FireSmart Chipping Program

RDNO's FireSmart Chipping Program

• What is the Chipping Program?

  The Chipping Program is a free pickup service designed to help residents reduce wildfire risk by removing flammable vegetation from their properties. The program is part of the FireSmart BC initiative, which aims to make communities more resilient to wildfires. Chipping programs help residents dispose of flammable yard waste—especially coniferous branches and shrubs—that could fuel wildfires near homes.

  This service is curbside only - crews will not enter gated communities or private property. Debris must be on the curb, accessible from the roadway. RDNO reserves the right to limit chipping per property and close registrations based on funding and program capacity limits.

• How much does the chipping program cost?

  This program is free to residents of the RDNO electoral areas. A contractor will collect accepted materials directly from your curb, but only for registered participants.

  All other residents can reach out to their local municipality for information on FireSmart programs in their area (Coldstream, Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Spallumcheen)

• Accepted material

  Materials must be under 6” in diameter and piled with the butt ends all in one direction, pointing to the road. Pick up is limited to a maximum of six (6) piles, no larger than 3'x3'x8'.

  • Pruning Material
  • Natural woody debris
  • Tree limbs and saplings
  • Stems
  • Cedars
  • Junipers pine
  • Conifers
• NOT accepted material

  Any material piled on the road will not be picked up (all material MUST be piled at the curbside). Material tied or wrapped with wire, rope, or anything non-compostable (such as plastic or paper) is not accepted. 

  • Roots, dirt or rocks
  • Thorns or invasive species
  • Stumps
  • Fabric
  • Fencing
  • Leaves
  • Gardening waste
  • Commercial pruning or tree disposal material
  • Netting and other non-vegetated landscaping
• How to participate

  Registration for the program will commence in the Spring, and we encourage you to revisit for details on the registration process. Please note that this program is available to residents of the Electoral Area only. 

  Because of the large electoral areas and to make the best use of these funds, please allow up to two (2) weeks for pickup from the scheduled date.

• Alternate yard waste disposal

  If you're unable to register or miss the dates the chipping trucks are in in your area, don't worry! You can still drop off residential yard and garden waste for free at the following RDNO facilities:

  • Greater Vernon Diversion and Disposal Facility 
  • Lumby Diversion & Disposal Facility 
  • Kingfisher Transfer Station 
  • Armstrong/Spallumcheen Diversion & Disposal Facility (in limited quantities). 
• Important Information About Chipping Pick-Up

  To help us serve as many residents as possible, please keep the following in mind:

  • Time Limit: Each property is allotted approximately 15 minutes of chipping. RDNO may adjust this based on available funding, and the program may end without prior notice.
  • Service Availability: Curbside pick-up may not be available in all areas. Once you register, your confirmation email will let you know if your location qualifies for curbside service or if you'll need to use a designated community drop-off site.
  • Residential Use Only: This program is designed to support home-based wildfire mitigation efforts. Commercial pruning or tree removal materials will not be accepted.
  • Need Another Pick-Up? If you’d like additional service, please check the schedule and submit a new request after your previous pick-up has been completed.

  RDNO reserves the right to limit chipping per property and close registrations based on funding and program capacity limits.