Recycle Pumpkins Nov. 1-15 Through Howard County's Pumpkin Palooza

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Formerly known as Harvest Heap, the newly named Pumpkin Palooza will accept pumpkins for recycling this fall.

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 they can be picked up for recycling.

Starting Nov. 1, pumpkins can be dropped off at the county’s Robinson Nature Center in Columbia from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Pumpkins can be recycled through Nov. 15. Pumpkins and other food scraps are always accepted at the county's Alpha Ridge Landfill's Residents’ Convenience Center, open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 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 also can set their pumpkins out on their regular food scrap collection day for pickup.

"Each year, it is estimated that Americans toss out more than one billion pounds of pumpkin with their trash. 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," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

Also make plans to attend the annual Pumpkin Palooza celebration Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Howard County Library System's Miller branch in Ellicott City. There will be games, composting demonstrations, food trucks and more.

All pumpkins collected through Pumpkin Palooza will be composted at the Alpha Ridge Landfill’s composting facility.