Green Waste

Living in the Sierras comes with the responsibility of creating and maintaining Defensible Space for wildfire protection.

El Dorado County

Eligible Eldorado County residents are encouraged to join in the community’s preparation for Fire Safety through Defensible Space measures. El Dorado residents who have started service no later than March 31 will qualify to receive a one-time annual green waste coupon in their April 1st billing notice. Each coupon allows residents to self haul up to 3 yards of yard-waste material to our ERL facility for disposal free of charge. If green waste is transported in bags, the bags must be emptied on site by the resident. To facilitate unloading, position a tarp on the bottom of the truck bed or trailer before loading green waste. Don’t forget to cover the load for safe hauling. In order to take advantage of the free coupon drop-off, residents are required to bring proof of El Dorado residency when presenting their coupon. ERL is located on Cabin Creek Road off HWY 89 three miles south of the Mouse Hole Tunnel.
Updated for 2025: Coupon drop-off is available May 1 – October 31, Monday – Saturday, 8am – 4pm.

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, 8am – 4pm.

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, 8am – 4pm.

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.