Pumpkin Recycling Program Returns

After the trick-or-treaters have gone home and all of the pumpkin seeds have been roasted, what becomes of all those jack-o’-lanterns? Many people throw them out. In fact, over a billion pounds of pumpkin gets tossed into America’s landfills each year. When left to decompose in a landfill, pumpkins (and other food waste) produce a gas called methane—a greenhouse gas that can be very harmful to the environment. Pumpkins are also about 90% water, which is great for soil but not so great in landfills.

That is why the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility is encouraging neighboring residents to say goodbye to their gourds, right here at our facility! Our second annual free pumpkin recycling program allows you to drop off your old pumpkins—free of charge—and we will compost them into a rich soil amendment. Last year, this drop-off program saw nearly 6,000 participants, diverting a total of 7,900 pounds of pumpkin from landfills!

From November 2-7, pumpkins (free of decorations and candles) will be accepted during the business hours listed below:

November 2-7 · Free Pumpkin Drop-Off Hours
Monday-Friday · 7am-5pm
Saturday · 8am-2pm