Deschutes County is stepping up to help Bend families keep their post‑Halloween pumpkins out of the landfill. On Saturday, Nov. 7, and Sunday, Nov. 8, the county will host free pumpkin composting drop‑off events at three convenient locations.
Drop‑off locations and times
Saturday, Nov. 7 – Deschutes Recycling at Knott Landfill will accept pumpkins from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The site is open to any resident who can transport their pumpkin to the landfill.
Also on Saturday, Caldera High School will host a “Pumpkin SMASH” event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., giving students and families a fun, supervised setting to bring their pumpkins for composting.
Sunday, Nov. 8 – Bend Senior High School will hold a second Pumpkin SMASH from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., providing another opportunity for residents to drop off pumpkins after the weekend rush.
How to prepare your pumpkin
Before bringing a pumpkin to any of the drop‑off sites, residents must remove all candles, wax, and decorations. Painted pumpkins or those with non‑removable decorations cannot be composted and must be placed in the regular garbage.
For those who prefer to compost at home, the county encourages backyard compost piles or the use of standard yard‑debris carts, provided the service is eligible for collection.
Why composting matters
Composting pumpkins reduces the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills, cutting methane emissions and supporting the county’s broader waste‑reduction goals. By turning pumpkins into nutrient‑rich soil amendment, the county helps local gardeners and farms improve soil health without relying on synthetic fertilizers.
County officials note that the program aligns with the community’s stewardship values, encouraging families to make environmentally responsible choices while preserving the natural beauty of Central Oregon.
Additional resources
For more information about the composting schedule, preparation guidelines, or other waste‑reduction programs, residents can visit the Deschutes County website or call the county’s waste‑management hotline.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
