The Alternative Press

LIVINGSTON, NJ - The Livingston Township Council decided Monday not to further examine a local couple’s attempt to potentially save the town money in its collection and disposal of leaves during the autumn months.

Livingston collects an estimated 38,000 cubic yards of leaves every fall, according to Judy and Haim Grabel, who head the Livingston Compost Promotion Team.  After collecting the leaves, the town hauls them across the state for composting where they are put through a grinding machine.  The Grabels want the town to purchase a leaf grinder to use, which they say will reduce the volume of leaves that needs to be hauled, with the added bonus of creating compost for residents to use.

“The question is the bottom line. Not exactly what one person wants, but what is better for the town,” Judy Grabel said. “I know (the current collection and disposal method) was working for a long time, but the question is whether there is a better way or a cheaper way of doing it.”

Township officials examined the proposal and said it was not feasible, the council said.  According to a memo prepared for the council regarding the matter, Livingston does not have the ability to deliver the compost to residents nor would residents be allowed to pick up the shredded leaves from the town. 

Councilman Gary Schneiderman said they were also informed that the reduction in leaf volume performed by a leaf grinder would not reach a point where the town saved money over the long term.

According to the Grabels, a reduction in volume of 30 percent to 50 percent would save Livingston $266,000 over two to three years.  The township’s evaluation and memo regarding the proposal was not made available during Monday’s meeting.

Schneiderman said he was not against the idea of spending to save, but that in this instance it did not make sense.

“Our professionals did not agree with those numbers, that there are going to be those savings,” Schneiderman said.

The Grabels received feedback from 170 residents who expressed interest in a program where they received the compost.  The council and the Grabels argued over whether or not leaves being put through a grinder was compost or mulch – essentially debating the validity of whether that many people would be interested in the program. Deputy Mayor Stephen A. Santola said he did not know who would want the compost.

The council, however, kept stressing the point that even if money would be saved, they could not operate such a program.  But Mayor Rudy Fernandez commended the Grabels for their efforts to help the town.

“It really hasn’t caught much traction. I don’t necessarily agree with the position, but I certainly respect all the work that you have done,” Fernandez said.