What is the Pumpkin Smash?

The Pumpkin Smash is an effort to divert pumpkins from landfills by providing locations for residents to drop-off jack-o-lanterns for composting. It is typically held each year on the Saturday after Halloween. SCARCE and the cities of Wheaton and Elmhurst hosted the first pumpkin collections in 2014, diverting over 9.31 tons of pumpkins from landfills and helping to improve composting laws in Illinois.  By 2024, the Pumpkin Smash grew to over 103 sites across the state and around the country. This year, the Township of Lyons is partnering with the City of Countryside and the Cook County Farm Bureau to host a local Pumpkin Smash for anyone who wants to compost pumpkins.

Why Compost Pumpkins?

The decomposition of organic materials in a landfill, including pumpkins, creates methane.  Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to climate change. Rather than throw your pumpkin in the trash, it is better to compost it.  You can do this by letting it rot in your yard, placing it in your backyard compost bin, or taking it to a collection. Pumpkins collected at community events will be sent to a large-scale composting facility. Composting turns the water and nutrients from the pumpkin into a natural soil amendment that retains moisture and helps plants grow.  Whatever way you choose to compost your pumpkin, it’s is a win for our health and the environment!

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, November 1st

Time: 10am-12pm

Address: 5550 East Avenue in Countryside (Former location of the Countryside Police Department)

Have questions? Email Rose Naseef at rnaseef@lyonsts.com

Thoroughly remove candles, stickers, glitter, and other non-organic decorations. Please remove paint or cut off painted pieces. Thank you!