Buffalo River Compost & Good Neighbors compost arrange post-Halloween pumpkin collection

Drop pumpkins off from Nov. 4-6

Once Halloween comes and goes, what does one do with jack o’ lanterns and other festive pumpkins?

This year, turn them into compost and help regenerate local soil.

Buffalo River Compost, a division of NOCO, is partnering with Good Neighbors Compost for a free pumpkin collection event open to the public.

The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, through Sunday, Nov. 6, at the Buffalo Botanical Gardens, 2655 S. Park Ave., Buffalo; and Masterson’s Garden Center, 725 Olean Road, East Aurora. Both locations will have marked drop-offs in their parking lots.

“Year after year, people do not know what to do with their pumpkins after Halloween, and often end up throwing them in the trash – where they take up space at area landfills,” NOCO Senior Sustainability Manager Bobbie Thoman said. “This year, we’re hosting a drop-off for your leftover pumpkins to be turned into compost, ultimately putting them back into the soils in our community. By partnering with Good Neighbors Compost, this type of event is another way to also grow awareness around composting and the benefits it has on our environment and community.”

Pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns and gourds, including those that may already be decaying or rotting, will be accepted at both locations. Pumpkins should not be bleached or painted, and should have candles or lanterns removed. No corn stalks or hay bales will be accepted.

Those interested in learning more about Buffalo River Compost and its tend compost products that will be produced with the leftover pumpkins can visit https://growwithtend.com/.