Bureau of Forestry Free Mulch

Free mulch & compost in Chicago, IL

Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, Bureau of Forestry

What’s free
Mulch (free)

Free mulch made from wood from city tree and branch removal.

Where
Bureau of Forestry sites (O'Hare, South Ashland, East 103rd St.), 9909 West Foster Avenue; 2342 South Ashland Avenue (NW corner); 900 East 103rd Street (NE corner), Chicago, IL
Who
Offered to residents. Residents only.
When
Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Verified Nov 6, 2026 · Official source ↗

What’s offered

“Not listed” means we couldn’t confirm it. Call to check.

Mulch

Free

Compost

Not listed

Wood chips

Not listed

Leaf compost

Not listed

Location

Bureau of Forestry sites (O'Hare, South Ashland, East 103rd St.), 9909 West Foster Avenue; 2342 South Ashland Avenue (NW corner); 900 East 103rd Street (NE corner), Chicago, IL

Hours & season

Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Limits

Available on a limited basis.

Giveaway events

Free backyard compost bin giveaway applications are closed; page says check back in 2026.

More options

Quick answers

Is mulch free in Chicago?

Free: Mulch. Free mulch made from wood from city tree and branch removal.

Who can get free mulch or compost in Chicago?

Offered to residents. Residents only.

When can I pick up mulch in Chicago?

Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Where do I get mulch in Chicago?

Bureau of Forestry sites (O'Hare, South Ashland, East 103rd St.), 9909 West Foster Avenue; 2342 South Ashland Avenue (NW corner); 900 East 103rd Street (NE corner), Chicago, IL

Are there limits on mulch in Chicago?

Available on a limited basis.

Sources

Last verified: Nov 6, 2026. Check the official page or call before you go.

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