Fall in the Sierra Foothills means one thing: it’s time to clean up those yards and prepare for winter. In Nevada County, that cleanup just got a little easier—and a lot more affordable. The County of Nevada, in partnership with Waste Management and the Office of Emergency Services (OES), has brought back the Free Community Green Waste Drop-Off Events at the McCourtney Road Transfer Station.

These events give residents a cost-free way to dispose of green waste responsibly while helping reduce wildfire risk across the region. It’s one of the simplest, most effective ways our community can take proactive steps toward safety and sustainability.

What the Program Offers

During the Free Green Waste Drop-Off Events, residents can bring yard debris—like branches, leaves, shrubs, and untreated wood—to the McCourtney Road Transfer Station at 14741 Wolf Mountain Road, Grass Valley. No tipping fees, no hidden costs—just a community effort to protect our homes and hillsides.

The events are part of the county’s ongoing wildfire fuel reduction strategy, helping residents remove vegetation that could otherwise become fire fuel during the dry months. According to YubaNet’s announcement, the goal is simple—to make defensible space easy and accessible for everyone.

When:

October 13 –9AM to 3PM

Where:

McCourtney Transfer Station

If you can’t make those dates, the facility is open
Wednesday through Sunday – 8AM to 3:30PM.
for regular drop-offs (standard fees apply outside event dates).

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Accepted materials:
branches up to 4 feet long and 18 inches in diameter, pine needles, leaves, shrubs, grass clippings, and other natural vegetation.

Not accepted:
dirt, rocks, sod, or any painted, stained, or treated wood.

Wildfire prevention starts at home—and these drop-off events are proof that small efforts add up. By clearing defensible space around homes and safely disposing of yard waste, residents directly reduce fire risk in their neighborhoods.

Beyond safety, these programs also strengthen the county’s environmental stewardship efforts. Every load of green waste dropped off gets turned into mulch or compost, returning nutrients to the soil instead of going to a landfill.

So grab your gloves, load up those branches, and make a difference this weekend. Nevada County’s collective effort keeps our communities safe—and our forests a little greener.