Unity prohibits burning of leaves, grass within township, residents could face fines

Residents of Unity are no longer able to burn leaves and grass on their property after an ordinance was amended during Thursday’s Supervisors meeting.

Code Enforcement Officer Greg Fumea said the township had been receiving complaints of people burning grass in their yards and leaving it “smoldering for two or three days.”

Green grass does not burn easily, and it can cause the surrounding area to smell bad, Fumea said.

Under the old ordinance, residents could cut their grass, throw it into a pile and burn it in their yards. Now, residents can only burn yard waste, which Fumea said can include “little sticks and branches,” as well as “some old flowers you pulled.”

The township’s leaf pickup dates will be Oct. 14, Oct. 28, Nov. 11 and Dec. 1. Residents must contact their garbage hauler to arrange for the service. Leaves can also be dropped off at a designated area behind the township building — but they must be emptied out of the bag.

For leaves being picked up by garbage haulers, residents must place them in biodegradable bags, securely tie them shut and place them at the curb.

Residents caught burning leaves or grass will incur a $100 fine for the first offense and a $300 fine for the second. After that, the fine will “keep increasing,” Fumea said.

“It’ll make it nicer in the spring and fall when people can have their windows open and not smell all that stinky smoke coming through,” Fumea said.