FAQs • West Orange, NJ • CivicEngage

What do I do if I have a problem with my sanitary sewer?: If you have a stoppage in your sewer connection, please contact us. The town is only responsible for the main sewer and will inspect it to make sure it is functioning properly. If there is no problem with the main line, then the problem is in your connection. The home owner must have their connection cleaned out or repaired by a plumber or sewer cleaning service.

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Public Works

1. How do I dispose of grass clippings?: Grass clippings should be placed in plastic bags and disposed of with the regular garbage. Please do not place grass in brown paper bags, as these bags will be perceived as recyclables and will not be picked up with the garbage.

2. What do I do with my leaves?: From October 22nd to December 14th, Public Works picks up curbside leaf piles on every street in the town with the exception of county roads. Leaves at curbside shall be placed according to the leaf schedule on the website. There are usually at least two loose leaf pickups per season, weather permitting. From October to the end of December and from March to the end of May leaves can be placed in biodegradable paper bags for pick up. During March thru May residents should contact Public Works to schedule a leaf bag pick up. Leaf bags can be purchased from the Engineering Department (25 Lakeside Avenue),the Purchasing Department (66 Main Street) or the Environmental Center (590 Mt. Pleasant Avenue) for .40 cents each bag (5/$2.00). These biodegradable bags are for leaves ONLY, bags containing materials other than leaves, such as grass, branches, dirt, or stones will not be accepted. Home owners residing on a county road should contact the Essex County Public Works to get a Fall Leaf Pick up Schedule.

3. What do I do with tree branches?: Residents are encouraged to bring vegetative waste to the Environmental Center located at 590 Mt. Pleasant Avenue. However, tree branches cut into three (3) foot lengths and bundled together are acceptable for the regular garbage pickup. If the branches have fallen off a town tree or the branch is blocking the street, please contact Public Works for removal.

4. How do I get my town tree trimmed or removed?: In general, town trees are located either on town property or within ten (10) feet of the curb line on town streets. If a tree needs to be trimmed or removed, contact us and our Shade Tree Supervisor will come out to assess the condition of the tree and determine what the tree needs. The town does NOT service trees on private property or along county and state roads except in emergency situations.

5. How do I get a pothole repaired?: For potholes on township streets, contact us. Someone from our road division will come out and assess whether it is a pothole or a sinking utility trench. We will either repair the pothole or inform the responsible agency if is not under our jurisdiction. Residents are encouraged to report any potholes immediately.

6. How do I get my street swept?: The street are swept either on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule. However, sometimes because of mechanical breakdowns or other events, including cold and snowy weather, the sweepers may not be able to adhere to their schedule. If your street has not been swept in several weeks, please contact us.

7. How do I get my street snow plowed?: During snow emergencies, the township plows the local township streets. Essex County plows the county roads and the State plows I-280 and Route 10. There are approximately 100 miles of township streets to plow,and we will service all the streets as soon as possible. In cases of medical, fire, police or other similar emergencies that require immediate attention, please call 911. It may be impossible to plow a street if it is blocked by parked vehicles or other barriers until they are removed.

8. What do I do if I have a problem with my sanitary sewer?: If you have a stoppage in your sewer connection, please contact us. The town is only responsible for the main sewer and will inspect it to make sure it is functioning properly. If there is no problem with the main line, then the problem is in your connection. The home owner must have their connection cleaned out or repaired by a plumber or sewer cleaning service.

9. What do I do if my recyclables are not collected?: If your recyclables were not picked up on the scheduled day please contact us t 973-325-4121 and we will inform Suburban Disposal.

10. What do I do if I have a problem with my water, electricity or gas?: Any water issues in your home (poor water pressure, water quality, no water) should be directed to New Jersey American Water Company at 1-800-652-6987.
Any electricity or gas issues in your home (no electricity, gas odor) should be directed to PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734

11. What do I do if a street light is out on my street?: You can either contact us at Public Works and we will fax the information to PSE&G, or you can contact them directly at 1-800-436-7734. Please give us the street address where the defective street light is located and the pole number (located on a metal tag on the street side of the pole).
Requests for additional street lighting should be directed to the Township Engineer.

12. What do I do if there is water running in the street?: If you see water running on the street or by a fire hydrant you may contact us and we will send someone to assess the situation. We will notify the appropriate agency for repair.

13. What if the catch basin at the curb line has debris or is in need of repair?: If you see debris in the catch basin causing water not to drain please contact us and we will have some one come out and clear it. If the catch basin is damaged, contact us and we will repair it. If the basin is on a State or County road, we will make the appropriate referral for cleaning or repairs.

14. What do I do if a street sign is down or has graffiti on it?: Please contact us if a street sign is damaged or down (parking restrictions, street name, directional signs) we will send someone from our traffic division to repair or replace it. If the sign belongs to the County or State, we will contact them.

15. Who can help me if I have issues or concerns with a neighboring home owner?: Issues and concerns with private properties (lawn maintenance, tree maintenance, home repairs) should be directed to Property Maintenance. The Property Maintenance inspectors can be reached at the Zoning Department. 973-325-4119

16. What do I do if my property was damaged by a town owned vehicle?: Any property damaged caused by the Public Works should be directed to the Business Administrator's Office to file an insurance claim.

17. The town removed a dead town tree from in front of my home, how do I get a replacement tree?: You can contact our Town Forester at (973) 325-4015 or contact us at Public Works and you will be put on a list for tree planting. For more information on when or what kind of tree please contact the Town Forester.

18. What do I do if there is broken glass or paint on the street ?: If there is broken glass on the street due to car accident or dropped recycables contact us and we will send a sweeper out to take care of it.
If paint is spilled on the road contact us and our traffic department will do their best to cover the paint on the street. Latex paint should be mixed with sand prior to disposal to prevent spills.

19. My street needs to be repaved, who do I contact?: For street resurfacing or paving questions please contact the Engineering Department at (973)325-4160. If your street scheduled to be repaved and you have questions regarding any aspects of the job, you may also contact the Engineering Department.