Pumpkin Smash at Advocate Sherman Hospital

Decorate now, recycle later. 

More information coming soon | Save the date: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026

Pumpkins are popular this time of year. Whether part of a decoration, pie, or as a coffee ingredient, pumpkins show everyone that it’s officially fall. But what happens when it’s time to say goodbye as the decor melts away on the porch?

Green up Halloween by recycling pumpkins into compost at a free, outdoor Pumpkin Smash from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 7 at Advocate Sherman Hospital, 1425 N. Randall Road, Elgin. Hosted in partnership with Illinois Extension, Sherman Hospital, and the City of Elgin.

• Launch your pumpkins (That's right! The launcher is back!) into a compost pile
• Dispose of your pumpkins in an eco-friendly way
• Learn about composting and explore composting methods for your home
• Participate in hands-on composting activities
• Enjoy free cider and donuts
• First 65 guests can take home a free countertop compost pail

No cost or registration is required to attend. For questions, contact Extension Educator Jamie Viebach at jviebach@illinois.edu or 630-955-1123.

How to find us? Please enter from Fox Lane toward the back of the Sherman complex. Follow the signs to find us near the Sherman Natural Prairie and Community Garden.

Find the full list of Extension Pumpkin Smash events happening across the state in early November at go.illinois.edu/PumpkinSmash. 

About Pumpkin Smash

Pumpkins are organic waste that produces the potent greenhouse gas methane as they decompose in landfills. These decaying pumpkins also leach water that filters through the trash piles, polluting nearby waterways. 

This project is done in collaboration with SCARCE, an Illinois environmental non-profit that started Pumpkin Smashes in 2014. Illinois Extension joined in the effort by hosting events since 2019. Statewide, the efforts have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 1,200 tons of carbon dioxide and diverted over 345,000 gallons of water from entering landfills. Find a full map of Pumpkin Smashes at  SCARCE.org/Pumpkins.

Pumpkin Smash Instructions

1. Find a smash event site near you by checking out the calendar at go.illinois.edu/PumpkinSmash or SCARCE.org/Pumpkins. 
2. Collect pumpkins from the home, neighborhood, school, or workplace.
3. Remove candles, ribbons, paint, and any other non-organic materials.
4. Drop off pumpkins at a smash site on the date and time of the specific event. Each site may vary in the available methods for smashing or depositing pumpkins.

5. The pumpkins are transported to a composting facility following the event. 

   Those who cannot attend a smash event may still be able to compost pumpkins through their local trash provider, private service, or by starting a compost pile. Properly composted pumpkins contribute to soil health and do not produce methane. Learn how to get started composting at extension.illinois.edu/compost.