Alaska's wildfire season started early this year. To help Anchorage residents protect their properties against wildfires, the Mayor's Office, Anchorage Fire Department Wildfire Division and Solid Waste Services (SWS) are partnering together to open the local wood lots for free to Anchorage residents clearing their properties this spring and summer. To encourage wildfire mitigation, from March 29 to September 30, no Anchorage residential loads of woody debris will incur fees.
“I live in South Anchorage, so I know firsthand our need to prepare for wildfire risk. People want to take action, and they want to contribute to the effort," Mayor Suzanne LaFrance said. “I'm excited we can offer an effective, concrete way to help people protect themselves and their neighbors from fire."
“The potential for a devastating wildfire in our backyard is a real threat. We encourage residents to begin cleaning/clearing their properties as soon as possible," said Anchorage Fire Department Wildfire Division Chief Jon Glover. “Clearing yards of woody debris and creating defensible space around homes is the best way to prevent a home from catching fire in the event of a wildfire."
Fire officials have noted fire danger is high this season, and SWS is stepping up to help. SWS is offering free access to both of its wood lots for Anchorage residents throughout 2025.
“As a core value, SWS is deeply committed to being a strong community partner," said SWS Director Kelli Toth. “We recognize the heightened fire danger and want to offer an easy and impactful solution. By providing free access to our wood lots, we aim to support the safety and well-being of our community during this critical time."
In addition to free wood lot access, SWS continues to enhance its operations. Last year, SWS invested in a new, larger shredder, which will significantly increase operational efficiency and allow for more effective waste management. The wood chips produced will be used as alternative daily cover at the landfill and will be a key component of piloting composting programs. These efforts reflect SWS's ongoing dedication to sustainability and improving waste diversion efforts in Anchorage.
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Contact:
Berett Wilber berett.wilber@anchorageak.gov (907)343-9641
Megan Peters megan.a.peters@anchorageak.gov, afdpio@anchorageak.gov (907) 227-9473
Anchorage Municipal Wood Lot
Free drop-off for wildfire mitigation begins March 29, 2025.
Where: 15500 E. Eagle River Loop Road (off the Hiland Road exit off the Glenn Highway).
When: Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Central Wood Lot at the Materials Recovery Facility
Free drop-off for wildfire mitigation begins May 1, 2025.
Where: 56th Ave in Midtown between Old Seward and Homer Drive, across the street from the Central Transfer Station.
When: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Free wood disposal only applies to Anchorage residents hauling residential loads pertaining to wildfire mitigation. The following materials are accepted at the Wood Lot:
- Brush and branches
- Cut trees less than 6 feet long
- Debris from residential properties only
- "Clean" tree stumps (free of rocks, dirt, landscaping debris)
The following materials cannot be accepted for free and will result in a full charge:
- Root clusters
- Grass or loose leaves (leaves not on branches)
- Dirt or rocks
- Bagged materials (no bags please)
- Debris with metal, concrete, or other materials attached
- Garbage or metal
- Debris from a commercial property or land clearing activity is not accepted
- Mixed loads (e.g. wood debris mixed with garbage and recycling)
- Lumber, fence posts, and other wood building materials
When entering the Anchorage Regional Landfill, please notify scale house staff you are visiting the Wood Lot with wildfire mitigation wood and follow signs directing you to the specified area. Booth attendants can answer any questions you might have.
- Please be safe and aware at all times when accessing the area.
- All loads brought to the Anchorage Regional Landfill must be secured or covered.
- Scavenging any materials is strictly prohibited.
Normal wood lot fees apply outside of the May 1 to Sept. 30, 2025 timeframe, and to woody debris not categorized as wildfire mitigation, such as lumber or other building materials. Questions regarding wood lot operations? Contact Solid Waste Services at (907) 343-6250 or swcs@muni.org.