Got old Pumpkins and Gourds? Compost them!

The time of year for leftover Halloween and Thanksgiving pumpkins is officially upon us.  These items often get tossed in the landfill, which creates unnecessary food waste and wastes the natural resources like energy, land, and water that went into growing those gourds.  

Did you know that 41 billion gallons of water are used every year to grow and make food that is never eaten in our community?  Central Ohio partners are working together to change that, and you can help make a difference. 

Pumpkins can be composted in your home compost pile.  Just be sure to clean them thoroughly, removing any paint, decorations, or wax residue.  Then, cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces so that it’s easier for it to break down in your compost. 

Cows, chickens, and other common farm animals love to snack on pumpkins, so some local farms accept pumpkin and gourd donations each fall.  Check social media for postings or check with your friendly local farmer. 

Or you can help make a difference this fall by dropping off your harvest vegetables, like pumpkins and gourds at one of these participating pumpkin and gourd collection locations:  

  • SWACO Recycling Convenience Center: Oct. 1 through Dec 14 between 10:30 am and 6 pm M-F or 9 am – 4:30 pm on Saturdays, 2566 Jackson Pike  
  • City of Columbus: Oct 31 through Nov 30 between 10 am and 6 pm at:
    • 2100 Alum Creek Drive
    • 4260 Morse Road
    • or 1550 Georgesville Road
  • Dublin:  Oct. 21 – Dec. 13 at 6555 Shier Rings Road
  • Grandview: Nov. 4 – Nov. 29 at Wallace Gardens, 1581 Goodale Blvd.
  • Grove City: Nov. 1 – Dec. 2 at Fryer Park, 3899 Orders Road
  • New Albany: Oct. 31 – Dec. 8 at New Albany Public Service, 7800 Bevelhymer Road
  • Upper Arlington: Oct. 31 – Dec. 8 at Fancyburg Park, 3375 Kioka Avenue
  • Westerville: Nov. 1 – Nov. 30 at:
    • 350 Park Meadow Road
    • or 469 Westdale Avenue
  • Worthington: Nov. 1 – Dec. 1 at 380 Highland Avenue
  • The City of Bexley:Earth Peak Organics will pick up pumpkins from residents who participate in the food waste recycling program on Mondays and December 5.  Residents can also drop off pumpkins at the collection point behind city hall.

Intact and decaying pumpkins, carved jack-o’-lanterns and gourds are all accepted.  Please remove candles and avoid dropping off pumpkins that have been painted or drawn on with permanent markers.   

Happy holidays, happy composting!  

Pumpkins and gourds