Nov. 07--The grinning or grimacing jack-o'-lanterns that decorated front yards and porches can return water and nutrients to the soil if they are discarded property, according to a local environmental group.
Elmhurst is participating in a pilot program to recycle pumpkins since experts say it is better to compost them than let them clog landfills.
Dumped in landfills, "pumpkins will decompose at a very slow rate," said Sally Jungblut, an environmental educator for SCARCE. The nonprofit group is partnering with Elmhurst to offer the first-ever pumpkin recycling event from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 8 at the city's Public Works Garage, 985 S. Riverside Drive.
Jungblut said putting pumpkins in landfills is "kind of a waste of resources" since they are 90 percent water.
She said many people probably don't think about how their pumpkins could benefit the environment if they are not sent to landfills. The pumpkins that are collected Saturday will be donated to Compost Supply that will compost them and then sell material that is used to fertilize soil.
"It makes sense to put the water and nutrients into the soil where they are needed," Jungblut said.
Compost Supply combines landscape waste, food scrap and stable bedding to create compost, according to the company website. The organic content and pH levels encourage growth and healthy plants with deep root systems.
Candles, lights and other plastic decorations should be removed from pumpkins that are dropped off for composting. Jungblut said it is OK if pumpkins have paint on them.
Participants also can enter to win a rain barrel offered by the city.
