Compost Your Pumpkins - 2025 Pumpkin Collection Event

As we transition into fall, many of us prepare to decorate or carve pumpkins to get into the Halloween spirit. But once the season is over, what happens to these gourds?

While your first instinct may be to toss them in the trash, the NC Composting Council - Coastal Composting Chapter collaborates with local organizations to provide drop-off locations that give your pumpkin a second life!

7th Annual Pumpkin Collection Event

The 7th annual pumpkin collection event gives residents the chance to turn their trash into a gardener's treasure by allowing pumpkins to be broken down into compost. This is a wonderful way to ensure your pumpkin can have a greener goodbye and contribute to a more sustainable community!

To make sure community members can hold onto their whole pumpkins through the season, the collection is split into two rounds: November 1 - 10 and December 1 - 8.

By participating, you ensure your pumpkin avoids the landfill and contributes to a greener, more sustainable community.

Pumpkin Drop-off Locations:

N.C. Cooperative Extension, New Hanover County Center and Arboretum

Address: 6206 Oleander Drive
Enter from Bradley Drive and follow the arrows to drop off pumpkins in the marked collection trailer.

NHC Landfill

Address: 510 US Hwy 421 N
During regular business hours, inform staff at the weigh house of the pumpkin drop-off for the food waste composter to waive your fee.

NHC Hazwagon

HazWagon accepts food waste (i.e. pumpkins) and operates 10 am - 2 pm.
Mon: Ogden Park near baseball field
Wed: Wrightsville Beach Town Hall
Fri: Carolina Beach Chappell Park
1st Sat: Kure Beach Town Hall

Wilmington Compost Company

Address: 7336 State Hwy 210, Rocky Point | 8AM - 5PM, Monday through Friday
Free pumpkin drop off in Pender County.

UNCW Wagoner Dining Hall

During regular business hours, drop off in the collection bin in lobby.