth and soil erosion.

When “Cut it & Leave it” is properly done, clippings settle quickly between the growing blades of grass where they shelter the roots from the sun, and conserve moisture. As they break down, they releasemore moisture as well as nutrients into the soil. This means that grass needs to be watered less frequently. Clippings left on the lawn supply one-third or more of the nitrogen needed to keep your grass green and healthy

How to Cut and Leave it...

Why spending time and energy buying bags and throwing the grass clippings into them and then bringingthem to the DPW garage….there is a better a way…

Here is how - cut grass when dry and keep mower blades sharp. Follow the "1/3 Rule": mow your lawn often enough so that no more than 1/3 of the length of the grass blade is cut in any one mowing. Frequent mowing will produce short clippings that will not cover up the grass surface. You may have to cut the lawn every 7 days when the lawn is growing fast but only every 7 to 14 days when the lawn is growing slowly.

The mower collection bag should be removed to allow clippings to drop on the lawn. However, if your mower does not have a safety flap covering the opening where the bag fits into the chute, it is important that you purchase a retrofit kit from your local retailer.

Most lawnmower manufacturers have developed “mulching” mowers which cut grass blades into small pieces and force them into the soil. These types of mowers are effective in grass recycling and have become very popular. Make your next mower a mulching one.

Cut it and leave it is the natural way you can have a green, healthy lawn while spending less time and money and think of the amount of waste that will be diverted from the solid waste stream!

FAQ on Grass Recycling

Q. Do grass clippings cause thatch and lawn disease?
A. No. Research has shown that grass roots are the primary cause of thatch, not grass clippings. Thatch is composed primarily of roots, stems, rhizomes, and other plant materials. These plant materials contain large amounts of lignin (fibrous material) and decompose slowly. Grass clippings are approximately 80-85 percent water with only small amounts of lignin, and decompose rapidly.

Q. Will grass clipping make your lawn look bad?
A. If a lawn is properly mowed, watered, and fertilized, grass clipping can actually produce a healthierlooking lawn. It is important to cut the lawn frequently to produce small clippings that will decompose quickly. If a lawn is not cut frequently and clippings are left on the lawn, it will produce a "hay-like" look which can be unsightly.

Hazardous Waste Collection

Union County sponsors free programs to collect hazardous waste such as aerosol cans, fluorescent light bulbs, antifreeze, caustics, cleaners, corrosives, oil based paints, etc. Dates are announced in the spring. For a more information call the County at 908-654-9889.

Public Works Forms

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