Alternatives to Burning
For many residents, burning is a practical means of reducing vegetation around their homes to minimize the risk to their lives and property from wildfire, but it is not the only means. This site will help you learn more about alternatives to burning including utilizing green waste disposal, free chipping service, community clean up days, composting, or commercial vegetation management businesses.
Green Waste Disposal Services
El Dorado Disposal
Services Areas: El Dorado Hills CSD, Cameron Park CSD, City of Placerville, El Dorado Disposal Service Area A, and Grizzly Flat CSD (from May – October).
Call El Dorado Disposal at (530) 626-4141 to see if green waste service is available at your property.
Visit the El Dorado Disposal website.
South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services
Service Areas: Provides unlimited weekly green waste disposal in their services area within the Tahoe Basin, and one paper bag or can of green waste per can of trash service paid for in their Service Area B.
Call the South Tahoe Refuse Customer Service at (530) 541-5105 for more information.
Visit the South Tahoe Refuse website.
Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal
Service Areas: TTSD does not include curb side green waste pick-up in their El Dorado County service area on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe.
Call Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal Customer Service at (530) 583-0148 for more information.
Visit the Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal website.
Service Areas Map
Refer to the map below to discover which services are covered in your area.
Grant Funded Chipping Programs
Chipping is an eco-friendly way to remove debris and unused vegetation from your home and prevent the threat of wildfires. Learn more about government-funded chipping programs that can help you get rid of the debris on your property for little to no cost.
EDC FireSafe Council
EDCFSC has a free chipping program available to West Slope residents. See the requirements to participate in the EDC FireSafe Council program and apply.
EDFSC in coordination with Local Fire Safe Councils, Community Services Districts, and El Dorado Disposal organizes Community Clean-Up Days during which a large green waste dumpster is available for residents to bring their yard waste to. Contact your local fire safe council to urge them to organize a Community Clean-Up Day.
Visit the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council website.
Contact the EDCFSC at: (530) 647-1700
North Tahoe Fire Protection District
The North Tahoe Fire Protection District administers a Tahoe Basin-wide free chipping service to residents between May and October. See the requirements to participate in the North Tahoe Fire Protection District program and apply.
Visit the NTFDP website.
Contact NTFPD at: (530) 538-6911
Cameron Park Community Services District
Cameron Park Community Services District offers free Christmas tree chipping service for a short time following the holiday. View the Cameron Park Community Services District website or call them for further information.
Contact Cameron Park CSD: (530) 677-2231
Supplemental Disposals
Composting
Composting is another environmentally friendly way to get rid of organic debris and waste like food scraps and leaves. The below resources can help you start composting at home and in your area.
El Dorado County Environmental Management Solid Waste Composting Information
UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of El Dorado County Composting Info
El Dorado Disposal Yard Waste and Composting Information
Commercial Services
If the options listed above will not work for you, you may consider hiring a tree service, landscaping, or fire-safe clearing business to assist you with vegetation removal at your property. Many local companies are available for hire. Check with your neighbors, Local Fire Safe Council, the Yellow Pages, or search the internet to find options.
Contact the Air Quality Management District
Use the contact methods below to get in touch with the AQMD with any questions or clarifications regarding the information above. Thank you for working with us to improve air quality!
Phone Number: (530) 621-7501
Email: aqmd@edcgov.us