Pumpkin Compost Collection is returning to Hastings

The City of Hastings is once again partnering with Conservation Nebraska and SmartSoil on a pumpkin compost collection initiative. 

A roll-off container will be placed on the south side of the Aquacourt Water Park parking lot at 2200 W. Third St. during Nov. 1-3 and 28-29 to collect unwanted pumpkins and gourds following the Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays. 

This is the third year for the pumpkin compost collection.

Because Halloween is on a Saturday, the initial collection period is the Sunday through Tuesday immediately following Halloween. 

Conservation Nebraska partnered with SmartSoil in Grand Island to compost pumpkins and gourds. The goal is to deter pumpkins and gourds and some other organic waste from entering the landfill after the holiday season. 

SmartSoil will take all the organic waste from the collection sites and use it to create compost.

When organic waste decomposes in the landfill it releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Organic materials only. Please remove any decorations such as lights, batteries, candles, etc. 

No leaves, sticks or other yard waste are allowed.

The site will be manned so contents entering the dumpster will be monitored.

More than 20,000 pounds of pumpkins and gourds were collected last year in Hastings during the weekends following Halloween and Thanksgiving.