Pumpkin Smashing Event Encourages Residents to Recycle Seasonal Decorations

As Halloween brings October to a close, cities around the country are encouraging residents to recycle their seasonal pumpkins and some are holding events to make the process fun for everyone.

Springfield, Mo. doesn’t want to see area jack-o-lanterns and other pumpkins decay on doorsteps and end up in the trash, as they can take a long time to break down in landfills. To combat this potential issue, the City of Springfield Environmental Services is holding a Pumpkin Smash event to give residents a sustainable and fun way to dispose of pumpkins.

Residents will be able to smash their pumpkins with a sledgehammer or drop the gourds from a firetruck ladder. There will also be pumpkin bowling and prizes will be available for those who can throw their pumpkins the furthest.

Ashley Krug, sustainability and market development coordinator for the city, commented that pumpkins in landfills take years to fully breakdown.

"If you’re not going to turn it into a pie, drop it off at one of our recycling centers or come give it a smash!" Krug said.

All organic waste, which includes smashed pumpkins, hay bales, and cornstalks, will be accepted at the city’s recycling centers. There, the waste will be processed and turned into compost which will be available for purchase afterward.

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