Deschutes County’s annual FireFree yard debris disposal event will give residents a chance to protect their properties from wildfire by offering free yard waste disposal starting May 3.

This free event will help residents prepare their yards for fire season by disposing of flammable yard materials — including grass clippings, brush, plant trimmings, pine needles, pine cones, weeds, branches, stumps and trees — at their local collection stations.

“During a wildfire, most homes are lost when falling embers smolder and ignite the vulnerable areas around the home,” said County Forester Kevin Moriarty. “Embers can travel several miles and ignite roof valleys and gutters filled with pine needles, as well as leaves or other debris piled in a yard.”

Residents can drop their debris off free of charge. Loads should be covered during transport to the collection site.

Items that will not be accepted are sod, dirt, rocks, lumber, metal, trash or plastics of any kind. The county also cannot accept stumps or trees larger than 12 inches in diameter.

Bend

Knott Landfill, 61050 SE 27th St.

May 3-12 (7 days a week)

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

Sunriver

Sunriver Compost Site, 18305 Cottonwood Road

May 3-4 (Friday and Saturday)

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

La Pine

Southwest Transfer Station, 54580 U.S. Highway 97

May 31-June 8 (Monday–Saturday)

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Redmond

Negus Transfer Station, 2400 NE Maple Ave.

May 31-June 8 (Monday–Saturday)

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sisters

Northwest Transfer Station, 68200 Fryrear Road

May 31-June 8 (Monday–Saturday)

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.