Denver launches TreeCycle program, offers free mulch in May

City officials announced the annual TreeCycle program for the 2025 to 2026 season, calling for residents to drop off live Christmas trees at multiple city locations beginning Dec. 29 and continuing through the city pickup dates scheduled in January. Trees collected through the program will be recycled into mulch, which Denver will make available to the public at no cost during the Great Mulch Giveaway in May 2026.

The city outlined a mix of weekday drop off options along with limited and full site schedules to accommodate residents across neighborhoods. Organizers reminded participants to remove all lights, decorations, plastic, twine and stands prior to dropping off trees to ensure material can be processed. Residents who leave trees at the curb for bulky item pickup should note that those trees will not be recycled through the TreeCycle program.

Denver is also using digital tools to improve participation and compliance. The Denver Trash and Recycling app will provide reminders and schedule information for the TreeCycle program, giving residents a way to confirm drop off dates and site hours. The mulch produced from the recycled trees will be distributed at no charge during the May event, supporting local landscaping, erosion control and park maintenance projects that benefit the wider metro area.

For Douglas County residents the program is directly relevant if they choose to transport trees to Denver drop off sites. Bringing trees to the city locations allows participation in the recycling to mulch pipeline and potential access to free mulch in May. Those who rely on their local curbside bulky item collection should verify Douglas County pickup policies, as trees collected curbside in other jurisdictions may not enter Denver recycling streams.

The TreeCycle announcement provides a predictable seasonal option for live tree disposal, reduces waste sent to landfills and returns organic material to community use as mulch. Residents planning post holiday disposal should follow the removal guidelines for decorations and use available app reminders to ensure their trees are accepted and ultimately repurposed as community mulch in May 2026.