Don’t Trash Pumpkins, Compost Them In Iowa City

From the City of Iowa City:

October 22, 2020

When your Halloween pumpkin begins to wilt and the holiday is over, remember to toss your jack-o'-lantern in your yard waste container, not in your trash!

The City of Iowa City’s organics (yard and food waste) program accepts pumpkins. Here's the proper way to compost your pumpkins or seasonal gourds:

• Remove any candles or lights from inside your pumpkin
• Place it in your yellow-lid organics cart, or 20-35 gallon size organics/yard waste container, or in a paper yard waste bag.
• Set container at the curb for collection on your normal service day. Limit 50 pounds per 20-25 gallon cart or yard waste bag; 250 pound limit for 95-gallon carts.

Residents who do not receive curbside services can take pumpkins at no cost to the City's compost facility located at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center, 3900 Hebl Ave SW.

For more information, visit icgov.org/organics, or call 319-887-6160.

This press release was produced by the City of Iowa City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.