Pittsburgh giving away free mulch

Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works on Wednesday announced they will begin giving away free mulch from recycled Christmas trees this weekend, and they will collect yard waste early next month.

Pittsburgh residents will be able to pick up free mulch from the city’s Christmas tree recycling program beginning Saturday, which is Earth Day.

The city every year recycles used Christmas trees into free, natural and environmentally-friendly mulch for city residents.

Officials said the city diverted nearly 1,700 Christmas trees from the landfall during the past year’s holiday season.

Residents dropped off their trees at recycling sites throughout the city. The city’s Forestry Division then chipped the trees into mulch.

Pittsburghers who want to collect free mulch can do so beginning this Saturday at the Pittsburgh Zoo overflow parking lot. The mulch will be available every Saturday through May 13 from dawn till dusk while supplies last.

Quantity is limited and officials said they expect it to go quickly.

People will need to bring their own buckets, gloves and shovels to collect the mulch.

The city’s Department of Public Works also announced they will collect yard waste curbside on May 6.

Residents can set out leaves, grass, brush and branches at their usual trash and recycling spots. The yard waste must be set out by 6 a.m. on the collection day, but shouldn’t be set out before Friday evening, officials said.

Leaves, grass and brush must be contained in brown paper bags weighing no more than 35 pounds. Branches must be bundled with fiber twine or natural rope in branch widths no more than four inches in diameter and five feet in length.

Yard waste cannot contain any plastic bags, glass, rocks, blocks, bricks, dirt or gravel, officials said. Debris that doesn’t meet the city’s collection guidelines won’t be collected.

The city also operates three drop-off centers that accept yard waste year-round:

• East End Drop-Off Center at 6814 Hamilton Avenue; Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. till 2 p.m.
• Hazelwood Drop-Off Center at 40 Melanchton Street; Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. till 2 p.m.
• West End Drop-Off Center at 1330 Hassler Street; Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. till 2 p.m.

Collection centers are closed on holidays. Proof of residency is required to drop off waste at those sites.