NEVADA COUNTY – Nevada County residents are invited to participate in the free Community Green Waste Drop-off Events at the McCourtney Road Transfer Station, for five consecutive Mondays, April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, and May 25 (Memorial Day), from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

“Now is the time to take advantage of our free green waste drop off events to improve your defensible space and get your property in a condition for our first responders to safely work during an unexpected emergency. Reducing hazardous vegetation is an essential step toward building a more resilient Nevada County” said Ricky Martinez, Office of Emergency Services, Defensible Space Supervisor.

Free Green Waste Drop-Off Events

WHAT: Free Green Waste drop off days for Nevada County residents. This is an opportunity for residents to dispose of landscape trimmings including trimmed branches, leaves, grass clippings, shrubs, untreated wood, and flowers. Material should not exceed 4 feet in length and should be no more than 18 inches in diameter.

WHERE: Waste Management of Nevada County, McCourtney Road Transfer Station, 14741 Wolf Mountain Road, Grass Valley.

WHEN: Five consecutive Mondays, April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, and May 25 (Memorial Day), from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: No food waste, dirt, rock, sod, palm fronds, blackberry, poison oak, stumps, scotch broom, concrete, asphalt, plastic bags, animal waste, palm tree branches, yucca plants, ice plants (succulents), cactus, painted wood, treated wood (including railroad ties and utility poles), construction debris, and any metal fencing, wire, or metal materials. All participants must provide a valid ID with an address within Nevada County or proof of residency. All commercial vehicles are prohibited and licensed landscape vehicles are limited to 1 trip per day and single axle trailers.

Please be mindful to not use power equipment during elevated fire conditions or Red Flag Warning days.

Nevada County Office of Emergency Services (OES), Nevada County Public Works, CAL FIRE, Waste Management of Nevada County, City of Grass Valley, City of Nevada City, and Nevada County Consolidated Fire District have partnered to offer these important opportunities for residents to reduce hazardous vegetation in western Nevada County.

For more information visit: ReadyNevadaCounty.org/GreenWaste.

Burn Pile Safety

Burn piles should only be conducted on permissible burn days and when conditions are safe. Burn piles are not permitted within the city limits of Grass Valley and Nevada City.

  • Always clear at least 10 feet around the pile, keep piles small, and have a water source and shovel nearby.
  • Never leave a burn pile unattended, and fully extinguish it by drowning with water, stirring, and feeling for heat before leaving.
  • Burning during windy or dry conditions can quickly lead to escaped fires, so always check local regulations and weather before igniting.
  • Always confirm it is a permissible burn day through the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District (MyAirDistrict.com or 530-274-7928) and obtain any required permits, if applicable, through CAL FIRE before burning.

About the Nevada County Office of Emergency Services (OES)

OES works under the Emergency Preparedness Board Objective, leading the community in all hazards planning, preparedness, response, and recovery with a focus on wildfire. OES focuses on improving county-wide evacuation routes and safety, continuing to strengthen early alert and critical communication systems, and working with residents and community partners in emergency preparedness, defensible space, home hardening, green waste disposal, and fire-safe land stewardship. We are all in this together. Learn more about OES at: ReadyNevadaCounty.org.