Erie County residents are invited to give their pumpkins a second life this fall! Eleven locations across Erie County will be open for Pumpkin Collection for Composting November 7, 2025 through November 9, 2025 — a fun and eco-friendly way to wrap up the Halloween season.
“Pumpkins don’t belong in the landfill,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “They’re full of nutrients that can help build healthy soil — and that’s why we’re encouraging everyone to compost them instead.”
Residents not wishing to compost their pumpkins in their own backyard compost piles can drop off pumpkins and gourds at any participating site — no bleached or painted pumpkins, candles, decorations, corn stalks, or hay bales, please! All collected materials will be transported to compost facilities, turning spooky seasonal waste into rich compost for gardens and green spaces.
Composting is the process of assisting organic material in decomposition at a faster rate than it would decompose naturally. Benefits of composting include, preventing unnecessary contributions to landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating natural fertilizer for plants and soils.
Residents can learn about drop-off locations and hours and receive directions online by visiting www3.erie.gov/recycling/pumpkin-compost-drop-sites. There is also a “Squash Drop-n-Chop” event on Saturday, November 8th from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM at the Pelion Garden in Buffalo, where residents can smash their own gourd for compost.
Before you toss your jack-o-lantern in the trash give it a second life and let it rot for a reason!
Support for the transportation and composting of pumpkins is provided in part by Farmer Pirates Compost. Additional fall sustainability tips and answers to commonly asked fall waste questions can be found at https://www3.erie.gov/recycling/fall-sustainability-tips.
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