Free Mulch and Compost Giveaway is Saturday, May 4

Did you know? Holiday trees dropped off during the Treecycle program are mulched and distributed back to Denver residents for free each spring.

For 2024 only, compost will also be distributed free from the City and County of Denver and Waste Management. Registration is required and subject to availability, as 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.

Sign-up for the Compost Giveaway

Compost was created from food scraps and yard waste collected from Denver's Composts program and donated from Waste Management.

2024 Mulch Giveaway

The 2024 Mulch Giveaway is May 4 from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

FREE Dig-Your-Own Mulch — Remember to bring your own shovel!

  • Denver Central Platte Campus (enter from 2000 W. 3rd Ave.) WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
  • Havana Nursery (10450 Smith Rd.) — free loader service and dig-your-own mulch is available at this location for trucks and small, one axle trailers. THERE IS NO COMPOST AT THIS LOCATION.

2024 Compost Giveaway

The 2024 Compost Giveaway is May 4 from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

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

Sign up for the Compost Giveaway


FREE Dig-Your-Own Compost site

  • Denver Central Platte Campus (1271 W. Bayaud Ave.)
  • Directions: Enter through the campus gates at W. Bayaud Ave. and S. Navajo St., drive past the Denver Animal Shelter. Refer to the map for information and directions.
  • Remember to bring your coupon, a 5-gallon bucket, shovel and proof of residency

Instructions to receive a compost coupon:

  1. Enter the required information in the Sign Up for the Compost Giveaway
  2. Receive an electric confirmation number from Solid Waste Management. The confirmation number is required at the event.
  3. Bring a 5-gallon bucket, a shovel, the confirmation number, and proof of Denver residency.
  4. Fill your 5-gallon bucket with wonderful, Denver-made compost.

Limit of one 5-gallon bucket of compost per resident with Coupon Confirmation Number.

Mulch Frequently Asked Questions

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

Free 'dig-your-own' mulch is available at 2 locations this year: Havana Nursery and the Central Platte Campus. Refer the the map below to get address and directions to the mulch and compost sites.

Where can I get free loader service mulch?

Loader service mulch is only available at the Havana Nursery. You must have a truck (no canopy) or a trailer to get into the loader service line.

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?

For 2024 only, compost will be distributed free from City and County of Denver and WM. Registration is required and subject to availability as 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.

Sign Up for the Compost Giveaway to register for a coupon.

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

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 4th?

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

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

What's different about this year’s event?

For 2024 only, compost will be distributed free from City and County of Denver and WM. Complete the form above to receive a coupon confirmation number. Registration is required and subject to availability as 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.

The Compost Giveaway will is in conjunction with the 'Dig-Your-Own Mulch' event at our Central Platte Campus (see map for details and directions.) For more information about the Mulch Giveaway, please visit Denvergov.org/Mulch

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

For 2024, 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.


Use the Map to Find the Mulch and Compost Giveaway Locations

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