What is the Pumpkin Smash?

The Pumpkin Smash is an effort to keep pumpkins out of 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 let it rot in your yard, you can place it in your backyard compost bin, or you can bring it to a Pumpkin Smash location. Pumpkins collected at the Pumpkin Smash 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!

How Can You Help?

Compost your pumpkin!  Also, you can gather pumpkins from your friends and neighbors and bring these to the Pumpkin Smash.  This is a great activity for scouts and other groups who want to help the community.

Thoroughly remove candles, stickers, glitter, googly eyes, pom poms, 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