As the leaves continue to change and the air turns crisp, October brings with it thoughts of autumn festivities, and, of course, pumpkins! At Dakota Prairie Composting, we’re already gearing up for our annual Free Pumpkin Drop-Off, a fantastic way to give your jack-o’-lanterns a new life.
THINGS TO REMEMBER AS WE HEAD INTO OCTOBER
- Mark Your Calendars for Free Pumpkin Drop-Off!
Don’t trash that pumpkin—compost it! Our popular Free Pumpkin Drop-Off program returns from November 1-15, 2025. This is your chance to responsibly dispose of all your post-Halloween pumpkins and gourds, free of charge.
- Know Our Open Hours for Pumpkin Drop-Off
We’re open to the public, so everyone is welcome to participate! To make your pumpkin drop-off as convenient as possible, check our facility’s open hours during the program.
- Prepare Your Pumpkins for Composting
Clean pumpkins help us create the highest quality compost! To ensure a smooth and successful composting process, remember to remove all non-compostable materials from your pumpkins and gourds before dropping them off. This includes:
- Candles
- Decorations (glitter, paint, stickers, artificial embellishments, etc.)
- Understand the Impact: Why Composting Matters
Did you know only 20% of pumpkins are used for food, and 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins are thrown into American landfills annually? By bringing your pumpkins to Dakota Prairie Composting, you’re directly contributing to a healthier environment. Your efforts help us turn what would be waste into nutrient-rich compost—a small action with a big impact!
- Join Our Growing Composting Community!
Since our pumpkin composting program began in 2019, we’ve seen incredible support from our community—we’ve collected and diverted 70,680 pounds of pumpkins! Together, we’re making a significant difference in reducing landfill waste and promoting sustainable practices.
Thank you for being a part of the Dakota Prairie Composting community!
