Denver is kicking off the annual “LeafDrop” program, giving residents a chance to compost leaves and pumpkins, rather than dumping them in landfills.

The effort supports composting, which the city has attempted to push recently, despite challenges associated with the “pay as you throw” trash program. This saw residents pay for trash based on the size of their garbage bin while also providing free compost and recycling. Residents with a compost cart can put their leaves and pumpkins directly into their cart.

Three locations will be open weekdays between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. They are the Cherry Creek Transfer Station (7301 E. Jewell Ave.), the Havana Nursery (10450 Smith Rd.) and the Central Platte Campus (1271 W. Bayaud Ave.).

The transportation department, which announced the program start, asked residents to not include branches in their leaf bags. Further, residents are asked to not use twine or staples to secure their bags and instead “roll and crimp” them.

“Compost is a beneficial soil amendment used in gardens and landscapes that’s sold at most garden and hardware stores,” a press release from the department said.

Residents participating can download a coupon that will net them a free five-pack of compostable paper leaf bags at participating Ace Hardware stores. Supplies are, however, limited, according to the release.

If opting to use plastic bags, residents must empty the bags on site as they will not be accepted in the compost patches. Denverites are also asked not to blow leaves into the streets as that can clog city storm drains.

More locations will open, and will offer service on the weekend, beginning November 2 and closing on November 17. In addition to the Cherry Creek Location, Denver will open Bruce Randolph High School, Kennedy High School, Veterans Park and the northwest parking lot of Sloan’s Lake for weekend drop-off.