That's A Lot Of Pumpkins! West Hartford Doubles Its Recycled Pumpkin Project

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The numbers are in, and the Sustainable West Hartford Commission couldn't be happier as far as its pumpkin recycling effort is concerned.

That's because the pumpkin collection effort in 2025, which took place after Halloween, doubled the amount of pumpkins collected, according to the commission earlier this month.

In 2024, the commission diverted 16,100 pounds of pumpkins from incinerators and from being trucked out of state.

In October 2025, the commission asked for the community's help to double that number.

"And we did," reported the commission, announcing that 33,000 pounds of pumpkins was collected last year.

"We added one more collection bin, in the town hall parking lot by Burr Street for a total of three in 2025," wrote the commission.

Meanwhile, it said, the Westmoor Park location continued to be the most popular drop-off point.

Now, the commission is looking to improve on that effort next time later this year.

"We know that's just a start, and for a town of 63,000 residents, those numbers could be much better," wrote the commission.

As a result, it is seeking suggestions for doubling the pumpkin recycling numbers for 2026.

Anyone with ideas can contact the commission at sustainable@westhartfordct.gov.

From Nov. 13, 2025: 'Dump Your Pumpkins With The Town of West Hartford'