Don’t do this
From Zero Waste DC:
“Despite being healthy and nutritious, only about one-fifth of the pumpkins grown each fall end up eaten. But pumpkins have a life after Halloween! Don’t waste them. Turn them into something useful without adding to the waste stream.
The Department of Public Works’ Food Waste Drop-off Program is teaming up with local food charities and organizations to recover leftover pumpkins for composting. Beginning Saturdays, October 31 through November 14; Sundays November 1 through November 15 and Wednesdays November 4 through November 18, residents can bring their leftover pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns to participating farmers’ markets throughout the District.
Together, we can reduce food waste and help create a greener future for our city!
The following Food Waste Drop Off Locations accepting Pumpkins starting Saturdays, October 31 through November 14:
Ward 1
Columbia Heights Farmers Market – 14th and Kenyon Streets, NW
9 am -1 pm
Ward 3
UDC Farmers Market – 4340 Connecticut Ave., NW
9 am -1 pm
Ward 4
Uptown Farmers Market – 14th and Kennedy Street, NW
9 am -1 pm
Ward 5
Brookland Farmers Market – 716 Monroe Street, NE
9 am -1 pm
Ward 6
Eastern Market (in front of Rumsey Pool) – 635 North Carolina Avenue, SE
9 am – 1 pm
Ward 6
SW Farmers Market – 425 M Street, SW
9 am -1 pm
Ward 8
The ArcFarms – 1901 Mississippi Ave, SE
11 am – 2 pm.
The following Food Waste Drop Off Locations accepting Pumpkins starting Sundays, November 1 through November 15:
Ward 2
Dupont Circle Farmers Market – 1500 20th Street, NW
8:30 am -1:30 pm
The following Food Waste Drop Off Locations accepting Pumpkins starting Wednesdays, November 4 through November 18:
Ward 7
Kelly Miller Farmers Market – 301 49th Street, NE
3 pm – 6 pm
What Happens to the Pumpkins?
Carved pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns (and squash) will be composted or fed to animals on local farms. Simply remove any candles or wax, cut them up, and place the pieces in a paper bag.”