Black Forest Slash & Mulch

How it works

The Black Forest Slash & Mulch Site is a county-run community resource in El Paso County, Colorado. It is designed to support wildfire mitigation, recycling natural materials, and healthy forest management.

Residents can bring eligible natural wood debris to the site. The material is collected, mulched, and then made available for residents to take home.

What the money covers

This is not a cash grant or rebate. The practical homeowner benefit is reduced disposal cost and access to mulch for landscaping or mitigation work.

The page says the site accepts tree and bush debris only, and it does not accept bulk pine needles. It also does not accept stumps, roots, weeds, grass, lumber, trash, or similar materials.

Amounts and fees

• $10.00 fee for each load of slash dropped off
• Mulch is free if the customer fills it themselves
• If using the loader, mulch costs $5.00 per loader bucket, approximately 2 cubic yards
• Mulch is available while supplies last

How to apply

A Participation Form is required. The page says residents must complete the form either online or download a copy and bring the completed form to the Slash and Mulch site.

Timing and deadlines

The 2026 season runs:

• Slash only: May 2 through September 12
• Mulch only: May 2 through September 19

Site hours are:

• Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The mulch loader is scheduled on Saturdays only, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Safety and site rules

• Children and pets must remain in vehicles at all times because large machinery is in use
• Residents should review the flyer and schedule before visiting
• Contact information for questions is listed on the page for Carolyn Brown, Jeff DeWitt, and the El Paso County Environmental Division