Yard and Garden Debris Burning

Since May 1, 2009, burning residential yard & garden debris on improved residential property is not allowed in most areas of Spokane County. Exception: If you reside within the boundaries of Fire District 2, 5, 11 or 12, and outside an urban growth area, you may be eligible for a written permit to burn.

Residential yard and garden debris consists of leaves, needles, small tree and shrub prunings, and other natural yard and garden waste originating on residential improved property. Silvicultural burning on unimproved property is still allowed, depending on where you live. This type of burning on unimproved residential property, is administered by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. For more information, click here.

Non-Burning Alternatives are Available. A pamphlet on burning alternatives in Spokane County, click here  to view or download.

Home Composting—A how-to video on composting is available, click here. Many residents choose to chip or compost this material to use in their yard and garden. The next composting training will be Saturday, April 28, 2012, at the Arbor Day festivities held at the John A. Finch Arboretum.

Hauling—Some residents haul their "clean green" to a local recycling transfer station for a "clean green" reduced rate. You can also take woody debris to a private collection company.

What You Should Know About Illegal Dumping. Click here. 

Attend a free Collection & Composting Event!  Spokane Clean Air co-sponsors  "Collection/Chipping & Composting" events in outlying areas of the county each spring and fall. We partner with Spokane Regional Solid Waste System, Washington State Department of Natural Resources and our local fire districts. In addition to a free collection of residential yard/garden debris, the Spokane Master Composters/Recyclers provide composting training. 

Our spring 2012 events have been scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 10 am - 3 pm at these two locations:

• North Spokane County event, Fire Station 49 (Hwy 395 & Monroe Rd) 
• South Spokane County event, Fire Station 82, (12100 E Palouse Hwy, Valleyford)

Why doesn't Spokane Clean Air administer a residential yard and garden debris burning program? The Agency's Board of Directors determined in 2008 that administering a burn program was not in-line with the Agency's clean air mission, while promoting alternatives to burning this type of debris is critical.