Denver’s LeafDrop Program Starts Today!

Denver's LeafDrop Program Starts Today!

Published on October 05, 2026

DENVER - Denver's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) is kicking off its annual LeafDrop program, allowing residents an opportunity to drop off their leaves and pumpkins to have them turned into compost, rather than ending up in the landfill. Compost customers can dispose of their leaves in their green cart - no bagging needed! Sign up for a compost cart today and make fall yard cleanup a breeze.

Starting Monday, October 5, through Wednesday, November 25, the following LeafDrop locations are open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

• Cherry Creek Transfer Station - 7301 E. Jewell Ave. (enter on E. Jewell Ave.)*
• Denver Parks and Recreation - 3685 Havana St. (enter on Havana St.)
• Central Platte Campus - 1271 W. Bayaud Ave. (Enter through the gates at Bayaud and Navajo, go past the Denver Animal Shelter to dumpsters in front of Building 2 on the right.)

*Note hitched trailers (6ft in length or less) are only accepted at the Cherry Creek Transfer Station. Leaves must be bagged in paper bags only. No plastic bags are accepted.

Residents can download a coupon to receive a free five-pack of compostable paper leaf bags at participating Ace Hardware stores while supplies last.

Also, we're just a month away from opening our weekend drop sites! On Saturday, November 7, 14, 21 and Sunday, November 8, 15, 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Denver residents can drop off their leaves and pumpkins at the following locations:

• Cherry Creek Transfer Station - 7301 E. Jewell Ave. (enter on E. Jewell Ave.)*
• Bruce Randolph High School - E. 40^th Ave. and Steele St.
• Kennedy High School - 2855 S Lamar St.
• Sloan's Lake Northwest Parking Lot - W. Byron Pl. and Yates St.
• Veterans Park - S. Vine St. and E. Iowa Ave.
• Archuleta Elementary School - 16000 Maxwell Pl.

Here are some other tips:

• Refrain from including branches or other materials in your leaf bags
• Don't use twine or staples to secure paper leaf bags, just roll and crimp
• Never rake or blow leaves into the streets; they can clog our storm sewer inlets and street sweepers.
• If you are a current city compost customer, you can put leaves and pumpkins in your compost cart!

To learn more about Denver's LeafDrop Program, please visit denvergov.org/leafdrop.

• Press release
• Transportation and Infrastructure