Living in the Sierras comes with the responsibility of creating and maintaining Defensible Space for wildfire protection.
For residents within the Truckee Fire Protection District, free curbside greenwaste pickup is available for defensible space projects (excluding pineneedles). Please follow this link for more information and to sign up for a reservation: truckeefire.org/greenwaste This free defensible space pickup program is provided by Measure T funding, in coordination with Truckee Fire Protection District and Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal.
Please see below for green waste programs provided in your area.
El Dorado County
To support fire safety efforts and defensible space practices, eligible El Dorado County residents can receive free green waste coupons each year.
If you receive an April 1 billing statement, your coupon allows you to drop off up to 3 cubic yards of green waste at the ERL facility at no charge. If you also receive a July 1 billing, you may qualify for a second coupon, allowing a total of 6 cubic yards per year.
When bringing green waste:
- Empty bagged materials on site yourself
- Use a tarp under your load to make unloading easier
- Cover your load while driving to stay safe and legal
Bring proof of El Dorado County residency and your coupon or billing statement to use the free drop-off.
Coupon drop-off is available May 1 – October 31, Monday – Saturday.
Placer County
Placer County residents are encouraged to join in the community’s preparation for Fire Safety through Defensible Space measures.
Greenwaste Dumpster:
During May through July, Placer County residents may purchase up to two 6-yard, Yard-Waste only dumpsters at the approved greenwaste disposal rates. No bagged items allowed. Dumpsters accommodate larger woody material (limbs, branches, pine needles, pine cones, brush, garden waste).
Drop-It-Off:
Residents may drop off up to 6 yards of yard-waste material at the Eastern Regional Landfill (ERL). Don’t forget to cover lose loads for safe hauling. Bags must be emptied on-site by the hauler. Proof of residency is required to obtain a punch card.
Updated for 2025: Free drop-off is available May 1 – October 31, Monday – Saturday.
Special Events:
Placer County sponsors special defensible space events where residents may self-haul green waste to central drop-off points.
Updated for 2025: See event table below for new dates and locations.
Truckee
Residents have several options to maintain Defensible Space:
Discounted Dumpster:
From May through October, Truckee residents may purchase up to two 6-yard dumpsters at discounted rates. No bagged items allowed. Dumpsters accommodate larger woody material (limbs, branches, pine needles, pine cones, brush, garden waste).
Drop-It-Off:
Residents may drop off up to 6 yards of yard-waste material at the Eastern Regional Landfill (ERL). Don’t forget to cover lose loads for safe hauling. Bags must be emptied on-site by the hauler. Proof of residency is required to obtain a punch card.
Updated for 2025: Free drop-off available May 1 – October 31, Monday – Saturday.
Curbside Green Carts for Maintenance:
Green carts are required for curbside collection. Please visit keeptruckeegreen.org to learn more about the Green Cart program.
Events
Various areas offer programs to encourage residents to join in the community’s preparation for Fire Safety through Defensible Space measures. Please contact our office to find programs and event dates in your area.
| 2025 Greenwaste Only Event Days – Customers must unload material themselves – residential only. No dirt, rock, sod, rounds or bags. Greenwaste only. Proof of residency required. Max 3yd loads. | |||
| Area | Date & Time | Location | Note |
| Tahoe Vista | 6/14/25 7:30am–2pm | 875 National Avenue | Placer County residents |
| Tahoe City | 6/14/25 7:30am–2pm | 925 Country Club Drive | Placer County residents |
| Homewood Resort | 6/14/25 7:30am–2pm | Parking Lot | Placer County residents |
| Truckee | 5/30/25 7am–1pm | Tahoe Donner – Corner of Northwoods Blvd & Slalom Way | Nevada County residents |
| Truckee | 6/28/25 7am–1pm | Truckee Rodeo Grounds – 10695 Brockway Rd | Nevada County residents |
| Truckee | 7/11/25 7am–1pm | Truckee Rodeo Grounds – 10695 Brockway Rd | Nevada County residents |