SAVE THE DATE! Free Mulch and Compost Giveaway Saturday May 3, 2025

Did you know? Holiday trees dropped off during the Treecycle program are mulched and distributed back to Denver residents for free each spring. Compost is created from food scraps and yard waste collected from Denver's Composts program and donated from WM. 

Mulch Giveaway

The 2025 Mulch Giveaway is May 3 from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

While supplies last! For dig your-own-sites, please bring your own shovel and bags or containers.

Denver Central Platte Campus (Enter from 2000 W. 3rd Ave.)


Cherry Creek Transfer Station (7301 E Jewell Ave- enter on E. Jewell Ave)

  • Dig-your-own mulch ONLY

 

Havana Nursery (10450 Smith Rd.)

  • Free mulch loader service for trucks and small, one axle trailers.
  • Dig-your-own mulch


Compost Giveaway

The 2025 Compost Giveaway is May 3 from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

At the City and County of Denver Central Platte Campus- Bayaud and Navajo (1271 W. Bayaud Ave)

This is the only location for the Compost Giveaway.

Compost will also be distributed free from the City and County of Denver and Waste Management. Quantities are limited. The compost giveaway is "Dig-Your-Own," and residents must bring a 5-gallon bucket, shovel, coupon confirmation number and proof of residency.

Registration is required to receive a coupon for FREE compost. No coupons will be distributed onsite.

Register for the Compost Giveaway coupon here.

Find Free Mulch and Compost Giveaway Locations

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Mulch Frequently Asked Questions

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

Free 'dig-your-own' mulch is available at 3 locations this year:

The Cherry Creek Transfer Station (7301 E Jewell Ave- enter on E. Jewell Ave)

Dig-your-own mulch ONLY

 

Havana Nursery (10450 Smith Rd.)

Free mulch loader service for trucks and small, one axle trailers.
Dig-your-own mulch

 

Denver Central Platte Campus (Enter from 2000 W. 3rd Ave.)

Dig-your-own mulch
Compost Giveaway (information and registration coming soon)

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

Yes, the Havana Nursery location 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?

Compost Giveaway information and registrations can be found here.

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 3rd?

Yes. You can find Dig Your Own Mulch and Compost at the Central Platte Campus Location.   Residents must have a shovel.  Additionally, residents will need a 5 gallon bucket for the free Compost Sale. Communal tools will not be provided.

Compost Giveaway information and registrations can be found here.

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, Sloan's Lake 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?

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 beds, 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.

Quick Links

Reminders

  • Bring your own shovel and your own bags or containers for loading and transporting mulch in your vehicle.
  • Bring a tarp and other necessary equipment to safely cover and secure your truck bed or trailer load.
  • Commercial entities are prohibited from taking mulch from this event.
  • This event is for Denver residents only.
  • Free compost is only available at the Central Platte Campus location.
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