Communities in Deschutes County wanting to reduce their wildfire risk can help themselves by applying for a program that will provide free of charge a dumpster to remove woody debris from their yards. Known as the Sweat Equity Bin Rental Program, the project is now open for applications.

Interested communities can apply for the program through the Deschutes County Natural Resources Department. The county covers the cost of the bin rental but community members must do the work of filling up the dumpster with the woody debris.

The county has set aside $75,000 for the program, enough to assist approximately 30 communities with a dumpster. Individual properties won’t be considered for the project — applications must be for an entire neighborhood or community.

Preference will be given to communities classified as high risk for wildfire due to large quantities of hazardous fuels in the area, but other factors will be considered. Neighborhoods will not receive the funds directly. Deschutes County will manage the rental contracts with disposal companies and work directly with communities.

Online applications will be accepted until Feb. 28 and service award recipients will be notified in early March. For more information or to apply go to: https://bendbulletin.us/sweatequity.