Got excess pine needles? The City of Flagstaff is placing roll-off dumpsters in the University Heights neighborhood through Friday, May 2 to facilitate disposal of those pine needles.
The dumpsters are part of a pilot program to provide residents with an opportunity to remove organic materials from their yards and reduce the risk of wildfire danger. No other trash or non-organic materials should be placed in the dumpsters.
The dumpsters will be located at the intersection of Walkup Drive and Shullenbarger Drive; on West Dolores Lane off of University Heights Drive; and at University Highlands Park. Although located in the University Heights neighborhood, they are open to all city residents.
Originally, the dumpsters were scheduled to be placed in University Heights from March 31 to April 7. The city cited 鈥渦nforeseen logistical complications鈥� as the cause of the delay. An updated schedule for placing dumpsters in additional neighborhoods has not yet been released.
A press release stated, 鈥淭he City will continue to work diligently to deliver this pilot program and avoid any further delays.鈥�
Earlier this year, the Public Works department announced a reduction in the frequency of residential bulky trash pick-up 鈥� a service that many residents previously relied on for pine needle removal. At the time of that announcement, some City Council members expressed concern about the change, and a desire for alternative yard waste disposal options.
In addition to the launch of the city's dumpster collection pilot program, Coconino County鈥檚 Willard Springs Green Waste Site opened ahead of schedule this year. All county residents can drop off organic waste, including pine needles, free of charge on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Flagstaff Fire Department recommends that residents remove excess pine needles from their yards and areas near their homes to lower the risk of wildfire danger. Residents are also encouraged to review the department’s Wildland Fire Action Guide to prepare for the coming summer months. The guide is available at .