Dear Sandia Heights Homeowners,
Many residents are concerned with the increased wildfire risks to our community during this prolonged drought. The SHHA Environmental and Safety Committee is exploring a new community-based program to make it easier for residents to remove yard waste and vegetation that contribute to this risk.
Take the 2–3 minute survey.
Current yard waste services make it difficult to remove materials most relevant to wildfire mitigation. Bundling requirements and restrictions on items such as cactus, large branches, and bulky vegetation create practical barriers for many residents. Collected yard waste is transported to the municipal landfill, where it becomes part of the overall landfill burden.
We are evaluating a pilot program that would provide coordinated yard waste collection, explore options for chipping, composting, or reuse, and help address these challenges through a practical, neighborhood-based approach.
Your input will help determine:
- What types of materials need to be addressed
- How much yard waste exists across the neighborhood
- What kind of program would work best
This feedback will directly shape a pilot program planned for this summer (subject to BernCo grant funding) and help determine whether a longer-term solution is feasible.
Thank you for helping improve wildfire safety and reduce yard waste going to the landfill in our community.