News Release: Town’s Environmental Advisory Commission to Host Pumpkin Smash Event on Sunday, November 1

Leesburg, VA (October 20, 2026) – The Town’s Sustainability Office and Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC) will host its first Pumpkin Smash event on Sunday, November 1, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability.

Residents are invited to bring their pumpkins to Tuscarora Creek Park, located at 425 Solitude Court SE, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Participants can smash their pumpkins before the remains are transported to a food waste composting facility.

Composting pumpkins helps reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfills and lowers methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas produced when organic materials decompose without oxygen. The composting process transforms pumpkins into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can improve soil quality and support future plant growth.

“This program gives residents a simple, eco-friendly way to dispose of their fall decorations while helping the Town meet its sustainability goals,” said Sustainability Manager Deb Moran. “Last year, we collected over a ton of pumpkins at Ida Lee for recycling. We’re looking forward to building on that success this year by recycling even more pumpkins and making the collection event fun for the whole community.”

All pumpkins are welcome, including carved jack o' lanterns and those with paint or other non-organic materials. Pumpkins with these materials will be cleaned on-site before being smashed.

The first 50 attendees will receive a free cookie from Leesburg Cookie Company. Attendees will also have an opportunity to take photos with the EAC mascot, who will be making his debut during the event. The event will also feature a sustainable ornament making station with Town staff, information on how to cook your pumpkins with the Virginia Cooperative Extension, and helpful tips for managing leaves sustainably with Loudoun Wildlife. 

Those who are unable to attend the event can drop off their unpainted or cleaned pumpkins through Sunday, November 8.

For more information, visit www.leesburgva.gov/smash.

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