Raleigh-Durham

Durham’s Pumpkin Compost Program Ends Today With a Final Call to Recycle

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Published on December 07, 2025
Durham’s Pumpkin Compost Program Ends Today With a Final Call to RecycleSource: Facebook/City of Durham, NC Government

The City of Durham is giving residents a sustainable way to get rid of old jack-o’-lanterns and pumpkins. Today is the last day of the pumpkin drop-off program, where people can bring their pumpkins to designated sites so they can be composted instead of thrown in the trash.

According to a recent social media post from the City of Durham, NC Government’s Facebook page, there's no charge for the drop-offs, and they are accepting any "empty, unpainted pumpkins & squashes." All contributions will be transformed into rich compost, which, in turn, will be sold – a virtuous cycle that supports both environmental health and city initiatives. To ensure you can partake in this sustainable effort, you're encouraged to visit their website and find a drop-off location close to you, after all, it's a chance to make a small yet meaningful contribution to the circular economy.

The City of Durham, NC Government, is giving old Halloween pumpkins a new purpose by turning them into compost. The program aims to keep organic waste out of landfills and support more sustainable practices.

Drop-off sites are located across the city, from Trinity Park to Old West Durham, making it easy for residents to participate. Last year, the program diverted hundreds of pounds of pumpkins from the landfill, showing how small actions can make a big environmental difference.

If you still have a pumpkin sitting outside, today is the last day to take advantage of this recycling program.