Collected pumpkins are composted at the Alpha Ridge Landfill Composting Facility
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County’s Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Environmental Services annual pumpkin collection program returns this fall. Formerly known as Harvest Heap, “Pumpkin Palooza” is once again aiming to reduce the number of pumpkins that end up as landfill waste each autumn season.
“Each year, it is estimated that Americans toss out more than one billion pounds of pumpkin with their trash,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “Through our Pumpkin Palooza program, residents can help divert pumpkins from our Alpha Ridge Landfill and give them new life. Since the program’s inception in 2021, we have diverted nearly 24,000 pounds of pumpkins from the landfill.”
Beginning Friday, November 1st and continuing through Friday, November 15th, pumpkins can be dropped off at the County’s Robinson Nature Center in Columbia, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays, and noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. In addition, pumpkins (and other food scraps) are always accepted at the County’s Alpha Ridge Landfill’s Residents’ Convenience Center, open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. When at the Center, residents should look for the two green ‘Hungry Hippo’ food scrap drop-off containers.
Howard County residents participating in the County’s curbside Feed the Green Bin food scrap collection program can simply set their pumpkins out on their regular food scrap collection day for pickup.
Additionally, the Bureau of Environmental Services has once again teamed up with the County’s Department of Recreation & Parks, Howard County Library System (HCLS) and the University of Maryland Extension Master Gardeners to close out the season with its annual Pumpkin Palooza celebration. Set to take place on Saturday, November 16th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at HCLS’ Miller branch in Ellicott City, this event will feature games, composting demonstrations, food trucks and more. Attendees can also drop off their pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns at the event for composting.
Carved, uncarved and painted pumpkins are acceptable (water-based paints are preferred), and all decorations, including candles, lights, plastic bags, etc. must be removed before collection can occur.
All pumpkins collected through Pumpkin Palooza will be composted at the Alpha Ridge Landfill’s Composting Facility. The County’s HoCoGro STA-Certified Compost is available for purchase at the Wood Waste Area.
