Montrose’s Spring Cleanup returns April 24–25 with free drop-off for large items, recycling, and donations. New this year, green waste will be composted on-site and turned into free mulch available April 30 through May 14 at the same location.
The City of Montrose, Colorado will host its annual Spring Cleanup on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, giving residents a convenient way to dispose of large items, recycle materials, and contribute to a cleaner community. This year’s event also introduces a new on-site composting effort that will turn green waste into free mulch for residents.
The drop-off site will be located off the San Juan Bypass (U.S. Highway 50), directly across from the Sunshine Peak apartment complex. The site will be open both days from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with signage in place to direct traffic. In addition, Montrose County will host a free landfill day on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dates: April 24–25, 2026
Time: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: San Juan Bypass (U.S. Highway 50), across from Sunshine Peak Apartments, Montrose, Colorado
Free Landfill Day (County): April 18, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free Mulch Pickup: April 30 – May 14 (same location)
Accepted Items: Yard waste, furniture, appliances, construction materials, electronics without glass screens
Not Accepted: Household trash, hazardous materials, paint, tires, batteries
Freon Appliance Fee: $20 (cash only or pre-pay)
Pickup Service: Call 970-650-2503 (limited availability)
The Spring Cleanup is intended for items that are not easily handled through regular trash service. Accepted materials include leaves, grass clippings, and limbs less than six inches in diameter, as well as construction or scrap materials, yard equipment, mattresses, furniture, large household items, appliances, and electronics without glass screens.
Appliances containing Freon will be accepted for a $20 fee. Due to site limitations, payment must be made in cash. Residents can also pre-pay by contacting Public Works Customer Service at 970-240-1480 and presenting a receipt at drop-off.
Routine household trash, hazardous materials, paint, tires, batteries, electronics with glass screens, and fill dirt or spoils will not be accepted. Residents should review the guidelines ahead of time, as prohibited items may be turned away at the site.
The City of Montrose is again partnering with Habitat for Humanity of the San Juans to help divert usable items from the landfill. The Habitat ReStore donation gate will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both April 24 and 25, allowing residents to donate furniture, appliances, and other reusable household goods. Check the Habitat for Humanity website for a list of eligible items.
In a new partnership with Delta Compost, green waste collected during the event will be processed on-site using a horizontal grinder. The resulting mulch will be made available to the community at no cost.
Residents can return to the same location between April 30 and May 14 to pick up mulch. Materials will be available for self-loading with no quantity limit. Only approved green waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and small limbs will be accepted, and root balls will not be permitted.
City residents who are unable to transport large items may request limited pickup service by calling 970-650-2503. Pickup slots for April 24 and 25 are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Spring Cleanup remains one of Montrose’s most widely used community services, helping residents safely dispose of bulky items while expanding opportunities for reuse and recycling. With the addition of composting and free mulch distribution, this year’s event adds another layer of environmental benefit by turning yard waste into a shared community resource. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, separate materials, and arrive early to avoid peak traffic hours.
Do I need to be a Montrose resident?
The Spring Cleanup is primarily intended for City of Montrose residents. Montrose County also offers a free landfill day on April 18 for broader participation.
Can I bring regular household trash?
No. Routine household trash is not accepted at the Spring Cleanup site.
What types of electronics are allowed?
Only electronics without glass screens will be accepted. Items like TVs and monitors are not permitted.
Is there a limit on free mulch?
No. Residents may self-load mulch from April 30 through May 14 with no quantity limit.
Do I have to pay to dispose of appliances?
Only appliances containing Freon require a $20 fee. Payment must be made in cash at the site or pre-paid in advance.
Can I donate items instead of throwing them away?
Yes. Usable items can be donated to Habitat for Humanity of the San Juans during the event between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Is pickup service available?
Yes, but it is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis for city residents who cannot transport large items.
For more information, visit City of Montrose Spring Cleanup.
