County to run enhanced curbside brush collection March–May to reduce wildfire risk
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Summary
Los Alamos County will run an enhanced brush collection effort from March 24 through May to reduce wildfire risk after a dry winter; the program will offer weekly curbside brush collection by sign‑up and expand brown‑bin/brush pickups while staff repair equipment and manage capacity.
Los Alamos County announced on March 11 an enhanced brush collection program to run from March 24 through May in response to unusually dry conditions and elevated wildfire risk.
County officials said the environmental services division will expand curbside brush collection on a sign‑up basis and attempt to operate a weekly brown‑bin brush cycle during the program window instead of the usual alternating weekly schedule. Residents will sign up through the Eco Station and put brush out on their scheduled curbside collection day; staff estimated they could serve about 10–15 curbside bulk brush pickups per day depending on equipment availability and workforce.
County staff cautioned that enhanced service will require reprioritizing some work: standard bulk pickups for furniture and appliances may be delayed during the campaign and some equipment repairs (grinder and grapple) must be completed to maintain capacity. Staff said the Eco Station has a growing mulch pile and is seeking outlets and partners to take mulch as the program ramps up.
As an interim customer accommodation, staff said some curbside bulk brush pickups will be counted against residents’ existing allotment of free Eco Station loads; the county indicated it might use a conversion such as three free loads equaling one bulk brush collection, subject to final program rules.
Officials urged residents to avoid contaminating wood mulch piles with rocks and metal, which increase mechanical failures of grinders, and said more details and a press release would follow.
