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How to Snag Free Mulch and Compost

Posted on April 29, 2025   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
McKenna Harford

McKenna Harford

A person plants some seedlings in soil. Get free mulch or compost from the city on May 3. (Sandie Clarke/Unsplash)

A person plants some seedlings in soil. Get free mulch or compost from the city on May 3. (Sandie Clarke/Unsplash)

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s officially time to get your gardens ready! To help, the city is offering free mulch and compost to residents from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 3. Here are some tips on how to take advantage of the spring deal!

Where To Go

Thanks to Denver’s Christmas tree recycling program, the city has tons of chipped wood to provide to residents for free. The three locations to dig your own mulch are:

  • Denver Central Platte Campus — 2000 W. Third Avenue
  • Cherry Creek Transfer Station — 7301 E. Jewell Avenue
  • Havana Nursery — 10450 Smith Road

The Havana Nursery will have free mulch loader service for trucks and one axle trailers.

Compost will only be available at the Denver Central Platte Campus at 1271 W. Bayaud Ave. For this year’s free compost giveaway, the city is having participants sign up in advance online.

What To Bring

Since the program is mostly do-it-yourself, make sure to bring your own shovel and bags or containers to put the mulch and compost in. You might also want to have a tarp on hand to protect your car or cover your trailer from dust and debris.

For compost pick-up, come prepared with a 5-gallon bucket, shovel, and your coupon confirmation number, which you’ll be given when you sign up.

Also, be sure to bring proof of residency, like a driver’s license or utility bill.

Have other gardening questions or need some tips on where to start? Listen to our episode with local expert Ann Marie Awad!

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