Monster mash is complete. Next it’s pumpkin smash time.
This weekend, pumpkins will be collected for composting at about 80 sites in the greater Chicago area as part of a nationwide effort to keep food waste out of landfills.
The Department of Energy estimates that of the 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins produced in the United States (mostly grown in Illinois), only one-fifth is processed into pumpkin puree . Use the rest for seasonal decorations and throw it in the trash. Every year, piles of discarded jack-o-lanterns end up in landfills, where they decompose and release methane gas.
Addison-based nonprofit SCARCE has been leading the Pumpkin Smash Charge locally since 2014, starting with just two sites and growing rapidly.
To date, participants in the annual SCARCE event have collectively composted more than 1,000 tons of pumpkins, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 750 tons of carbon dioxide.
Most sites are open from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, but hours vary. Several events are scheduled for Friday and Sunday.
Be sure to remove candles, wax, and removable non-organic decorations before handing over your pumpkin. If you paint your pumpkin, it cannot be composted unless you use food-based dyes.
Most Pumpkin Smash sites simply act as drop-off points, but some host full-scale events.
— The Will County Forestry District is going all-in on pumpkin crushing Saturday at Plum Creek Nature Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pumpkins will be dropped to the ground 40 feet below the viewing platform, or people will smash them with jacks. It can also be -o’- a lantern with a hammer, mallet, or other attached tools. At the end of the day, enjoy s’mores and hot dogs grilled over the fire. Last year, Plum Creek collected 988 pounds of pumpkins.
— Plant Chicago’s Pumpkin Smash will be held in conjunction with the season’s final outdoor farmers market at Davis Square Park on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
— Gary Comer Youth Center will feature music, food sales, mind-blowing games, and tours of the adjacent urban farm where composted pumpkins will eventually be supplied as a soil amendment .Saturday, 10am to 2pm
To find your nearest Pumpkin Smash site, search the map below.
Contact Patti Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]