Compost and mulch · California

LA Sanitation Free Mulch and TOPGRO Compost Giveaway

Run by LA Sanitation and Environment (LA City Sanitation)

OpenLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Free mulch and TOPGRO soil amendment; bulk self-serve loading (no quantity limit published). TOPGRO soil amendments are free in limited quantities at select sites; 25-lb bags also available at Lopez Canyon.
Who qualifies
All City of Los Angeles residents (free).
Where
All City of Los Angeles residents.
Status
Open. Standing free program per official page (checked 2026-10-17)
Type of payment
Free item
Official program page

What you do

Pick up free mulch (and Topgro compost) from city sites for your yard.

Requirements

  • Bring your own shovel and sturdy containers, or a pickup truck; all sites are self-serve
  • Nine sites: East Los Angeles, Elysian Valley, Griffith Park, Lopez Canyon, Lincoln Heights, North Hollywood, San Pedro, Van Nuys, West Los Angeles (hours generally 7am-5pm; Griffith Park, Van Nuys and West LA weekdays only)
  • Call Lopez Canyon Environmental Education Center 818-374-7578 to check whether a site has run out
  • One pickup truck holds about 1 cubic yard, which covers about 324 sq ft at 1 inch deep

How to apply

  1. 1Check the official page for site addresses and hours
  2. 2Bring shovel and containers or a pickup truck to a site
  3. 3Load and take mulch at no charge (no application)

Timing and deadlines

Same day

Sources

Last checked October 17, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.

Sow is not affiliated with any of these agencies or utilities. Amounts and rules change, often at the start of a fiscal year, so confirm the details on the official page before you start a project. How we research these programs

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