Decorate now. Recycle later.
Pumpkins are popular this time of year. Whether part of a decoration, pie, or popular 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 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov.7, at Lakeview High School in Chicago. No cost or registration is required to attend. For questions, contact event coordinator Maggie at maggie@aldermanmartin.com.
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.
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