The annual Pumpkin Smash, launched by Addison-based SCARCE (School and Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education) in 2014, was held Nov. 7 at various locations around DuPage County, including the Lombard Common parking lot, sponsored by the Lombard Park District and the Lombard Junior Women’s Club. According to the park district, last year’s event diverted 888 pumpkins, or 3.17 tons, with 192 cars stopping by. Organic waste like pumpkins—which are 90 percent water—breaks down without oxygen in landfills, creating methane (a potent greenhouse gas) and leachate. Collecting them allows municipal or commercial facilities to turn the nutrient-packed pumpkins into valuable soil. By 2025, there were 125 Pumpkin smash sites, composting over 200.2 tons of pumpkins and diverting just over 43,000 gallons of water from landfills. Here, 4-year-old Vinny from Lombard takes a swing. (Photo by Jane Charmelo)
