Withering Pumpkins Can Be Composted At Evanston Event

EVANSTON, IL — Don't let your jack-o-lanterns rot on your doorstep after Halloween. Evanston's "It's the Great Pumpkin Compost" collection event offers a second life for your lovingly-crafted decorations.

The event will take place on Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the parking lot of the old Morton Civic Center located at 2100 Ridge Ave. The event is free and open to all residents who may not have their own way to dispose of compostable waste.

To drop off your pumpkin, enter the parking lot at the corner of Asbury Avenue and Simpson Street. The north entrance off Leonard Place will be blocked.

Clean and plain pumpkins will be accepted, as well as pumpkins painted with acrylic paint. Any pumpkins that have candle wax, stickers or any other type of non-compostable decoration cannot be accepted.

Food waste, including pumpkins, can also be thrown away in yard waste carts with grass clippings and leaves. The last day for regular weekly food and yard waste collections is Dec. 4.