SWALCO | Pumpkin Smash Events and Free Compost Giveback

Lake County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 10/30/2024 07:15 AM CDT

October 30, 2024

Pumpkin Smash Events and Free Compost Giveback!

The Pumpkin Smash is an annual waste reduction and education effort by communities in Illinois. It diverts pumpkins from landfills by providing locations for residents to drop them off for composting. It is held each year after Halloween.

Composting is nature’s way of recycling organic materials. It is a process that allows organic matter to decompose and form compost—a fabulous natural fertilizer. Composting reduces waste sent to landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and reduces the amount of water in landfills, where it must be monitored to avoid groundwater contamination.

Visit swalco.org/pumpkin to find a Lake County Pumpkin Smash location near you. Along with the Pumpkin Smash events, two select locations will also be offering free compost giveaways this year! Bring your pumpkins for composting and pick up 20 gallons of locally-made compost.

Remember to remove candles, decorations, and other materials beforehand. Non-toxic paint is acceptable.