Mulch and Compost Giveaway

Saturday May 2, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Did you know? Holiday trees dropped off during the Treecycle program are mulched and distributed back to Denver residents for free each spring. Mulch is available on a first-come-first served basis, no registration required. 

The Compost Giveaway event is co-located at the Central Platte Campus location on May 2, and requires advance registration. Click here for Compost Giveaway information!

Mulch Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get free 'Dig-Your-Own' mulch?

Free 'dig-your-own' mulch is available at 4 locations this year:

  • The Cherry Creek Transfer Station 7301 E. Jewell Ave (E. Jewell Ave. & S. Quebec St.)
    • Dig-your-own mulch ONLY
  • Havana Nursery 10450 Smith Rd. (N. Havana & E. Smith Rd.)
    • Free mulch loader service for trucks and small, one axle trailers.
    •  Dig-your-own mulch
  • Denver Central Platte Campus
  • Dig-your-own mulch 2000 W. 3rd Ave. (Tejon St. & Umatilla St.)
  • Compost Giveaway 1271 W. Bayaud Ave. (W. Bayaud Ave. & S. Navajo St.)
  • Sloans Lake Park North Parking Lot (N. Yates St. & W.Byron Pl.)
  • Dig-your-own mulch ONLY

Mulch is available on a first-come-first-served basis, no registration required.

 

 

Can I get loader-service mulch AND dig-your-own mulch at any of the sites?

Yes, the Havana Nursery location at 10450 Smith Rd. (N. Havana & E. Smith Rd.) has both loader-service and dig-your-own mulch. If you are choosing to use both, please get in line for loader service, exit onto Havana, and then rejoin the main line on Smith Road for the dig-your-own pile.

How do I participate in the Compost Giveaway?

Do I need to bring my own digging tools for digging mulch?

YES! Communal tools will not be provided. Please bring your own shovel, rake or/or other equipment for loading mulch into your vehicle.

Can I get mulch and compost at the same location on May 2nd?

Yes. You can find dig-your-own mulch and compost at the Central Platte Campus Location only. Reminder: residents will need  a 5-gallon bucket and advance registration for the free Compost Giveaway.

Can I get free mulch and compost if I don't live in Denver?

This event is only for Denver residents.

Is it possible to use the free mulch and compost for my company?

Commercial vehicles are not allowed at this event.

Is the Mulch Giveaway still at Veteran's Park and Bear Creek Park?

The Mulch Giveaway will not be occurring at these locations as they were in previous years.


Compost Frequently Asked Questions

Can I purchase bags of compost at this event? What happened to the retail Compost Sale?

This event is only Dig-Your-Own. Bagged compost is always available at most garden and hardware stores.

Where else can I purchase compost?

WM sells its bulk compost at the Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS) Landfill facility. Bagged compost is also available at most garden and hardware stores.

Is this compost made from our new compost collection program?

Yes! Solid Waste Management collects your food scraps & yard waste and take it to our compost partner, WM. They use a windrow composting method to create a wonderfully nutrient rich soil amendment. It is great for Spring gardens!

How much does compost weigh?

Compost is heavy! One full 5 gallon bucket can weigh up to 55 pounds.

How do I use my finished compost?

Using finished compost on lawns and gardens helps with water retention and provides vital nutrients.

There are various ways to use your finished compost. You can sprinkle compost on top or mix it into your flower and vegetable beds, gently rake compost into tree, blend it with potting soil to revitalize indoor plants, or spread it on top of the soil on your lawn as a soil amendment.

 

I don’t live in Denver. Can I still support closing the compost loop?

This event is for Denver residents only. We recommend reaching out to your local municipality to inquire about similar initiatives in your area. Bagged and bulk compost can be purchased throughout the Front Range, including at most garden and hardware stores.

Find Free Mulch and Compost Giveaway Locations

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