The Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Environmental Services is inviting residents to pick up free mulch and screened compost at the Pittsburgh Zoo’s Overflow Parking Lot on May 2 and May 9, 2026 from sunup to sundown.   

Each year, Environmental Services offers free, natural and environmentally-friendly mulch made from used Christmas trees collected by the City in partnership with community partners, such as local Girl Scout and Scouting America Troops, DPW Forestry Division and DPW Streets Division. This year, 845 trees were recycled into mulch instead of going to the landfill.  

The mulch made from the recycled trees, as well as screened compost, will be available at the Pittsburgh Zoo Overflow Parking lot at 7370 Baker Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Quantity is limited and residents must bring their own gloves, shovels and buckets.  

Christmas tree mulch is great for landscaping and cover. The mulch enriches the soil with organic matter, improving soil structure, water retention, and overall fertility. Compost has many of the same benefits and can be mixed directly with your soil to amend and improve it.