Free yard debris disposal returns to Deschutes County collection sites this spring

Deschutes County is encouraging residents to get their homes ready for wildfire season and take advantage of the free yard debris drop-off events offered each year through the FireFree program. During a wildfire, most homes are lost when falling embers smolder and ignite dry, vulnerable areas around a house.

Embers can travel several miles to land in fallen pine needles, leaves or other yard debris and start a fire close to home. Residents can help lower that risk by clearing out flammable debris and maintaining defensible space around their homes. To help make that work easier, FireFree offers free yard debris disposal at local collection sites across the county. Events begin May 1, but dates and hours vary by location.  

FireFree collection dates and locations

Sunriver: Sunriver Compost Site

May 1-2  

8 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday and Saturday

18305 Cottonwood Road, Sunriver

Bend: Knott Landfill

May 15-May 24 (7 days/week)

7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

61050 SE 27th Street, Bend

La Pine: Southwest Transfer Station

June 5-13 (closed on Sunday)

8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Saturday

54580 Highway 97, La Pine

Redmond: Negus Transfer Station

June 5-13 (closed on Sunday)

8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Saturday

2400 NE Maple Way, Redmond

Sisters: Northwest Transfer Station

June 5-6 and June 10-13 

8 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday

68200 Fryrear Road, Sisters

What will be accepted (and what will not)

Accepted: grass clippings, brush, plant prunings, pine needles, pine cones, weeds, trimmings, branches, stumps or trees no larger than 12 inches in diameter. 

Not accepted: sod, dirt, rocks, lumber, metal, trash, or plastics of any kind (including plastic bags), and any stumps or trees larger than 12 inches in diameter. 

**Please remember to cover your loads when traveling to the collection site.**

For more information, call (541) 322-7129 or visit www.projectwildfire.org. 

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Media contact:

Corinne Heiner, Natural Resource Specialist

(541) 322-7129