Compost Pumpkins Through Harvest Heap Offered In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The annual “Harvest Heap” compost collection program returns this fall with the goal of reducing the number of pumpkins that end up as landfill waste each autumn. It is estimated that Americans toss out more than one billion pounds of pumpkin with their trash each year.

“On average, approximately 30 percent of our residents' curbside trash is made up of easily compostable food scraps and other organics. In its inaugural season, residents participating in our Harvest Heap program helped divert approximately 8,000 pounds of pumpkins from our Alpha Ridge Landfill,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “By taking advantage of one of the pumpkin collection options, residents can continue to do their part to divert pumpkins from the landfill and give them new life.”

Starting Tuesday, pumpkins can be dropped off daily through Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Clark’s Elioak Farm, 10500 Clarksville Pike in Ellicott City, or Mary’s Land Farm, 4979 Sheppard Lane, also in Ellicott City. In addition, pumpkins and other food scraps are always accepted at the county’s Alpha Ridge Landfill's Residents’ Convenience Center, open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. When at the center, residents should look for the Hungry Green Hippo food scrap drop-off container.

Howard County residents participating in the county’s curbside Feed the Green Bin food scrap collection program can simply set their pumpkins out on their regular food scrap collection day for pickup.

Carved, uncarved and painted pumpkins are acceptable (water-based paints are preferred) and all decorations, including candles, lights, plastic bags, etc. must be removed before collections can occur.

Residents interested in learning more about backyard composting can attend one of two special composting demonstrations next month. Residents who attend the demonstrations can bring their pumpkins to drop off while taking home a free backyard compost bin:

• Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Long Reach Village Center, 8775 Cloudleap Court in Columbia
• Nov. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Howard County Library System’s Savage branch, 9525 Durness Lane in Laurel

All pumpkins collected will be composted at the Alpha Ridge Landfill’s Composting Facility.