Deschutes County is encouraging residents to prepare their homes for wildfire season and will be offering FREE disposal of yard debris at collection sites around the county later this spring. The 2025 FireFree disposal events begin on May 2, but the drop-off dates and times of operation vary by location.
“Wildfire embers can travel several miles and ignite fallen pine needles, leaves or other yard debris,” said County Forester Kevin Moriarty. “We invite residents to clean up their property, take advantage of the free disposal events and reduce the risk of losing their home to wildfire.”
Items that will be accepted at the collection sites include grass clippings, brush, plant trimmings, pine needles, pine cones, weeds, branches, and stumps or trees that are less than 12 inches in diameter.
Items that will NOT be accepted include sod, dirt, rocks, lumber, metal, trash or plastics of any kind, and stumps or trees that are larger than 12 inches in diameter.
Please remember to cover your loads as you travel to a collection site.
Residents can discard yard debris free of charge during specific dates and times at the following Deschutes County collection sites:
- Bend: Knott Landfill, 61050 SE 27th St.
May 2 – May 11 (7 days a week)
7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Sunriver: Sunriver Compost Site, 18305 Cottonwood Rd.
May 2 – May 3 (Friday and Saturday)
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- La Pine: Southwest Transfer Station, 54580 Hwy 97
May 16 – May 24 (Monday – Saturday, closed Sunday)
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Redmond: Negus Transfer Station, 2400 NE Maple Ave.
May 16 – May 24 (Monday – Saturday, closed Sunday)
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sisters: Northwest Transfer Station, 68200 Fryrear Rd.
May 16 – May 24 (Wednesday – Saturday, closed Sunday – Tuesday)
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, call (541) 322-7129, or visit www.firefree.org