Pumpkin Smash composting events to be held Saturday in Elgin

Elgin will host a pair of Pumpkin Smash composting events Saturday, Nov. 6.

The events will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive, and at the parking lot on the southwest corner of Kimball and North Grove Avenue, across from the Gail Borden Library.

For the 6th year, Elgin residents will have the option of smashing their pumpkins or volunteers will take them from vehicles to the collection container. Gourds will also be accepted; decorations and candles must be removed.

“This event is an opportunity to keep a lot of organic matter out of the landfill where it doesn't belong,” said Sustainability Analyst Mikala Larson. “Sustainable habits like composting reduce waste and every bit helps.”

Six tons of pumpkins were collected in 2020. The City of Elgin Sustainability Commission is hosting the event in cooperation with Waste Management, the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin and SCARCE (School & Community Assistance for Recycling & Composting Education). The event is part of a collaborative effort across communities to keep pumpkins out of landfills and educate residents on the benefits of composting.