In the Township’s Winter 2023 newsletter, Upper Allen described how the leaf program was then being run: primarily with dump trucks and vacuum hoses. The newsletter said the fall operation runs about 10 weeks, collected over 500 tons of leaves in Fall 2022, used about 2,500 gallons of diesel, and involved eight staffers with overtime. It also described the operation as costing roughly a quarter-million dollars, with about $125,000 tied to labor and equipment.

During a Board of Commissioners meeting, Township discussion touched related compost-processing equipment. Officials referenced use of a County-owned barrel grinder, and noted a practical risk with that arrangement: “if you break it, you buy it.” That is one of the clearer official references I found to equipment-related cost exposure in the Township’s leaf/compost handling process. 

The Board discussed amending Chapter 210 so Upper Allen could apply for a PA DEP Round 62 Recycling Program Development and Implementation grant for new leaf collection equipment. The request specifically named a MACK chassis and a HIAB Multi Lift Hook Loader Leaf Collector, and staff said the new equipment would improve efficiency and safety. The Board authorized advertising the ordinance changes for later adoption.

Upper Allen changed the way residents were told to stage leaves. The Fall 2024 newsletter said the Township was doing away with zones and instead asked residents to place piles at the curb on Monday mornings, with Public Works circulating throughout the Township during the week. The newsletter again noted that service is weather dependent and could be suspended if winter weather arrived

The Board approved buying a new 2026 Mack Truck Chassis and a Swaploader & Hook Loader Leaf Collector from Stephenson Equipment under COSTARS pricing. The minutes list:

• Mack chassis: $179,291

• Swaploader / hook loader leaf collector: $264,618.40

• Total budgeted amount: $444,824

• DEP grant award: $200,000

• Net Township cost: not to exceed $244,824

• Expected delivery: approximately one year
  
  

The motion also included divesting Truck #1, a 2010 Freightliner large dump truck/plow/spreader, once the new equipment was delivered. Township staff said the new equipment would be safer, more efficient, and easily operable by one person.

The Township’s leaf collection page shows the 2025 program running from October 6 through December 12, 2025. The page still warns that leaf collection is weather dependent and says mixed piles containing grass, sticks, ornamental plants, or other vegetation will not be collected. 

• weather can suspend the service entirely, which affects collection operations, 

• non-leaf debris mixed into piles can create operational problems, and the Township warns that stones and similar material can damage equipment and create dangerous projectiles.