Here's Where To Recycle Pumpkins In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Starting Wednesday, Howard County residents can drop off their pumpkins at Clark's Elioak Farm to be recycled as part of the Harvest Heap compost collection program.

It is estimated that Americans toss out more than one billion pounds of pumpkin with their trash each year. 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, too.

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 the pumpkin can be picked up.

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

Clark's Elioak Farm will collect pumpkins through Nov. 17 from 10 to 5 p.m. The farm is located at 10500 Clarksville Pike in Ellicott City.

Pumpkins and other food scraps are always accepted at the county’s Alpha Ridge Landfill's Residents’ Convenience Center Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pumpkins also can be recycled at the first ever Pumpkin Palooza celebration Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at HCLS’ Miller branch, 9421 Frederick Road in Ellicott City. There will be games, composting demonstrations, food trucks and more.