As the season changes, it's the perfect time to work on defensible space around homes. Gathering up green waste and disposing of it can mean the difference between a house that survives a wildfire and one that doesn't.
Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue (TMFR) suggests having at least five feet around a home cleared but says the more, the better.
There are some types of vegetation that can be planted in those areas, but most should be kept out.
“We will take any sort of green waste, other than grass clippings. We don't prefer to get that as it doesn't chip very well, but any sort of woody vegetation, anything that's just your standard dead limbs that have fallen or brush that was too close to the house,” said Brett Taylor, WUI Community Coordinator with TMFR. “The term hazardous fuels is pretty broad, so we will take a lot.”
The program also does not accept leaves, but those and the clippings can be disposed of in a normal trash can.
Only certain residents qualify for this specific program, but those who are not eligible are encouraged to dispose of green waste by using their extra Waste Management stickers.
They may also take the materials to the dump themselves or reach out to TMFR to see if they have any area-specific grants that may help them.
“We only reserve it for elderly, low-income, or disabled individuals,” said Taylor. “Just the folks that don't have the means to get their green waste to one of our drop-off locations in the fall.”
The program will run between October 10 and 17. Applications need to be submitted by the end of September.
Information on how to apply can be found here: Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue Announces Fall 2026 Curbside Chipping Program - Truckee Meadows Fire District
