Enviro Services: Yard Debris Pickup & Free Xmas Tree Mulch Giveaway

Published on April 07, 2025

Office of the Mayor - City Seal

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ANNOUNCES BI-ANNUAL YARD DEBRIS COLLECTION AND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE MULCH GIVEAWAY 

Pittsburgh, PA –The City of Pittsburgh's Department of Public Works' Environmental Services is excited to kick off its Spring yard debris collection event and the annual Christmas Tree Mulch Giveaway on Saturday, April 26th. These events provide residents with an opportunity to dispose of yard debris responsibly while receiving free mulch for their spring gardening and landscaping projects.

The yard debris collection event offers residents curbside service to dispose of yard waste, turning it into compost and mulch that will enrich local parks and landscapes. Additionally, Christmas trees donated by residents will be transformed into mulch, which is then available for free to residents for use on acid-loving plants, such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Mums.

“This is a great program for the city, it provides residents with curbside service to dispose of their yard debris and be environmentally conscious,” said City Recycling Supervisor Vanessa Reaves “Last year we turned 5800 tons of yard debris and trees into compost and mulch that was used locally through our programs. This is an excellent example of a service that diverts perfectly good material from going to the landfill and instead using it locally to benefit our community.”  

Event Details: 

  • Date: Saturday, April 26th 
  • Time: 7 AM – While Supplies Last 
  • Location for Mulch Giveaway: Pittsburgh Zoo Overflow Parking Lot, 7370 Baker Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 

Residents are encouraged to bring their own buckets, gloves, and shovels to collect mulch. Supplies are limited and are expected to go quickly, so early arrival is recommended. 

Yard Debris Collection Guidelines: 

To participate in the yard debris curbside collection, please follow these guidelines: 

  • Place yard debris at your usual trash/recycling pickup spot by 6 AM on collection day. 
  • Debris must be placed in brown paper bags, each weighing no more than 35 pounds. 
  • Branches should be bundled with natural twine or rope and must not exceed 5 feet in length or 4 inches in diameter. 

 

  • Accepted Yard Debris: 

          -Leaves 

          -Branches (under 5 feet and 4 inches in diameter) 

          -Brush 

          -Grass 

 

  • Not Accepted: 

          -Plastic bags 

          -Metal or wire 

          -Rocks, blocks, bricks, and ceramics 

          -Dirt or gravel 

          -Glass, metal, or plastic 

If you miss the April 26th yard debris collection, you can drop-off yard debris at the following locations: 

  • Hazelwood - 3rd Division of Public Works  Location: 40 Melanchton Street Pittsburgh, PA 15207  Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am. to 1:30 pm. (412) 422-6524  

 

  • West End - 5th Division of Public Works  1330 Hassler Street Pittsburgh, PA 15220 (Off Herschel St. & Steuben St. near Herschel Park) Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am. to 2:00 pm. (412) 937-3054 

 

  • Homewood North - 2nd Division of Public Works  6814 Hamilton Avenue (North Dallas Avenue at Hamilton Avenue)  Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am. to 1:00 pm. (412) 665-3609  

Each year, the City of Pittsburgh transforms used Christmas trees into free, natural, and eco-friendly mulch for residents. This past holiday season, with the support of local Girl Scout Troops, Environmental Services, and Public Works Forestry, the initiative was a great success. 

To learn more about yard debris disposal services and the mulch giveaway event, visit the DPW Environmental Services page.  

Jacob Williams
Jacob.Williams@pittsburghpa.gov
(412) 667-8264

 

 

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