Elgin to hold pumpkin composting event Saturday

The city of Elgin is offering residents an opportunity to compost their pumpkins from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in the parking lot of Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive.

The fifth annual collection event is sponsored by the Elgin Sustainability Commission.

"This event is a great opportunity to divert a lot of organic waste from the landfill," said commission Chairman Tom Armstrong. "It is also a great way to share information on composting and how every little bit we do to reduce waste as part of our everyday habits helps the environment."

Masks are required at the event. Participants can drive up and open their trunks, and volunteers will unload the pumpkins. Participants also have the option to park and smash their pumpkins into the collection container. Pumpkins and other gourds will be accepted, but all decorations and candles must be removed.

Last year, 3.54 tons of pumpkins and gourds were collected.

Event updates will be posted on the Pumpkin Composting Event Facebook page. For more information, call Elgin Sustainability commission liaison Jan Monell at (847) 531-7012.