How To Compost Your Jack-O'-Lantern In Skokie

SKOKIE, IL — Skokie's Pumpkin Smash will give Skokie residents a chance to give their lovingly crafted jack-o'-lanterns a second life.

The Pumpkin Smash will take place on Nov. 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the northwest corner of Oakton Street and Floral Avenue, across the street from the Skokie Farmers' Market. The event is free and open to all residents who may not have their own way to dispose of compostable waste.

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.