Charleston Offers Creative Pumpkin Disposal Options Post-Halloween
The city of Charleston is gearing up for a fun and eco-friendly way to handle those leftover pumpkins now that Halloween has come to an end. While creating spooky scenes or carving out classic jack-o’-lanterns are cherished traditions, the question on many minds is: what happens to those decorative gourds once the festivities are over?
If leaving your pumpkin to rot on the front porch isn’t appealing—especially with the southern heat still lingering—you’re in luck! Charleston’s Department of Resilience and Sustainability has come up with a couple of inventive and practical disposal methods. These ideas not only keep our city looking great but also help minimize waste.
Last Year’s Pumpkin Success
To give you an idea of just how effective these programs can be, last year, Charleston managed to compost over 2.5 tons of pumpkins instead of letting them end up in landfills. This year, the city aims to double that amount, which is no small feat!
Get Involved with Pumpkin Smash Events
For those looking for a little excitement in their pumpkin disposal process, consider joining a pumpkin smash event! This unique gathering pits people against their pumpkins in a fun and thrilling way. Coined as a “thrill-seekers” event, it encourages participants to unleash their strength as they send their pumpkins smashing to the ground, but there’s a catch: external decorations must be removed first.
The city requests that you make your pumpkins “clean” before bringing them to the smash site. Specifically, any glitter, glue, or paint on the pumpkin skin must be stripped away, along with any wax that might remain inside from candle use. Removing these extra items ensures the pumpkins can be processed properly into compost.
Calling All Pumpkin Lovers!
While it can be sad to say goodbye to your Halloween creations, participating in these events offers a sense of community and fun, not to mention it’s a sustainable choice. Plus, you can feel good knowing your pumpkin will return to the earth as nutrient-rich compost!
As colder weather begins to creep in, Charleston residents can expect a mix of dense morning fog and partly cloudy skies over the next few days. With high temperatures hovering around a warm 81°F and gentle northeast winds of 5 to 10 mph, it’s a perfect opportunity to head outside and enjoy some fresh air (and maybe even smash a pumpkin or two!). After dropping to a cooler 61°F overnight, the mild evenings provide an ideal setting for these fall festivities to continue.
How to Participate
If you’re wondering how to get involved, keep an eye on local announcements regarding the pumpkin smash events and composting locations. Details will be readily shared by the city to make it easy for everyone to join in the fun.
So, whether you’re planning to join in on the excitement of a pumpkin smash, or simply drop off your pumpkin for composting, you’re helping Charleston become a greener place. More pumpkins composted means less waste, and more smiles on your friends’ faces when they see how you disposed of your decorative gourd.
So, as Halloween fades into the rearview mirror, don’t forget that your old pumpkins can still put a smile on someone’s face and enrich our soil for future planting. Happy composting, Charleston!
