Compost Your Pumpkin at Pumpkin Smash

When Halloween’s over, will you know the best way to get rid of your pumpkin? The folks at SCARCE remind you to smash it, don’t trash it. The annual Pumpkin Smash on Nov. 7 is a great way to dispose of your scary Halloween gourd. It’s fun, and it helps the environment, as the pumpkins will be composted. At McGrath Elmhurst Toyota, we’re big fans of Halloween, and we think the Pumpkin Smash is a wonderful and responsible way to dispose of your pumpkin.

Did you know that the practice of decorating jack-o’-lanterns originated in Ireland? The custom of making jack-o’-lanterns on Halloween goes back centuries, inspired by an Irish myth about a man with the nickname of “Stingy Jack.” The original jack-o’-lanterns were created from large potatoes and turnips. When Irish immigrants came to the United States, they brought the jack-o’-lantern with them, eventually using the plentiful pumpkins they found. This was the start of the pumpkin becoming a symbol linked with Halloween.

When you bring your pumpkin to the Pumpkin Smash, you can smash it or drop it off and let the folks at SCARCE smash it for you. The pumpkins will be composted, which helps keep waste out of landfills. It  also helps reduce greenhouse emissions and creates a natural fertilizer.

Only plain, clean pumpkins and pumpkins painted with acrylic paint will be accepted. All decorations must be removed before dropping off your pumpkin, including candles, stickers, yarn and anything else.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all residents visiting the event must wear masks and practice social distancing at this outdoor event. Green your Halloween at the Pumpkin Smash!

Date and Time:
Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Location:
Elmhurst Public Works Facility
985 S. Riverside Drive
Elmhurst, IL 60126

Admission:
Free.

For More Information:
Visit www.scarce.org/event/pumpkin-smash-2020 for more information and a list of locations in other cities.