Civil Defence in Christchurch is calling for volunteers to help remove silt from properties before its roadside collection service ends on Saturday.
From May, people will have to dispose of their own silt instead of having a truck pick it up for free.
Civil Defence director of infrastructure Michael Aitken says the volunteer service is for people who really need it, including the elderly and disabled.
There have been at least 300 requests for help so far.
Mr Aitken says volunteers will not clear silt from properties that are vacant or have a red placard, indicating that they are too dangerous to enter.
