“We saw it in the corner of the neighbor’s garage just the other day – its little maw, as always, agape in anticipation – perhaps sensing that its day was almost here. For, with the countywide burn ban set to go into effect this coming Monday, the little 8-hp machine was about to make its owner the most popular gal in the neighborhood.I still haven’t decided on a fee, she told us coyly.Chipper owners, you’re suddenly very hip.We expect a lot of new relationships to spring up – neighborhood feuds wane, petty grievances forgotten – with the advent of the countywide burn ban, Kitsap County being the last corner of Washington to come under the state’s Clean Air Act of 1990. Under the burn ban, disposal of yard debris by means of fire will bring a visit from the fire department (with hoses) or the city code enforcement officer (with ticket book). The cause is public health.Down side: No more evening socials around the burn pile.Up side: No more furtive glances from contractors as smoke billows up from behind new homes under construction. We know what you’re up to, and we know who to call. And oh, the social benefits for those who own debris chippers – among the many alternatives compiled by city and the Kitsap County officials. Among your many options for yard waste disposal:* Home composting: Free classes are offered in spring and fall, with information available from a variety of sources. Composting bins are available at local garden suppliers.* Curbside yard debris collection: Cost on the island is $9.75 per month; call Bainbridge Disposal at 842-4882.* Drop-off recycling for yard debris: A new station for yard waste will be added to the Vincent Road recycling station sometime in the next month. Fees have yet to be established, but this is certain to be a popular site as islanders haul off those old merlot bottles and last week’s Reviews. * Chipping woody debris: In – branches; out – mulch. At this point, Ernie Duran (w. 842-6055, c. 715-4936) is the only one of some 19 commercial services in the area to be based on Bainbridge Island; several others, including Northwest Tree Service and Scott’s Tree Service, also give local numbers. We expect other outfits to materialize with demand. Chippers can also be rented from various establishments, including Bainbridge Rental (842-3303).More complete information on burn alternatives is now available from the mayor’s office, and presumably will appear on the city website.And short of renting equipment or hiring someone to haul your debris away, you might stand at the front door and cock an ear some Saturday morning soon. There’s bound to be a chipper spinning somewhere in the neighborhood, and an owner happy to make your acquaintance.Standing around the chipper may not offer the same romance (or warmth) as the burning debris pile on a winter afternoon. But we suspect some new friendships are about to fire up just the same. “