Woody Debris Drop Off Program

Man removing tree branches from the back of his pick up truck
In 2025, Lakewood’s Community Sustainability, Climate, and Zero Waste Division offered a series of yard waste recycling events in each ward which yielded three key lessons. 1) 90% of the material received was large woody debris rather than plant waste, 2) when asked, visitors were unaware of Jefferson County’s SLASH program which accepts woody debris, and 3) when asked, residents would have landfilled the organic material if not for the opportunities offered by the City. 

In response to these lessons learned, Lakewood is offering a new voucher program for residents to drop off woody debris at Jefferson County’s SLASH sites this season. The voucher program will last the duration of the SLASH season translating to roughly 70 days for residents to conveniently dispose of their woody debris, offering a flexible alternative to one-day events.  

Lakewood’s goals through this program are to increase residents’ participation in and knowledge of the SLASH program, divert more organic material from area landfills, and put valuable organics back into our circular economy. Jefferson County’s goal through their Sustainable Lands and Safer Homes (SLASH) program is to create a more fire-resistant community and reduce barriers that residents face to managing and protecting their properties against wildfire hazards by providing low-cost woody debris (aka slash) recycling options.

How To Participate 

SLASH Location nearest to Lakewood: Tincup Ridge Site at 101 Rooney Rd., Golden, CO 80401 

SLASH Season: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Exact 2026 SLASH season dates will be announced in the spring at Jeffco.us/Slash. 

Claim Your Voucher: 

  1. Fill out the voucher form below. Voucher requests will be reviewed and distributed via email on a bi-weekly basis - plan accordingly.  
  2. After you receive an email with your voucher, take your woody debris to the Tincup Ridge site. Check out the SLASH program website for days and hours of operation, updates and closures first. 
  3. Show your voucher (email, screenshot, or hard copy) to the SLASH site attendant. They can also look you up by name and address. 
  4. Unload your woody debris to be turned into mulch or compost locally! Note that SLASH staff does not provide onsite unloading assistance. 

 

FAQs

What materials are accepted at the SLASH site? Review the list of accepted materials on the JeffCo SLASH website. 

Why isn’t all yard waste accepted at the SLASH site? The goal of Jefferson County’s Sustainable Lands and Safer Homes (SLASH) program is to enhance our region’s fire resistance. Strategic removal of woody debris around homes and natural landscapes creates more defensible spaces and can reduce the instances and severity of wildfire damage. Therefore, the SLASH program is focused on woody debris – not plant or food waste.  

What about leaves and Christmas trees? The Lakewood City Greenhouse offers a leaf drop in November and Christmas Tree Recycling in January. Both programs are free to Lakewood residents. 

How many vouchers can I receive? One voucher per SLASH season per household while funding lasts. 

Is it really free? A voucher is good for up to $24 - the vast majority of visitors will not bring loads in excess of the voucher amount. However, extra large trailers may exceed the $24 value and need to pay for the remainder with a credit card. The cost of any excess will be determined onsite by SLASH staff. 

If I don’t bring a full $24 worth of woody debris, can I use my voucher again?  Vouchers are single use. If you have another load at a later time, we encourage you to come back and support the Jefferson Conservation District by paying the standard drop off fees.  

Can I bring some of my woody debris and some of my neighbors in the same load? Yes. We support lending neighbors a helping hand – especially if you have a larger vehicle and are physically capable. 

When is my voucher good for? Does my voucher expire? The voucher is good anytime from the day you receive it through the end of the 2026 SLASH season. Also see next question. 

When is the best time to visit to the SLASH site? To avoid potential lines and wait time, avoid SLASH season opening and closing weekends and do not arrive before they open or first thing in the morning.  

Can I take my woody debris to another JeffCo SLASH site instead of Tincup Ridge? Yes, but the Tincup Ridge location is the closest for most Lakewood residents and the staff there will be trained on asking for and accepting your Lakewood voucher.

Is onsite assistance offered to unload? No. Plan accordingly. 

How should I transport woody debris? A trunk, truck bed, or trailer lined with a tarp and strapped securely down or loose in trash cans are common methods. Materials do not have to be bagged. If materials are bagged - they will have to emptied loose onto the ground. 

How will the woody debris be processed? Materials will be chipped and recycled into mulch or turned into soil at a local industrial composting facility.

Is the Lakewood City Greenhouse involved in this program? No. The SLASH program is operated by Jefferson County and the voucher program is managed by Lakewood's Community Sustainability, Climate, & Zero Waste Division. 

Who can I contact with more questions: For questions about your voucher, email ZeroWaste@lakewoodco.gov. Direct questions about material types, operating hours, etc. to the SLASH program using this form.  

 

Back to top