What is the Pumpkin Smash?

The Pumpkin Smash is an effort to divert pumpkins from landfills by providing locations for residents to drop-off pumpkins for composting. SCARCE and the cities of Wheaton and Elmhurst hosted the first pumpkin collections in 2014, helping to improve composting laws in Illinois. The Pumpkin Smash has grown to over 100 sites across the state and around the country. This year, the Township of Lyons is partnering with the Bridgeview Park District 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 a win for our health and the environment!

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

Event details:

Pumpkin Smash 2026

Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026

Time: 8am-12pm

Place: Parking Lot of the Bridgeview Park District

Questions? Email Rose Naseef at rnaseef@lyonsts.com