Give Your Pumpkin a New Life

We’re proud to offer a Pumpkins for the People dropoff near you. We will accept unblemished pumpkins and squash for donation. All pumpkins for composting, including jack-o-lanterns (without candles, paint, or decorations), should be cut into pieces in advance of drop-off. Don’t see a location near you? Create one in your community! Take Action.

Compost — Please ensure all candles, wax and other non-compostable materials are removed, and then cut those pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns into pieces and bring them to market in a compostable bag. The smaller the pieces, the quicker the pumpkins will break down!

Donations — Pumpkin must be uncut and unpainted; just bring them whole and we’ll donate to one of our not-for-profit partners such as Foodprints, Miriam’s Kitchen, or Martha’s Table.

We operate (most of) these free market resources on behalf of the DC Department of Public Works and the Alexandria Department of Transportation and Environmental Services.