Pumpkin compost event a smashing success in West Chicago

Posted November 11, 2020 12:00 am

Submitted by Rosemary Mackey

The bright sunshine and mild temperatures were perfect for West Chicago's annual Pumpkin Collection/Compost Event, which took place on Saturday, Nov. 7, in the First United Methodist Church parking lot, 643 E. Washington St.

Coordinated by the West Chicago Environmental Commission, First United Methodist Church, S.C.A.R.C.E, and Groot Industries, a total haul of 4.94 tons of pumpkins were collected, nearly filling the collection receptacle to its capacity.

The event was done in a safe, socially distanced way with people driving through to smash their pumpkins in the dumpster or drop them off and leave.

Composting returns nutrients and water back to the soil - pumpkins are nutrient rich. They are 90% water, making pumpkins good for our soil, but bad for our landfills.

Most of the pumpkins processed in the United States are grown in Illinois. Composting pumpkins will keep the water and nutrients here where they are grown.

For more information about pumpkin composting, visit the S.C.A.R.C.E. website at www.scarce.org/pumpkins/ and search "pumpkin composting."

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.