Chipper Program

Extra chipping coming to Marin this fall! Don't forget to make a reservation on the MWPA website to secure your free pick up!

Chipper Program

San Rafael Municipal Code requires the creation of Defensible Space around all homes and structures in the City. One way we are supporting our residents in their efforts to achieve defensible space is through free curbside chipper services. Our primary chipper program is currently managed and funded through the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority.   Residents MUST register in advance and follow the posted rules to take advantage of this free service.

Residents can plan ahead for their chipper week using the below list- but remember- you must go to the website to register. If you aren't quite sure what area you fall in, simply plug your address AND zip code into the online tool  to find your exact dates. 

Neighborhood/Area Week 1 Week 2 Neighborhood/Area Week 1 Week 2
Big Rock 31-May 29-Aug Lucas Valley 11-Jul 10-Oct
Black Canyon 27-Jun 26-Sep Marinwood 25-Jul 24-Oct
Blackstone 31-May 29-Aug Peacock Gap 27-Jun 26-Sep
Bret Harte 23-May 22-Aug Pt San Pedro 20-Jun 19-Sep
Central San Rafael 11-Jul 10-Oct San Pablo 23-May 22-Aug
Country Club 20-Jun 19-Sep San Rafael Flats 18-Jul 17-Oct
Domincan 27-Jun 26-Sep San Rafael Hill 23-May 22-Aug
Fairhills 18-Jul 17-Oct Santa Venetia 23-May 22-Aug
Frietas Ridge North 5-Jul 3-Oct Santa Venetia-North 23-May 22-Aug
Frietas Ridge South 5-Jul 3-Oct Southern Heights 13-Jun 12-Sep
Gerstle Park 31-May 29-Aug Southern Heights-Flats 13-Jun 12-Sep
Glenwood 20-Jun 19-Sep Sun Valley 11-Jul 10-Oct
Loch Lomond 20-Jun 19-Sep Terra Linda Ridge 25-Jul 24-Oct
Los Ranchitos 5-Jul 3-Oct

Other Vegetation Disposal Resources

  1. The City offers additional chipper days as needed. Contact us to learn more.
  2. Resident Grants- The City and MWPA have various grant programs to assist residents with the costs of adapting to wildfire.
  3. Self-funded Chipper Day: Some neighborhoods will divide the cost of a Chipper Day and assess the Chipper participants individually. Other option is to assess the entire association the cost of a Chipper Day.
  4. Marin Sanitation Service offers an additional “Green Can” for a small monthly cost. Give them a call at (415) 456-2601.
  5. In Nicasio there is a large dirt area where residents can drop off all their vegetation on Green Waste Days for a fee. Please, no building materials, general debris or garbage and no palm trees please. To find out when the next Green Waste Day will be call (415) 473-6717
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