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Don't trash your Halloween pumpkins! Must-know tips on eco-friendly disposal

By FOX 32 Digital Staff
Published  October 31, 2023 8:51pm CDT
Halloween
FOX 32 Chicago

Don't let your pumpkins haunt landfills! Must-know tips

Pumpkins are possibly the most common symbol of Halloween. And while they're fun as décor, did you know they can actually be scary for the environment if they end up in landfills?

CHICAGO - When your Jack-o-lanterns are ready to go to the big patch in the sky, smash those pumpkins first!

A Chicago-area conservationist group is advising not to throw them in the trash because when they're in landfills, pumpkins haunt the earth long after they're dead. 

"We want to rescue the water and keep our air clean and pumpkins are one of the top fifty foods in the whole world full of antioxidants and all kinds of good nutrients, so we can enhance our soil, protect our air, protect our water, all in one little activity," said Founder & Executive Director of SCARCE Kay McKeen.

Pumpkin-smashing events are happening all over the area this Saturday. 

You can find a pumpkin smash site near you at scarce.org/pumpkins.