Pumpkin composting provided by Rivanna Solid Waste Authority with ‘Great Pumpkin Smash’

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - The Rivanna Solid Waste Authority is bringing back its “Great Pumpkin Smash” for a ninth year. Starting Wednesday, November 4 people from Charlottesville and Albemarle County can drop off unwanted pumpkins and gourds at the McIntire Recycling Center.

Drop-off runs from Wednesday, Nov. 4, through Monday, Nov. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Instead of being sent to the landfill, the pumpkins will be taken to a composting facility.

Organizers ask that people do not bring pumpkins covered in heavy glitter or decorations.

“They can bring their pumpkins and they can get out a little of their frustrations that they want to and chuck their pumpkins into that bin,” RSWA Communication and Outreach Coordinator Westley Kern said. “So it’s a great opportunity to dispose of them by composting pumpkins. That’s not going to the landfill. It’s not taking up precious landfill space. And when they compost, we return those nutrients to our local soil. So it’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

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