How to Reserve the Chipper
The City of Sandy has a new chipper that is available to residents within Sandy city limits. The City's chipper can be utilized to mulch limbs and branches instead of taking them to a landfill or burning them. Please read the following instructions if you are interested in taking advantage of this generous program.
How do I reserve the Chipper?
- Watch the training video below in its entirety and complete the Chipper Safety Test . If 2 or more people will be using the chipper, each individual must submit their own separate test. If you are unable to take the test from your personal device, please contact Public Works to arrange a time to take the test at our office.
- After you receive an email confirming that you have passed the test, call 503-668-5310 or email npayne@ci.sandy.or.us to make your reservation.
- Anyone who will be using the chipper must print, read, initial, and sign a Hold Harmless Agreement . Please have it ready for Public Works when they deliver the chipper. If you do not have access to a printer, Public Works will provide a paper copy for you to read and sign. Test results and Hold Harmless Agreements are good for 1 year from the date they are accepted. You must retake the test and sign a new HHA after 1 year has passed, regardless of how many times you have borrowed the chipper.
- The chipper and dump truck will be parked in front of your home or on your property if there is no street parking. Public Works delivers the chipper between 8:00 am - 9:00 am or between 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm. The chipper can be reserved overnight (one night only) Monday-Thursday or through the weekend, subject to availability.
- Anyone who will be using the chipper must be present when the chipper is delivered. Allow time to speak to Public Works and complete a brief demonstration / training session when they arrive (this applies to first time users only).
- If the agreement is violated or the chipper is damaged in any way, you will no longer be able to utilize this program. Please be respectful of the equipment and service that is provided as a courtesy by the City of Sandy, free of charge.
What type of material can be chipped?
Only limbs and branches up to 12" in diameter may be chipped with this machine. Larger diameter material (9" to 12" in diameter), is best used for firewood. If you have a great deal of large diameter material, contact the City. Public works will deliver it to the Community Action Center for distribution to those who need it.
The chipper will not chip blackberry vines, weeds, Scotch broom, thistle or any material that is not wood. Brushy, stringy and thorny material such as the items mentioned above will clog the chipper. If the chipper becomes clogged staff will need to schedule a time to unclog the machine or retrieve it for repairs. This may delay completion of your cleanup and/or require a rescheduling of the chipper equipment.
The chipper will not chip finished lumber products. This includes fence posts and fencing, decking, plywood, siding, panels or lumber products of any type. The City can provide you with information on firms that will recycle finished lumber products free or for a nominal charge.
What happens to the chips?
If you do not choose to keep the chips, the City will use them in projects or give them to local nurseries. If you would like additional chips, contact Public Works at (503) 668-5310.
