VANCOUVER, Wash. – After the Halloween festivities, Clark County is calling on families to give their pumpkins a second life by composting them. The county’s public‑works department explains that turning pumpkins and jack‑o‑lanterns into compost returns valuable nutrients to the soil, supports thriving gardens, and cuts greenhouse‑gas emissions from landfills.

Why composting matters

Each year, millions of pumpkins end up in landfills across the United States. In a landfill environment, organic waste like pumpkins releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is at least 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. By composting pumpkins, residents keep this waste out of landfills, reduce methane production, and help maintain fertile, productive soil for local farms and home gardens.

How to compost your pumpkin in Clark County

Residents have several convenient options:

• We Compost Community Hubs: Free drop‑off locations are open year‑round and accept all food scraps, including whole pumpkins. Hub locations are listed on the We Compost website at ClarkWeCompost.org.
• Curbside yard‑debris service: Unincorporated residents who subscribe to the yard‑debris cart can place pumpkins in their carts during October and November.
• Curbside organics service: Residents of incorporated Vancouver and Ridgefield who have the organics cart may dispose of pumpkins there any time of year.
• Backyard compost bins: Pumpkins can be chopped into smaller pieces and added to personal compost piles. The county offers a fall workshop on home composting; details are available at clarkcountycomposts.org/workshops.

Note that residents of Camas and Washougal do not have pumpkin pickup through the yard‑debris carts and should use a community hub or a backyard bin.

Preparing pumpkins for compost

Before composting, all paint, glitter, decorations, wax and candles must be removed. If water‑based paint was used, it can be rinsed off easily. Non‑washable decorations should be peeled away with a vegetable peeler and placed in the trash. When a pumpkin cannot be fully cleaned, the safest option is to discard it in the garbage.

Extra ways to reduce waste

Clark County also encourages residents to save pumpkin seeds for a nutritious snack and to puree the flesh for fall recipes. These simple steps keep more of the harvest useful and further lessen landfill contributions.

Where to learn more

For detailed guidance on sustainable pumpkin disposal, visit the county’s Green Neighbors page at clark.wa.gov/public-works/clark-county-green-neighbors. Updates on road projects, park closures, and community input opportunities are shared on the Public Works social‑media channels and via email notifications.

By embracing composting, Clark County families protect the environment, preserve the health of their gardens, and demonstrate responsible stewardship of God‑given resources.

Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.