(Washington, DC) Every year, the Department of Public Works (DPW) collects over 10 tons of leaves from neighborhoods and public space. The leaves are composted and combined with other yard waste, such as chipped tree branches, to form rough mulch. This organic material is then made available free of charge to residents, community groups and garden clubs.

Residential customers may pick up mulch from March 1 to November 1 at New Jersey Avenue and K Street, SE, from 7 am to 3 pm, Monday through Saturday. Customers are allowed to take up to three 30-gallon bags (large trash bags). The mulch is free, but customers must bag it themselves.

All other mulch requests, such as those for sizable neighborhood beautification projects, must be coordinated through the Helping Hands Program at SWEEP. Please feel free to contact the Helping Hands Program at (202) 645-7190.