top of page
Search

How To Compost Pumpkins (in Boston)


AI image of a pumpkin in front of a home

According to Garbage to Garden, around a billion pounds of pumpkins end up in landfills every year. That's equivalent to over 2,600 blue whales. Bostonians can divert post-Halloween gourd-ness with the city's free composting program.


Infographic showing a stack of pumpkins on a scale next to a blue whale

Since 2022, Garbage to Garden (and Save That Stuff) have been turning residents' food scraps into nutrient-rich compost. Their green and white trucks empty compost bins on the same day as trash and recycle pickup. If you're not a part of the program, you can sign up here. The city will send a free indoor and outdoor bucket, a sample of compost bags, and a magnet with what can and can not be composted.


Since some residents decorate, paint, cover, or use artificial preservatives to extend the life of their pumpkins, there are some tips that the Garbage to Garden suggests. For example, candles, glitter, and non-compostable items should not be left in compost bins. If pumpkins are painted, only water-based paints are accepted.


Garbage to Garden pumpkin composting tips illustrated in an infographic

If you want to meet other zero-waste enthusiasts, or you just want to learn more about the composting process, consider attending the city's Pumpkin Smash. It includes 4 hours of throwing pumpkins and other composting games.

How we use ads?

Sweet Tooth Club

Plátanos Are Love
Are You Eating Candy without Me?
The Science of Baking (Ada Twist, Scientist: The Why Files #3) (The Questioneers)
The Sugary Secrets Behind Candy: Ready-to-Read Level 3 (Science of Fun Stuff)
Scared Cat (for Fear Picture Books).png
What's For Dinner (after post) .png

What's For Dinner?

Affiliate Link

Bead Calculator.png

Try Our Newest Calculator

Hanging Ornaments

Holiday Cards

A family tradition you'll remember forever!

Affiliate Link

winter scarf_edited.jpg

Winter's Coming

Affiliate Link

Protect the skin with plant-based moisture!

bottom of page