Suburban residents looking to compost their leftover jack-o'-lanterns have drop-off options Saturday, Nov. 7, as the annual Pumpkin Smash returns.

Westmont and Downers Grove are both listed as collection sites from 9 a.m. to noon as part of the suburban effort organized by SCARCE, the Addison-based environmental education nonprofit. The program, which began in 2014, gives residents a place to drop off Halloween pumpkins so they can be composted rather than sent to landfills.

Westmont moves to new spot

The Village of Westmont, Westmont Public Works and the Westmont Environmental Improvement Committee (EIC) are hosting their collection at a new location this year: the commuter parking lot next to Westmont Village Hall at 31 W. Quincy St.

Pumpkins must be cleaned of inorganic materials, such as candles and other decorations, before drop-off, according to the village. EIC volunteers and village staff will be on hand to help.

"This event provides an opportunity for literally tons of unwanted pumpkins to be collected and composted instead of ending up in landfills," EIC Staff Liaison Larry McIntyre said in a village statement. "Westmont has been a leader of this initiative for well over 10 years now."

Downers Grove site listed, but check first

Downers Grove has a Pumpkin Smash listed at the Downers Grove North High School parking lot at Main and Grant, 4436 Main St. The village's event page showed a "Sold Out" notice as of early November, so residents should check the page before heading over. DG North is one of many Pumpkin Smash locations across the suburbs.

Second chance after Thanksgiving

Residents who miss the Nov. 7 events get another shot. SCARCE is hosting a "Pumpkin Smash Round Two" on Saturday, Nov. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon at its facility, 800 S. Rohlwing Rd., Unit D, in Addison. That date targets pumpkins used as Thanksgiving decorations.

SCARCE, which stands for School and Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education, has operated for more than 35 years. A full list of suburban Pumpkin Smash sites is available at scarce.org/pumpkins.

Upcoming community dates:

  • Saturday, Nov. 7 — Pumpkin Composting Collection, 9 a.m.–noon, commuter lot at Westmont Village Hall, 31 W. Quincy St., Westmont
  • Saturday, Nov. 7 — Pumpkin Smash, Downers Grove North High School parking lot, 4436 Main St., Downers Grove (check village event page for availability)
  • Saturday, Nov. 28 — Pumpkin Smash Round Two, 9 a.m.–noon, SCARCE, 800 S. Rohlwing Rd., Unit D, Addison