Lake County Offers Eco-Friendly Pumpkin Disposal
With Halloween behind us, many uncarved pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns still sit on porches around Lake County. To encourage environmentally responsible disposal, the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) provides a fun and green option.
Pumpkin Smash Events
SWALCO's Executive Director, Walter Willis, announced six upcoming Pumpkin Smash events across the county where residents can bring their pumpkins to be smashed and composted.
“This is a way to keep food scraps and other vegetables from going to landfills,” Willis said. “It reduces greenhouse gases and is good for the environment. Kids can have fun while they do it.”
Five events are scheduled on Saturday, with a final event on November 15, offering convenient opportunities for disposal that benefits the environment.
Guidelines for Pumpkin Disposal
- No combustible items such as candles should remain inside carved pumpkins.
- All attached decorations must be removed before bringing pumpkins to the event.
- At the event, a large container will be provided where participants, especially children, can smash their pumpkins.
“The kids can throw it in the container,” Willis explained. “Some kids run up a little bit, and then they throw it.”
Environmental Impact
Last year, more than 164 tons (326,000 pounds) of pumpkins were composted by SWALCO, which helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 118.46 tons of carbon dioxide.
Author’s summary: Lake County’s Pumpkin Smash events provide a fun, eco-friendly way for families to dispose of pumpkins while significantly reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gases.