Hawthorn Mall Hosts First-Ever Pumpkin Smash

VERNON HILLS, IL — Hawthorn shopping center in Vernon Hills will host its first ever pumpkin smash this Saturday.

The pumpkin recycling event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 4 in the parking lot near the center's northeast entrance, which is located outside the AMC Theatres. During the event, attendees who donate pumpkins will be invited to smash and trash them, throwing them into a Dumpster and watching them break apart.

The smashed pumpkins will be turned into a nutrient-rich soil fertilizer, which will reduce the post-Halloween waste sent to landfills. Donated pumpkins must be fully biodegradable without any excess paint, glitter, googly eyes, stickers or candles which would become contaminants for the soil.

Those donating their post-Halloween pumpkins to this cause will receive a gift card to the center’s Cherry & Coffee Café for a free pumpkin spice latte.