How To Compost Your Jack-O'-Lantern In Lake Forest

LAKE FOREST, IL — Lake Forest residents will have a chance to give their lovingly crafted jack-o'-lanterns a second life.

Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Compost and Recycling Center at 1381 W. Kennedy Rd. accepts donations. Pumpkins are free to compost at the center.

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Pumpkins are 90 percent water and produce a nutrient-rich organic product, which is useful in restoring eroded and nutrient-depleted soils.

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.