FAIRFAX, Va. — So, Halloween is over and you don't know what to do with all the rotting Jack-O-Lanterns on your front porch. Well, Fairfax County is now offering a more environmentally friendly solution than just throwing them away.
Since composting is nature’s way of recycling, the county's Solid Waste Management Program will host its annual PumpkinPalooza event in order to dispose of the pumpkins and squash as they begin to decay. Officials say repurposing them in this manner is more environmentally friendly than throwing them away.
Residents can drop off pumpkins at the following locations from Oct. 20 through Nov. 14:
- I-66 Transfer Station
- I-95 Landfill Complex
Pumpkins can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Officials say all pumpkins and squash must be free of all decorations, such as paint, glitter, and candle wax, as those items cannot be composted.
To learn more about services provided by the Solid Waste Management Program visit Recycling and Trash | Public Works and Environmental Services (fairfaxcounty.gov)
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