Washoe County residents can take advantage of free events to get rid of dry vegetation, shrubs, tree branches and other wildland fuels. Officials said it is a good opportunity to create defensible space around homes and properties.

Collection sites will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, at these locations:

• Oct. 20: Lazy 5 Regional Park, 7100 Pyramid Way, Sparks
• Nov. 2: Red Rock Volunteer Fire Department, 16180 N. Red Rock Road, Reno
• Nov. 2: Jones Creek Trail Head, off Mount Rose Highway, west of the Galena Creek Visitor Center

A Truckee Fire spokesperson said, “This is a free event sponsored by the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District for all Washoe County residents.”

Residents can bring junipers, pines, rabbitbrush, sagebrush, and other woody vegetation. There are some strict rules about what’s allowed.

Household garbage, trash, lumber, hazardous materials, grass clippings, dirt, gravel or stumps with root balls are not accepted. Tree stumps larger than 8 inches in diameter will be turned away, and if you bring items in bags, you’ll need to empty them on-site.

No commercial waste from contractors or landscape companies will be accepted.

Officials said to drop off waste only during the designated hours to avoid any illegal dumping charges.

Source: TMFPD