HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – As the holiday season approaches, NewTerra Compost and Recycling is offering Huntsville residents a simple way to keep pumpkins out of the landfill. The company will accept pumpkin donations through Christmas, converting the fruit‑veggies into nutrient‑rich compost that can be used to grow new plants.
Why pumpkins belong in compost, not landfills
Each year, an estimated one billion pounds of pumpkins end up in landfills across the United States. When pumpkins decompose in an anaerobic environment, they release methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. By diverting pumpkins to a composting facility, the community reduces methane emissions and supports a healthier environment.
How the process works
NewTerra transports collected pumpkins to a composting site in Georgia. There, the pumpkins are shredded, mixed with other organic material and allowed to break down over roughly 90 days. The result is a dark, loamy soil amendment that can be sold to farmers, landscapers and homeowners looking to improve soil fertility.
Community participation and cost
Residents can drop off pumpkins at NewTerra’s Huntsville facility at any time before Christmas. The company charges a modest fee of $5 for every five pumpkins, covering transportation and processing costs. “Pumpkins serve no purpose in a landfill,” said Mariah Fordham, a spokesperson for NewTerra. “Our goal is to help make a better environment, create new soil that’s good for growing other things, and keep methane out of the air.”
Getting involved
To participate, Huntsville families can bring pumpkins to NewTerra’s address on Main Street, or arrange a curbside pickup by calling the company’s hotline. The program is open to all residents, schools and local businesses that want to turn seasonal waste into a resource for the community.
Environmental impact for local families
By choosing compost over landfill, families not only reduce their carbon footprint but also support a local business that creates jobs and contributes to the regional economy. The compost produced can be used in community gardens, school projects and private landscaping, reinforcing Huntsville’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Looking ahead
NewTerra hopes to expand the pumpkin‑collection program in future years and explore additional organic‑waste initiatives, such as food‑scrap drop‑offs and yard‑waste composting. The company’s long‑term vision is to make Huntsville a model for responsible waste management in Alabama and the Southeast.
For more information, visit NewTerra’s website or call (256) 555‑0123.
Original reporting: WAFF 48 Huntsville (news) — read the source article.
