At a Glance

💧 Turf Buyback Program — $2/sq ft rebate (up to $2,000) for removing irrigated lawns

🧹 Cleanup Events (April–May) — Yard waste drop-off, curbside collection, and river cleanup opportunities

🗑️ Landfill Vouchers — Available for Glenwood Springs residents, request by April 30

🌳 Tree Giveaway — April 18 at Two Rivers Park (registration required)

🌊 River Cleanup — April 25 volunteer event at Two Rivers Park

⚠️ Hazardous Waste Day — May 23 drop-off + free compost pickup

As spring arrives in Glenwood Springs, the city is rolling out a series of sustainability initiatives, cleanup events, and rebate programs aimed at helping residents reduce water use, manage waste, and protect local natural resources.

From a new turf removal rebate program to a full calendar of spring cleanup opportunities, city officials are encouraging residents to take part in efforts that support both household savings and long-term environmental health.


Turf Buyback Program Offers Up to $2,000 for Lawn Removal

One of the city’s most significant new initiatives is the Turf Buyback Program, which offers financial incentives for residents who replace traditional lawns with water-efficient landscaping.

Maintaining grass lawns in Western Colorado’s arid climate can be costly and resource-intensive. In addition to increasing household water bills, irrigated lawns place added demand on the Colorado River and local water systems.

To address this, Glenwood Springs is offering $2 per square foot for the removal of irrigated, non-native turf, with rebates available for up to 1,000 square feet.

That means eligible residents could receive up to $2,000 for converting their yard to more water-smart landscaping.

City officials say the program is designed to help residents lower long-term water costs while reducing pressure on regional water supplies.


Month-Long Spring Cleanup Efforts Underway

The city is also hosting a wide range of spring cleanup events throughout April and May, giving residents multiple ways to dispose of waste, clean up neighborhoods, and get involved in community efforts.

Key Dates to Know

  • April 1–30
    Landfill vouchers available for city residents (valid through July 31)
  • April 4
    Brush and yard waste drop-off begins
    Every-other Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to noon
    Former rodeo grounds
  • April 8 & 9
    Curbside Spring Collection Days
    Registration required (deadline April 1)
  • April 18
    Branch Out Community Forestry Tree Giveaway
    10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Two Rivers Park
    Registration required
  • April 25
    Springtime River Cleanup
    8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Two Rivers Park
    Volunteers must register
  • May 23
    Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
    Free compost pick-up included
    9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Community Center

These events are designed to help residents responsibly dispose of materials, reduce waste, and contribute to maintaining public spaces across the city.


Landfill Vouchers Available for Residents

As part of the cleanup effort, Glenwood Springs is offering subsidized landfill vouchers to city residents.

Each household can request one voucher for up to a pickup-truck load of non-hazardous waste at the South Canyon Landfill.

Requests must be submitted by April 30, and vouchers are valid through July 31.


Protecting Local Waterways from Invasive Species

City officials are also reminding residents to take precautions against aquatic nuisance species (ANS), which pose a growing threat to Colorado’s rivers and waterways.

Invasive mussels, plants, and other organisms can spread easily between water bodies on boats and gear. To help prevent this, the city is urging all water users to:

Clean, drain, and dry equipment after each use

This includes kayaks, paddleboards, fishing gear, and any equipment used in local waterways.


Additional Programs Encourage Sustainable Travel and Community Action

Other ongoing initiatives highlighted by the city include:

  • Two Rivers Connect “Winter Way to Roll” Program (through March 30), which rewards residents for choosing biking, walking, carpooling, or transit
  • A sustainability series focused on waste reduction, transportation, and community action

These efforts are part of a broader push to encourage residents to take small, practical steps that collectively support environmental sustainability.


Getting Involved

With a full calendar of events and multiple programs underway, city officials say there are many ways for residents to participate this spring.

Whether removing a lawn, volunteering for a river cleanup, or taking advantage of waste disposal programs, each action contributes to a larger effort to conserve resources and maintain the health of the region.

As the season shifts, Glenwood Springs is encouraging residents to take part in building a more sustainable and resilient community—one project at a time.

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