What To Do With Your Dead Leaves

Did you know the dead leaves piling up in your yard can be put to good use? With the city’s free LeafDrop program, you can give your dead leaves to the city for composting. Then, that compost will eventually be re-sold as mulch at a discounted rate for Denver residents in the spring. Not only will you be literally giving back to the community by turning in your leaves, you’re helping combat greenhouse gas emissions by keeping organic materials out of the landfill. Here’s what you need to know about the program:

🍂 When does it start? The program kicked off Monday and will run through December 2.

🍂 Where do I take my leaves? You can find a list of drop-off locations and an interactive map on the city’s website.

🍂 Are there any rules? Yes. Leaves must be in bags. Compostable paper bags are encouraged, and the city is even offering a coupon to Ace Hardware for a free five-pack of paper leaf bags. Pumpkins are also accepted through this program, but NOT branches and other yard materials.

🍂 Some tips: Don’t blow or rake leaves into the streets, as it can clog storm sewer inlets. It’s also good to note that current city compost customers can just put their leaves in their green compost bins with other yard debris.

🍂 A friendly competition: In conjunction with the LeafDrop program, Denverites are invited to participate in the #CompostingColors photo contest. Submit a photo of some fall foliage and your LeafDrop compostable bags to be entered to win a $50 Ace Hardware gift card and an EGO Leaf Blower.

Happy raking!