EAST BRUNSWICK — Despite discussing the idea, the township will not force residents to bag their leaves and will continue allowing them to rake their leaves to the curb.

Concern had been growing among residents that they would be forced to bag all leaves placed at the curb. Council President Catherine Diem told the Sentinel Monday that the change was discussed but will not occur.

Before Monday night's Township Council meeting, Mayor David Stahl said the town is finding some cost savings in its leaf pickup program, but that both placing leaves in bags and raking them to the curb are still allowable options. Stahl made his comments during a budget workshop held before the regular council meeting.

Thomas Williams, head of parks and public works for the township, said residents can bag their leaves, put them out loose, allow their landscapers to take care of them, or bring them to the leaf compost area. Despite economic problems and a tightened municipal budget, the township will still provide residents with free leaf bags as well, officials said. Williams said the bags are handed out in bundles, each containing 20 bags.

Councilwoman Denise Contrino asked if all towns provide the same service, and Williams said a survey was done that showed most towns allow leaves to be either bagged or simply placed at the curb. He said most towns hand out bags as well.

Williams said the township is part of a special program that results in cost savings when buying the bags.

Officials have also stressed that residents take certain precautions when raking leaves into the street. The leaves should not extend far into the road, so that they will not interfere with traffic. They also should not be left out for a long period of time, or raked into an area where cars may park, because parking a car on top of leaves can cause a fire.