By Andi Anderson
Every fall, pumpkins bring festive spirit to homes and communities across Illinois. But when the season ends, most of them end up in landfills, contributing to methane emissions and environmental pollution.
As the top pumpkin-producing state in the U.S., Illinois faces a major challenge in managing post-Halloween pumpkin waste.
To tackle this, the University of Illinois Extension has partnered with the environmental non-profit SCARCE to host “Pumpkin Smash” composting events across the state in early November.
These family-friendly events encourage residents to bring their old pumpkins, smash them for fun, and recycle them responsibly.
“Seeing the growing number of tons of pumpkins diverted from landfills shows the importance and impact of these events both locally and statewide,” says Kathryn Pereira, Illinois Extension local foods and small farms educator.
Since SCARCE launched the Pumpkin Smash initiative in 2014, Illinois events have composted more than 1,250 tons of pumpkins, preventing 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and saving over 300,000 gallons of water from landfill contamination.
Pumpkin Smash locations include Jackson, Kane, Lee, Macon, McDonough, and McLean Counties, with Cook County hosting additional educational booths.
The events are free to attend and open to all. Participants are asked to remove candles, ribbons, and other non-organic materials before dropping off pumpkins at designated sites.
Those unable to attend can compost pumpkins through local services or at home. Composting helps enrich soil, prevents methane release, and supports a cleaner environment.
Beyond fun and learning, these events discourage illegal pumpkin dumping on private lands and nature preserves, which can harm wildlife. The Pumpkin Smash project proves that sustainability can be simple, educational, and enjoyable—all while protecting the planet for the future.
Photo Credit: gettyImages-digitalvision
Categories: Illinois, Education, Sustainable Agriculture