Yard and Garden Debris Burning

Residential Yard and Garden Debris Burning

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. (For burning on unimproved residential property, click here.)

As of May 1, 2009, there will no longer be an annual, 8-day burn season for residential yard and garden debris in Spokane County* therefore alternatives to burning this debris must be utilized. This does not affect burning of slash/ silvicultural debris on unimproved residential property, which is administered by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. For more information about this type of burning, click here.

Non-Burning Alternatives are Available— Click here for a pamphlet on burning alternatives in Spokane County. Composting 101 - A how-to video on composting. Many residents choose to chip or compost this material to use in their yard and garden. Others may haul their "clean green" to a local recycling transfer station or to a private collection company, such as ABCO Wood Recycling- the company is now accepting this material for FREE. For more information on alternatives, visit www.solidwaste.org.

What You Should Know About Illegal Dumping. Click here. 

Attend a free Recycling and Composting Event!  Spokane Clean Air co-sponsors two "Recycling & Composting" events in the fall and spring. ABCO Wood Recycling is the major event sponsor. The last event was held on Saturday, April 10, 2010, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., at Fire Station #49 located near Hwy 395 and Monroe Rd in north Spokane County. Our next event is scheduled for Saturday, October 2, 2010, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., at the Valleyford Fire Station #82. Composting sessions, presented by the Spokane County Master Composters Volunteer Program, will be held throughout the day and those with ID verifying Spokane County residency will receive a free compost bin upon completion of the training.

Why has Spokane Clean Air dropped its administration of residential yard and garden debris burning? 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. Other changes were made regarding outdoor burning. Click here for details.

*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.