Pumpkins, gourds, corn and even bales of straw are wonderful fall decorations, but they are a big problem if you throw them in the trash. Besides taking up a lot of space, organic matter like this creates methane when it decomposes in the landfill. The good news is that it makes great food for livestock and fabulous rich compost.  

The NCCC reached out to entities across the state to compile a list of Pumpkin Collection Events and places that you can dispose of old fall organic-decorations, along with some instructions on how municipalities would like you to dispose of your compostable waste.  Please remove candles, glue, and any other non-compostable dcorative materials before disposing. Pumpkins that have been painted are NOT compostable (unless bio-based paints were used).

Please contact NCCC if you know of additional pumpkin collection drop off sites in your area.  Bring your carved pumpins and other fall decor made of vegetable matter to a food waste drop-off site in the following areas: